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Vancomycin-resistant enterococcal infections in bone marrow transplant recipients
Y Koc1, D R Snydman, D S Schenkein
1Division of Infectious Diseases, New England Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA.
Bone Marrow Transplantation
|August 26, 1998
Summary
Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) infections are a growing concern in immunocompromised patients. This study reports fatal VRE bacteremia and meningitis in bone marrow transplant recipients, highlighting the need for VRE screening.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Hematology
- Transplantation Medicine
Background:
- Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) infections are increasingly prevalent, particularly in immunocompromised populations.
- The emergence of VRE in the bone marrow transplantation (BMT) setting poses a significant challenge due to limited effective treatment options.
Observation:
- This report details two cases of vancomycin-resistant E. faecium bacteremia in patients undergoing BMT.
- Notably, one case involved the first documented instance of VRE meningitis in this patient population.
Findings:
- Both patients undergoing matched unrelated donor BMT experienced fatal outcomes.
- The study highlights the critical need for effective antimicrobial strategies against VRE.
Implications:
- Routine screening for VRE in high-risk patients, especially BMT candidates, should be considered.
- Current management strategies for VRE carrier states in BMT candidates require further clarification and development.