Selective isolation of vancomycin-resistant enterococci

Area of Science:

• Clinical Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Diagnostic Laboratory Science

Background:

• Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are a growing concern in healthcare settings.
• Screening patients for VRE carriage is becoming increasingly common in laboratories.
• Numerous diagnostic formulations exist for VRE detection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the available options for VRE screening media.
• To highlight the decision-making factors for laboratories selecting VRE detection methods.
• To address the lack of comparative data on VRE screening formulations.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on VRE screening media.
• Analysis of critical evaluation and comparative trials.
• Identification of key formulation variables: vancomycin supplementation and enrichment steps.

Main Results:

• Limited comparative trials and critical evaluations are available for VRE screening methods.
• No definitive optimal formulation for VRE detection has been established.
• Laboratories must consider their specific requirements when choosing a method.

Conclusions:

• The selection of VRE screening media requires careful consideration of laboratory resources and needs.
• Further research and comparative studies are needed to guide optimal VRE detection.
• Laboratories should choose the VRE screening formulation that best fits their circumstances.