Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2025
Characterization of a Pathogenic Escherichia coli Strain Derived from Oreochromis spp. Farms Using Whole-Genome Sequencing
Published on: December 23, 2022
Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium and the emergence of new sequence types associated with hospital infection
Ronan F O'Toole1, Kelvin W C Leong2, Vanessa Cumming2
1Department of Biomedicine and Medical Diagnostics, School of Science, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand.
Abstract:
Enterococcus faecium is a major species in infections by vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE). New variants of the pathogen have emerged and become dominant in healthcare settings. Two such examples, vanB ST796 and vanA ST1421 sequence types, originally arose in Australia and proceeded to cause VRE outbreaks in other countries. Of concern is the detection in Europe of vancomycin variable enterococci (VVE) belonging to ST1421 that exhibit a vancomycin-susceptible phenotype but can revert to resistant in the presence of vancomycin. The recent application of genome sequencing for increasing our understanding of the evolution and spread of VRE is also explored here.
Insights
New vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) variants like vanB ST796 and vanA ST1421 are emerging globally. Some strains, though initially susceptible, can develop resistance, posing a significant healthcare challenge.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Genomics
Background:
- Enterococcus faecium is a key pathogen in vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) infections.
- Emerging variants, such as vanB ST796 and vanA ST1421, have become dominant in healthcare settings.
- These variants have spread globally, causing outbreaks in multiple countries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the emergence and spread of specific VRE variants.
- To characterize vancomycin-variable enterococci (VVE) and their resistance mechanisms.
- To explore the utility of whole-genome sequencing in understanding VRE evolution.
Main Methods:
- Genomic sequencing of VRE isolates.
- Phenotypic characterization of vancomycin resistance.
- Epidemiological tracking of VRE strains.
Main Results:
- Identified specific sequence types (STs) like vanB ST796 and vanA ST1421 as significant VRE lineages.
- Detected vancomycin-variable enterococci (VVE) in Europe, exhibiting a switchable resistance phenotype.
- Demonstrated the global dissemination of these VRE variants originating from Australia.
Conclusions:
- Emergence and spread of specific VRE lineages pose a continuous threat.
- Vancomycin variability presents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge.
- Whole-genome sequencing is crucial for tracking VRE evolution and transmission.
More Related Videos
08:58Isolation and Identification of Waterborne Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria and Molecular Characterization of their Antibiotic Resistance Genes
Published on: March 3, 2023
09:03Multiplex PCR Assay for Typing of Staphylococcal Cassette Chromosome Mec Types I to V in Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Published on: September 5, 2013
Related Concept Videos
01:30Development of Antibiotic Resistance
01:26Healthcare Associated Infections I: Iatrogenic, Exogenic and Endogenic
HAIs significantly increase the cost of health care. Extended stays in healthcare institutions, increased disability, increased costs of medications, including specialized antibiotics, and prolonged recovery times add to the patient's expenses and the healthcare institution and funding bodies.
01:25Endocarditis I: Introduction
00:57Antibiotic Selection
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...