Detection of vancomycin-resistant enterococci colonization in a children's hospital
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 26, 2026
One-day Workflow Scheme for Bacterial Pathogen Detection and Antimicrobial Resistance Testing from Blood Cultures
Published on: July 9, 2012
J C Christenson1, E K Korgenski, E Jenkins
1Hospital Epidemiology Program and Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, Primary Children's Medical Center, and the Departments of Pediatrics and Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City 84132, USA.
Insights
This study found six children colonized with vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) in a pediatric hospital. Surveillance is key for controlling VRE spread in healthcare settings.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Pediatric Healthcare
Background:
- Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are significant hospital-acquired pathogens.
- The prevalence of VRE in pediatric populations remains largely unknown.
- Understanding VRE colonization is crucial for infection control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) colonization in a pediatric tertiary care setting.
- To identify risk factors associated with VRE colonization in children.
- To inform infection control strategies within pediatric hospitals.
Main Methods:
- A surveillance study was conducted at a pediatric tertiary care medical center.
- Vancomycin-containing screening media was utilized for VRE detection.
- 112 pediatric patients were screened for VRE colonization.
Main Results:
- Six out of 112 screened children were found to be colonized with VRE.
- Patients identified with VRE colonization had a history of broad-spectrum antibiotic use.
- This indicates a measurable prevalence of VRE colonization in this pediatric cohort.
Conclusions:
- Surveillance studies are valuable for identifying VRE colonization, even in the absence of active infections.
- Early detection of VRE colonization supports the implementation of targeted infection control measures.
- Findings emphasize the need for VRE surveillance in pediatric hospitals to manage nosocomial infections.
Background:
Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are important nosocomial pathogens in many hospitals. The true prevalence of VRE in pediatric hospitals is not known.
Methods:
A surveillance study was performed at a pediatric tertiary care medical center by using vancomycin-containing screening media.
Results:
Six children (of 112 screened) were found to be colonized with VRE. Colonized patients had a history of receiving broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents.
Conclusion:
In the absence of VRE infections, surveillance studies can help determine the extent of VRE colonization and support infection control measures.
