Related Experiment Videos
Recovery of resistant enterococci during vancomycin prophylaxis
A H Kaplan1, P H Gilligan, R R Facklam
1Department of Pediatrics and Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill 27514.
Journal of Clinical Microbiology
|June 1, 1988
Summary
A hemodialysis patient developed vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus gallinarum infections despite vancomycin prophylaxis. This highlights treatment challenges and potential resistance in vulnerable patient populations.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Nephrology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Patients undergoing hemodialysis are at increased risk for infections.
- Vancomycin is commonly used for prophylaxis and treatment in this population.
- Emergence of antimicrobial resistance is a significant clinical concern.
Observation:
- A patient on hemodialysis developed a wound infection.
- The infection progressed to bacteremia (bacteria in the bloodstream).
- The causative agent was identified as vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus gallinarum.
Findings:
- The vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus gallinarum strain was identified.
- The patient had been receiving vancomycin prophylaxis prior to infection.
- Isolates were susceptible to ampicillin, rifampin, teicoplanin, and daptomycin.
Implications:
- This case underscores the challenge of vancomycin resistance in hemodialysis patients.
- Alternative antibiotic strategies may be necessary for prophylaxis and treatment.
- Further research into resistance mechanisms and effective therapies is warranted.