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Characteristics of Enterococcus strains isolated in 1991-1992
Abstract:
The paper presents the identification and resistance to antibiotics as well as the high-level resistance of 96 strains of enterococci isolated in 1991-1992 from patients admitted in the "Victor Babes" Hospital of Infectious Diseases. The identification of Enterococcus species using the Facklam-Collins schedule and several additional tests reveal 86.4% E. faecalis, 7.2% E. faecium, 4.1% E. gallinarum and 1.0% E. durans and 1% E. hirae. The high-level resistance to aminoglycosides was 69.8% for Streptomycin, 50%--Kanamycin and 21.8%--Gentamicin. The phenotype of resistance to Streptomycin, Kanamycin and Gentamicin was found in 19.8% of strains. 7.4% of enterococci had MIC values higher or equal to 32 mcg/ml to Penicillin and MIC > or = to 16 mcg/ml to Ampicillin. Six E. faecalis strains and two E. gallinarum strains were resistant to Vancomycin.
Insights
This study identified enterococci from hospital patients, finding high-level resistance to common antibiotics like streptomycin and penicillin. Vancomycin resistance was also observed in some strains, highlighting significant antimicrobial resistance challenges.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Enterococci are significant nosocomial pathogens.
- Antimicrobial resistance in enterococci poses a growing public health threat.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify Enterococcus species isolated from patients.
- To determine the antibiotic resistance patterns, including high-level resistance, of these isolates.
Main Methods:
- Bacterial identification using the Facklam-Collins scheme and additional tests.
- Antibiotic susceptibility testing to determine Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs).
Main Results:
- Enterococcus faecalis was the predominant species (86.4%).
- High-level resistance to streptomycin (69.8%), kanamycin (50%), and gentamicin (21.8%) was prevalent.
- Significant resistance to penicillin and ampicillin was noted.
- Vancomycin resistance was identified in six E. faecalis and two E. gallinarum strains.
Conclusions:
- Enterococci isolated from patients exhibit substantial resistance to multiple antibiotics.
- The prevalence of high-level aminoglycoside resistance and vancomycin resistance necessitates careful infection control and treatment strategies.