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Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium sepsis following persistent colonization
G A Noskin1, I Cooper, L R Peterson
1Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, Ill., USA.
Abstract:
Vancomycin-resistant enterococci have emerged as important nosocomial pathogens and represent a serious threat to patients with impaired host defenses. We describe a patient with leukemia who developed prolonged colonization with vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium and ultimately died of sepsis due to this multidrug-resistant organism. This case report confirms that colonization with vancomycin-resistant enterococci may last indefinitely and that asymptomatic carriage can lead to invasive infection.
Insights
Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) can colonize patients indefinitely. Asymptomatic VRE carriage can lead to life-threatening sepsis, especially in immunocompromised individuals.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Oncology
Background:
- Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are significant nosocomial pathogens.
- Patients with compromised immune systems are at high risk for VRE infections.
Observation:
- A patient with leukemia experienced prolonged colonization with vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREfm).
- This colonization persisted despite unknown interventions.
Findings:
- The patient ultimately succumbed to sepsis caused by the multidrug-resistant VREfm.
- This case highlights that VRE colonization can be indefinite.
Implications:
- Asymptomatic VRE carriage poses a substantial risk for invasive infections.
- VRE poses a serious threat in healthcare settings, particularly for vulnerable patient populations.