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Gastrointestinal tract colonization with vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium in an animal model
M S Whitman1, P G Pitsakis, E DeJesus
1Department of Medicine, Medical College of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19129, USA.
Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy
|June 1, 1996
Summary
Antibiotics like vancomycin and streptomycin promote vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium colonization in mice. Ramoplanin temporarily suppressed VRE but did not prevent recurrence, highlighting challenges in decontamination.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) are significant nosocomial pathogens.
- The gastrointestinal tract is a likely reservoir for VRE dissemination.
- Understanding VRE colonization and decontamination is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a mouse model for studying gastrointestinal colonization with VRE.
- To investigate factors promoting VRE colonization, particularly antibiotic use.
- To evaluate the efficacy of decontamination therapy for VRE.
Main Methods:
- Developed a CF1 mouse model for gastrointestinal colonization with vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium.
- Administered vancomycin or streptomycin to assess their impact on VRE colonization.
- Evaluated ramoplanin for its efficacy in suppressing established VRE colonization.
Main Results:
- Antibiotic administration (vancomycin, streptomycin) significantly increased VRE colonization counts.
- Ramoplanin temporarily suppressed VRE but did not eradicate it.
- Recurrence of VRE colonization was observed after ramoplanin discontinuation in all mice.
Conclusions:
- Antibiotics predispose to gastrointestinal colonization with VRE.
- Ramoplanin shows temporary efficacy but does not prevent VRE recurrence.
- The developed animal model is valuable for studying VRE colonization and decontamination strategies.