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Related Experiment Videos

Characterization of vancomycin resistance in Enterococcus durans

E Cercenado1, S Unal, C T Eliopoulos

  • 1Deaconess Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA.

The Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy
|November 1, 1995
PubMed
Summary

A multiresistant Enterococcus durans strain was identified alongside vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium in a hospital outbreak. This resistance, including to vancomycin and gentamicin, was transferable via a single plasmid carrying the vanA gene.

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Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE) outbreaks pose significant challenges in healthcare settings.
  • Co-colonization with other resistant enterococcal species can complicate infection control.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize a multiresistant Enterococcus durans isolate found during a VRE outbreak investigation.
  • To determine the genetic basis and transferability of vancomycin and high-level gentamicin resistance in the E. durans isolate.

Main Methods:

  • Phenotypic characterization of antibiotic resistance (MICs).
  • Plasmid analysis and conjugation experiments to assess resistance transfer.
  • Molecular detection and localization of the vanA gene using DNA hybridization.

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Main Results:

  • An Enterococcus durans isolate exhibited resistance to vancomycin, teicoplanin, ampicillin, gentamicin, and streptomycin.
  • Vancomycin and high-level gentamicin resistance were transferable to a vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium recipient strain.
  • A single plasmid carrying the vanA gene was identified in both E. durans and E. faecium isolates, suggesting genetic linkage of resistance genes.

Conclusions:

  • Enterococcus durans can harbor and transfer vancomycin and high-level gentamicin resistance genes on a single plasmid.
  • The presence of such multiresistant strains highlights the need for comprehensive surveillance and infection control measures.
  • Genetic linkage of vanA and high-level gentamicin resistance genes on the same plasmid may facilitate co-selection and spread.