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Low-level vancomycin resistance in Clostridium innocuum
F Mory1, A Lozniewski, V David
1Laboratoire de Bactériologie, Hôpital Central, Centre Hospitalier et Universitaire, Nancy, France.
Journal of Clinical Microbiology
|June 10, 1998
Summary
Clostridium innocuum exhibits low-level vancomycin resistance, while teicoplanin remains effective. Genetic analysis suggests intrinsic resistance, not acquired van genes, in these clinical isolates.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Antimicrobial Resistance
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Clostridium innocuum is a commensal bacterium.
- Emerging resistance to antibiotics like vancomycin is a significant public health concern.
- Understanding resistance mechanisms in less common pathogens is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the vancomycin resistance profile of clinical Clostridium innocuum isolates.
- To determine the genetic basis of vancomycin resistance in C. innocuum.
- To assess the activity of teicoplanin against C. innocuum.
Main Methods:
- Phenotypic testing of 28 clinical C. innocuum isolates and the type strain against vancomycin and teicoplanin.
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification using primers specific for vanA, vanB, and vanC genes.
Main Results:
- Low-level vancomycin resistance was detected in 28 clinical C. innocuum isolates and the type strain.
- Teicoplanin demonstrated activity against all tested C. innocuum isolates.
- PCR failed to amplify vanA, vanB, or vanC genes from clinical isolates and the type strain.
Conclusions:
- The vancomycin resistance observed in C. innocuum is likely intrinsic rather than due to the presence of known vancomycin resistance genes.
- C. innocuum may represent a reservoir of intrinsic resistance to vancomycin.
- Teicoplanin remains a viable therapeutic option for infections caused by C. innocuum.