Vancomycin-resistant enterococcal infections in bone marrow transplant recipients

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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
PubMed

Insights

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.

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