Related Experiment Videos
Risk factors associated with vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium infection or colonization in 145 matched case
N G Tornieporth1, R B Roberts, J John
1Department of Medicine, Cornell University Medical College, New York, New York 10021, USA.
Summary
Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREF) infection risk factors include prolonged hospitalization and specific antibiotic use. Mortality rates did not significantly differ between VREF and vancomycin-susceptible Enterococcus faecium (VSEF) patients.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Hospital Epidemiology
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREF) is a significant nosocomial pathogen.
- Understanding VREF risk factors is crucial for infection control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify risk factors and mortality associated with VREF infection or colonization.
- To compare VREF cases with vancomycin-susceptible Enterococcus faecium (VSEF) controls.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case-control study at a tertiary care hospital.
- 145 VREF isolates (cases) compared to 145 VSEF isolates (controls).
- Multivariate analyses to determine independent risk factors.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in mortality rates between VREF and VSEF patients.
- Independent risk factors for VREF included prolonged hospitalization (≥7 days), intrahospital transfer, antimicrobial use (vancomycin, third-generation cephalosporins), and prolonged vancomycin use (≥7 days).
Conclusions:
- Confirms earlier observations on VREF risk factors.
- Identifies potential targets for interventional strategies to control VREF nosocomial infections.