Successful expansion of hospital-associated clone of vanA-positive vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis ST9 to an anthropogenically polluted mangrove in Brazil.

Mangrove ecosystems are hotspots of biodiversity, but have been threatened by anthropogenic activities. Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are nosocomial bacteria classified as high priority by the World Health Organization (WHO). Herein, we describe the identification and genomic characteristics of a vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis strain isolated from a highly impacted mangrove ecosystem of the northeastern Brazilian, in 2021. Genomic analysis confirmed the existence of the transposon Tn1546-vanA and clinically relevant antimicrobial resistance genes, such as streptogramins, tetracycline, phenicols, and fluoroquinolones. Virulome analysis identified several genes associated to adherence, immune modulation, biofilm, and exoenzymes production. The UFSEfl strain was assigned to sequence type (ST9), whereas phylogenomic analysis with publicly available genomes from a worldwide confirmed clonal relatedness with a hospital-associated Brazilian clone. Our findings highlight the successful expansion of hospital-associated VRE in a mangrove area and shed light on the need for strengthening genomic surveillance of WHO priority pathogens in these vital ecosystems.

Outbreak of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium ST1133 in paediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia from southern Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate an outbreak of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREfm) in paediatric patients from Hospital Pequeno Príncipe. The susceptibility profile was determined, and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was used to analyse the genetic context of the strains. METHODS: Five VREfm isolates were recovered from sterile sites and surveillance cultures of two paediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Species identification was performed using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was assessed according to the European Committee for Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST). WGS was performed to analyse the genetic context of virulence and resistance genes, and in silico multilocus sequence typing was performed to identify the sequence typing of the strains. RESULTS: High-level vancomycin resistance was observed in all isolates (≥256 mg/L). WGS revealed the presence of mobile genetic elements, such as plasmids (rep2, rep11a, repUS15, rep17, and rep18a), insertion sequences, and phages. Multiple resistance genes (aac(6')-aph(2"), dfrG, ermB, and vanA) and virulence genes (acm and efaAfm) were identified. All the isolates were assigned to ST117 (ST1133 - via a novel MLST), an important epidemic lineage associated with nosocomial infections and outbreaks. CONCLUSION: Our results show that the ST117 (ST1133) VREfm isolates are circulating in paediatric patients, which raises a great concern. The development of new drugs as well as the implementation of an antimicrobial stewardship program are necessary for their correct management, limiting the spread of resistance in oncohematological patients.

Enterococos resistentes à vancomicina e tetraciclina em carnes cruas e processadas: características fenotípicas e genotípicas / Vancomycin and tetracycline-resistant enterococci from from raw and processed meats: phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of isolates

The ubiquitous nature of enterococci and their ability to colonize different habitats account for their easy spread throughout the food chain. Here, we evaluated the distribution and antimicrobial susceptibility of Enterococcus isolates from meats obtained from different supermarkets. We acquired and cultured 100 products (raw chicken meat, raw pork, and boiled meats) to screen for the presence of Enterococcus spp. In total, 194 isolates were recovered from the samples, with contamination rates of 63.6% in the chicken samples, 31% in the raw pork meat, and 1.4% in the boiled meat samples. PCR amplification with specific primers was performed to screen the DNA of Enterococcus spp. (95/96), E. faecalis (66/96), E. faecium (30/96), and E. casseliflavus/E. flavescens (3/96). The antimicrobial susceptibility tests showed that all the isolates were resistant to at least one of the antibiotics. All E. faecium isolates were resistant to vancomycin, streptomycin, ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, erythromycin, and tetracycline. The E. casseliflavus/E. flavescens isolates were resistant to gentamicin, streptomycin, ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, erythromycin, and tetracycline. E. faecalis isolates were resistant to ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, and erythromycin (92%), norfloxacin (83%), vancomycin, and streptomycin (50%). The resistance genes tetL and vanB were detected by genotyping. The presence of these antimicrobial-resistant microorganisms in food might pose problems for public health.(AU)

A natureza ubíqua dos enterococos e sua capacidade de colonizar diferentes habitats são responsáveis pela sua fácil disseminação pela cadeia alimentar. No presente estudo, avaliamos a distribuição e a susceptibilidade antimicrobiana de isolados de Enterococcus provenientes de produtos cárneos. Cem produtos (carne de frango cru, carne de porco crua e carne cozida) foram adquiridos e cultivados para a presença de Enterococcus spp. No total, 194 amostras foram avaliadas, com taxas de contaminação de 63,6% nas amostras de frango, 31% na carne de porco crua e 1,4% nas amostras de carne cozida. A amplificação por PCR foi realizada para confirmar a presença de Enterococcus spp. (95/96), E. faecalis (66/96), E. faecium (30/96) E. casseliflavus/E. flavescens (3/96). Resultados de susceptibilidade mostraram que 100% dos isolados foram resistentes a pelo menos um antibiótico, sendo 100% de E. faecium resistentes a vancomicina, estreptomicina, ciprofloxacina, norfloxacina, eritromicina e tetraciclina. E. casseliflavus / E. flavescens resistentes a gentamicina, estreptomicina, ciprofloxacina, norfloxacina, eritromicina e tetraciclina. E. faecalis foram resistentes a ciprofloxacina, tetraciclina e eritromicina (92%), norfloxacina (83%), vancomicina e estreptomicina (50%). Na genotipagem, foram detectados os genes tetL e vanB. A presença desses microrganismos resistentes aos antimicrobianos nos alimentos pode causar problemas para a saúde pública.(AU)

Genomic Epidemiology of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREfm) in Latin America: Revisiting The Global VRE Population Structure.

Little is known about the population structure of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREfm) in Latin America (LATAM). Here, we provide a complete genomic characterization of 55 representative Latin American VREfm recovered from 1998-2015 in 5 countries. The LATAM VREfm population is structured into two main clinical clades without geographical clustering. Using the LATAM genomes, we reconstructed the global population of VREfm by including 285 genomes from 36 countries spanning from 1946 to 2017. In contrast to previous studies, our results show an early branching of animal related isolates and a further split of clinical isolates into two sub-clades within clade A. The overall phylogenomic structure of clade A was highly dependent on recombination (54% of the genome) and the split between clades A and B was estimated to have occurred more than 2,765 years ago. Furthermore, our molecular clock calculations suggest the branching of animal isolates and clinical clades occurred ~502 years ago whereas the split within the clinical clade occurred ~302 years ago (previous studies showed a more recent split between clinical an animal branches around ~74 years ago). By including isolates from Latin America, we present novel insights into the population structure of VREfm and revisit the evolution of these pathogens.

Enterococos resistentes à vancomicina e tetraciclina em carnes cruas e processadas: características fenotípicas e genotípicas / Vancomycin and tetracycline-resistant enterococci from from raw and processed meats: phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of isolates

The ubiquitous nature of enterococci and their ability to colonize different habitats account for their easy spread throughout the food chain. Here, we evaluated the distribution and antimicrobial susceptibility of Enterococcus isolates from meats obtained from different supermarkets. We acquired and cultured 100 products (raw chicken meat, raw pork, and boiled meats) to screen for the presence of Enterococcus spp. In total, 194 isolates were recovered from the samples, with contamination rates of 63.6% in the chicken samples, 31% in the raw pork meat, and 1.4% in the boiled meat samples. PCR amplification with specific primers was performed to screen the DNA of Enterococcus spp. (95/96), E. faecalis (66/96), E. faecium (30/96), and E. casseliflavus/E. flavescens (3/96). The antimicrobial susceptibility tests showed that all the isolates were resistant to at least one of the antibiotics. All E. faecium isolates were resistant to vancomycin, streptomycin, ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, erythromycin, and tetracycline. The E. casseliflavus/E. flavescens isolates were resistant to gentamicin, streptomycin, ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, erythromycin, and tetracycline. E. faecalis isolates were resistant to ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, and erythromycin (92%), norfloxacin (83%), vancomycin, and streptomycin (50%). The resistance genes tetL and vanB were detected by genotyping. The presence of these antimicrobial-resistant microorganisms in food might pose problems for public health.

A natureza ubíqua dos enterococos e sua capacidade de colonizar diferentes habitats são responsáveis pela sua fácil disseminação pela cadeia alimentar. No presente estudo, avaliamos a distribuição e a susceptibilidade antimicrobiana de isolados de Enterococcus provenientes de produtos cárneos. Cem produtos (carne de frango cru, carne de porco crua e carne cozida) foram adquiridos e cultivados para a presença de Enterococcus spp. No total, 194 amostras foram avaliadas, com taxas de contaminação de 63,6% nas amostras de frango, 31% na carne de porco crua e 1,4% nas amostras de carne cozida. A amplificação por PCR foi realizada para confirmar a presença de Enterococcus spp. (95/96), E. faecalis (66/96), E. faecium (30/96) E. casseliflavus/E. flavescens (3/96). Resultados de susceptibilidade mostraram que 100% dos isolados foram resistentes a pelo menos um antibiótico, sendo 100% de E. faecium resistentes a vancomicina, estreptomicina, ciprofloxacina, norfloxacina, eritromicina e tetraciclina. E. casseliflavus / E. flavescens resistentes a gentamicina, estreptomicina, ciprofloxacina, norfloxacina, eritromicina e tetraciclina. E. faecalis foram resistentes a ciprofloxacina, tetraciclina e eritromicina (92%), norfloxacina (83%), vancomicina e estreptomicina (50%). Na genotipagem, foram detectados os genes tetL e vanB. A presença desses microrganismos resistentes aos antimicrobianos nos alimentos pode causar problemas para a saúde pública.

CRISPR elements and their association with antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes among vancomycin-resistant and vancomycin-susceptible enterococci recovered from human and food sources.

We aimed to investigate the occurrence of CRISPR elements in the genomes of vancomycin-resistant (VRE) and vancomycin-susceptible (VSE) enterococci and their association with the presence of antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes. We analyzed 180 isolates, including 91 VRE and 89 VSE. Isolates were identified by PCR or MALDI-TOF. Antimicrobial susceptibility and MICs for vancomycin were determined by the disk-diffusion method and E-test®, respectively. The presence of resistance and virulence genes, as well as CRISPR elements, was investigated by PCR. We identified 95 (53%) E. faecalis, 78 (43%) E. faecium, five (2.8%) E. gallinarum, and one (0.6% each) E. casseliflavus and E. durans. The highest and the lowest non-susceptibility frequencies were observed for erythromycin (n = 152; 84.4%) and fosfomycin (n = 5; 2.8%), respectively. Most erythromycin-resistant isolates had the erm(B) gene (106/152; 69.7%). Of 118 (65.6%) isolates with high-level resistance to aminoglycoside, 69 (58.5%) had at least one aminoglycoside resistance gene, mostly ant(6)-Ia and aac(6')-Ie + aph(2″)-Ia. We found at least one virulence gene among 135 (75%) isolates, mostly gelE (79/180; 43.9%). Ninety-two (51.1%) isolates had at least one CRISPR element, especially CRISPR3 (62/92; 67.4%). CRISPR elements were more common among E. faecalis, in which we observed a relationship between the absence of CRISPR and the presence of the vanA resistance gene, and the hyl and esp virulence genes. Among VRE. faecium, a relationship was found between the absence of CRISPR and the hyl gene. In conclusion, we found evident associations between the lack of CRISPR elements with species, multidrug resistance, and major resistance- and virulence-associated genes.

High Phenotypic and Genotypic Diversity of Enterococcus faecium from Clinical and Commensal Isolates in Third Level Hospital.

Background: The use of antimicrobials and myeloablative chemotherapy regimens has promoted multiresistant microorganisms to emerge as nosocomial pathogens, such as vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREfm). We described a polyclonal outbreak of bloodstream infection caused by Efm in a hemato-oncological ward in Mexico. Our aim was to describe the clonal complex (CC) of the Efm strains isolated in the outbreak in comparison with commensal and environmental isolates. Methodology: Sixty Efm clinical, environmental, and commensal strains were included. We constructed a cladogram and a phylogenetic tree using Vitek and Multilocus sequence typing data, respectively. Results: We reported 20 new sequence types (ST), among which 17/43 clinical isolates belonged to CC17. The predominant ST in the clinical strains were ST757, ST1304, ST412, and ST770. Neither environmental nor commensal isolates belonged to CC17. The phylogeny of our collection shows that the majority of the clinical isolates were different from the environmental and commensal isolates, and only a small group of clinical isolates was closely related with environmental and commensal isolates. The cladogram revealed a similar segregation to that of the phylogeny. Conclusions: We found a high diversity among clinical, environmental, and commensal strains in a group of samples in a single hospital. Highest diversity was found between commensal and environmental isolates.

An epidemiological and molecular study regarding the spread of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium in a teaching hospital in Bogotá, Colombia 2016.

BACKGROUND: Enterococcus faecium is ranked worldwide as one of the top ten pathogens identified in healthcare-associated infections (HAI) and is classified as one of the high priority pathogens for research and development of new antibiotics worldwide. Due to molecular biology techniques' higher costs, the approach for identifying and controlling infectious diseases in developing countries has been based on clinical and epidemiological perspectives. Nevertheless, after an abrupt vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium dissemination in the Méderi teaching hospital, ending up in an outbreak, further measures needed to be taken into consideration. The present study describes the vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium pattern within Colombian's largest installed-bed capacity hospital in 2016. METHODS: Thirty-three vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium isolates were recovered during a 5-month period in 2016. Multilocus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis was used for molecular typing to determine clonality amongst strains. A modified time-place-sequence algorithm was used to trace VREfm spread patterns during the outbreak period and estimate transmission routes. RESULTS: Four clonal profiles were identified. Chronological clonal profile follow-up suggested a transitional spread from profile "A" to profile "B", returning to a higher prevalence of "A" by the end of the study. Antibiotic susceptibility indicated high-level vancomycin-resistance in most isolates frequently matching vanA gene identification. DISCUSSION: Transmission analysis suggested cross-contamination via healthcare workers. Despite epidemiological control of the outbreak, post-outbreak isolates were still being identified as having outbreak-related clonal profile (A), indicating reduction but not eradication of this clonality. This study supports the use of combined molecular and epidemiological strategies in an approach to controlling infectious diseases. It contributes towards a more accurate evaluation of the effectiveness of the epidemiological measures taken regarding outbreak control and estimates the main cause related to the spread of this microorganism.

Vancomycin-resistant enterococci isolates colonizing and infecting haematology patients: clonality, and virulence and resistance profile.

BACKGROUND: Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are an important agent of colonization and infection in haematology patients. However, the role of virulence on VRE colonization and infection is controversial. AIM: To characterize the lineage, virulence and resistance profile of VRE infection and colonization isolates; as well as their impact on outcome of haematology patients using a regression logistic model. METHODS: Eighty-six isolates (80 Enterococcus faecium and six E. faecalis) from 76 patients were evaluated. Polymerase chain reaction for resistance and virulence genes, and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and whole genome sequencing of the major clusters, were performed. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were carried out to evaluate the role of virulence genes on outcome. FINDINGS: All isolates harboured the vanA gene. Regarding the virulence genes, 96.5% of isolates were positive for esp, 69.8% for gelE and asa1 genes. VRE infection isolates were more virulent than colonization isolates and harboured more often the gelE gene (P = 0.008). Infections caused by VRE carrying asa1 gene resulted more frequently in death (P = 0.004), but only the predominant clone remained as protector in the multivariate model. The E. faecium strains were assigned to seven STs (ST78, ST412, ST478, ST792, ST896, ST987, ST963) that belonged to CC17. The E. faecalis sequenced belonged to ST9 (CC9). CONCLUSION: E. faecium was predominant, and infection isolates were more virulent than colonization isolates and harboured more often the gene gelE. Infections caused by VRE carrying the asa1 gene appeared to be associated with a fatal outcome.

Colonización por enterococo resistente a vancomicina en pacientes internados en un hospital de Lima, Perú / Colonization by Enterococcal Strains Resistant to Vancomycin in Patients from a Hospital in Lima, Peru

RESUMEN Con el objetivo de determinar la frecuencia de colonización por el enterococo resistente a vancomicina (ERV), el genotipo de resistencia y los factores asociados, se realizó un estudio de tipo transversal durante noviembre y diciembre del 2013 en el Hospital Nacional Cayetano Heredia en Lima, Perú. Se encontró una frecuencia de colonización por ERV de 6,2% (IC 95%: 1,67-10,73), todas las cepas aisladas tenían el genotipo de resistencia vanA, y se halló que las variables hospitalización previa (p=0,001) y el uso de cefalosporinas de tercera generación (p=0,016) estaban asociadas a la colonización por ERV. En conclusión, existe colonización perianal por ERV en los diversos servicios de hospitalización, el gen vanA podría ser transmitido a gérmenes más virulentos y ocasionar la aparición de la bacteria Staphylococcus aureus resistente a vancomicina (VRSA). Es necesario adoptar medidas de control de infecciones para evitar la transmisión de esta bacteria en el ambiente hospitalario.

ABSTRACT This cross-sectional study was conducted from November to December of 2013 at the Cayetano Heredia National Hospital in Lima, Peru, to determine the rate of infection with vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE), the resistance genotype, and associated factors. The rate of infection with VRE was 6.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.67-10.73) and the resistance genotype isolated from all strains was the vanA gene. The factors associated with colonization with VRE were previous hospitalizations (p = 0.001) and the use of third-generation cephalosporins (p = 0.016). In conclusion, perianal colonization with VRE is present in many hospital services. Moreover, the vanA gene may cause resistance to vancomycin and promote the development of vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Therefore, infection control measures should be adopted to prevent the dissemination of this bacterial strain in hospital settings.

Clonal dissemination of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium ST412 in a Brazilian region

ABSTRACT Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREfm) has emerged as an important global nosocomial pathogen, and this trend is associated with the spread of high-risk clones. Here, we determined the genetic and phenotypic features of 93 VREfm isolates that were obtained from patients in 13 hospitals in Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil, during 2012-2013. All the isolates were vancomycin-resistant and harbored the vanA gene. Only 6 (6.5%) of the VREfm isolates showed the ability to form biofilm. The 93 isolates analyzed belong to a single pulsed-field gel electrophoresis lineage and presented six subtypes. MLST genotyping showed that all VREfm belonged to ST412 (the high-risk clone, hospital-adapted). The present study describes the dissemination of ST412 clone in the local hospitals. The clonal spread of these ST412 isolates in the area we analyzed as well as other hospitals in southeastern Brazil supports the importance of identifying and controlling the presence of these microorganisms in health care-related services.

Clonal dissemination of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium ST412 in a Brazilian region.

Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREfm) has emerged as an important global nosocomial pathogen, and this trend is associated with the spread of high-risk clones. Here, we determined the genetic and phenotypic features of 93 VREfm isolates that were obtained from patients in 13 hospitals in Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil, during 2012-2013. All the isolates were vancomycin-resistant and harbored the vanA gene. Only 6 (6.5%) of the VREfm isolates showed the ability to form biofilm. The 93 isolates analyzed belong to a single pulsed-field gel electrophoresis lineage and presented six subtypes. MLST genotyping showed that all VREfm belonged to ST412 (the high-risk clone, hospital-adapted). The present study describes the dissemination of ST412 clone in the local hospitals. The clonal spread of these ST412 isolates in the area we analyzed as well as other hospitals in southeastern Brazil supports the importance of identifying and controlling the presence of these microorganisms in health care-related services.

Detection of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) in stool specimens submitted for Clostridium difficile toxin testing

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the association between Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) and efficacy of screening stools submitted for C. difficile toxin assay for prevalence of VRE. Between April 2012 and February 2014, 158 stool samples submitted for C. difficile toxin to the Marmara University Microbiology Laboratory, were included in the study. Stool samples were analyzed by enzyme immuno assay test; VIDAS (bioMerieux, France) for Toxin A&B. Samples were inoculated on chromID VRE (bioMerieux, France) and incubated 24 h at 37 °C. Manuel tests and API20 STREP (bioMerieux, France) test were used to identify the Enterococci species. After the species identification, vancomycin and teicoplanin MIC's were performed by E test and molecular resistance genes for vanA vs vanB were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Of the 158 stool samples, 88 were toxin positive. The prevalence of VRE was 17%(n:19) in toxin positives however, 11.4% in toxin negatives(n:70). All VRE isolates were identified as Enterococcus faecium. These results were evaluated according to Fischer's exact chi-square test and p value between VRE colonization and C. difficile toxin positivity was detected 0.047 (p < 0.05). PPV and NPV were 79% and 47% respectively. In our study, the presence of VRE in C. difficile toxin positives is statistically significant compared with toxin negatives (p < 0.05). Screening for VRE is both additional cost and work load for the laboratories. Therefore VRE screening among C. difficile toxin positive samples, will be cost effective for determination of high risk patients in the hospitals especially for developing countries.

Detection of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) in stool specimens submitted for Clostridium difficile toxin testing.

The aim of this study was to determine the association between Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) and efficacy of screening stools submitted for C. difficile toxin assay for prevalence of VRE. Between April 2012 and February 2014, 158 stool samples submitted for C. difficile toxin to the Marmara University Microbiology Laboratory, were included in the study. Stool samples were analyzed by enzyme immuno assay test; VIDAS (bioMerieux, France) for Toxin A&B. Samples were inoculated on chromID VRE (bioMerieux, France) and incubated 24h at 37°C. Manuel tests and API20 STREP (bioMerieux, France) test were used to identify the Enterococci species. After the species identification, vancomycin and teicoplanin MIC's were performed by E test and molecular resistance genes for vanA vs vanB were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Of the 158 stool samples, 88 were toxin positive. The prevalence of VRE was 17%(n:19) in toxin positives however, 11.4% in toxin negatives(n:70). All VRE isolates were identified as Enterococcus faecium. These results were evaluated according to Fischer's exact chi-square test and p value between VRE colonization and C. difficile toxin positivity was detected 0.047 (p<0.05). PPV and NPV were 79% and 47% respectively. In our study, the presence of VRE in C. difficile toxin positives is statistically significant compared with toxin negatives (p<0.05). Screening for VRE is both additional cost and work load for the laboratories. Therefore VRE screening among C. difficile toxin positive samples, will be cost effective for determination of high risk patients in the hospitals especially for developing countries.

A polyclonal outbreak of bloodstream infections by Enterococcus faecium in patients with hematologic malignancies.

BACKGROUND: Enterococcus faecium causes bloodstream infection (BSI) in patients with hematologic malignancies (HMs). We studied the clinical features and outcomes of patients with HM with vancomycin-sensitive E faecium (VSE) and vancomycin-resistant E faecium (VRE) BSI and determined the genetic relatedness of isolates and circumstances associated with the upsurge of E faecium BSI. METHODS: Case-control study of patients with HM and E faecium-positive blood culture from January 2008-December 2012; cases were patients with VRE and controls were VSE isolates. The strains were tested for Van genes by polymerase chain reaction amplification and we performed pulsed-field gel electrophoresis to determine genetic relatedness. RESULTS: Fifty-eight episodes of E faecium BSI occurred: 35 sensitive and 23 resistant to vancomycin. Mortality was 46% and 57%, attributable 17% and 40%, respectively. Early stage HM was associated with VSE (P = .044), whereas an episode of BSI within the 3 months before the event (P = .039), prophylactic antibiotics (P = .013), and vancomycin therapy during the previous 3 months (P = .001) was associated with VRE. The VanA gene was identified in 97% of isolates studied. E faecium isolates were not clonal. CONCLUSIONS: E faecium BSI was associated with high mortality. This outbreak of VRE was not clonal; it was associated with antibiotic-use pressure and highly myelosuppressive chemotherapy.

[Colonization by Enterococcal Strains Resistant to Vancomycin in Patients from a Hospital in Lima, Peru]. / Colonización por enterococo resistente a vancomicina en pacientes internados en un hospital de Lima, Perú.

This cross-sectional study was conducted from November to December of 2013 at the Cayetano Heredia National Hospital in Lima, Peru, to determine the rate of infection with vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE), the resistance genotype, and associated factors. The rate of infection with VRE was 6.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.67-10.73) and the resistance genotype isolated from all strains was the vanA gene. The factors associated with colonization with VRE were previous hospitalizations (p = 0.001) and the use of third-generation cephalosporins (p = 0.016). In conclusion, perianal colonization with VRE is present in many hospital services. Moreover, the vanA gene may cause resistance to vancomycin and promote the development of vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Therefore, infection control measures should be adopted to prevent the dissemination of this bacterial strain in hospital settings.

Con el objetivo de determinar la frecuencia de colonización por el enterococo resistente a vancomicina (ERV), el genotipo de resistencia y los factores asociados, se realizó un estudio de tipo transversal durante noviembre y diciembre del 2013 en el Hospital Nacional Cayetano Heredia en Lima, Perú. Se encontró una frecuencia de colonización por ERV de 6,2% (IC 95%: 1,67-10,73), todas las cepas aisladas tenían el genotipo de resistencia vanA, y se halló que las variables hospitalización previa (p=0,001) y el uso de cefalosporinas de tercera generación (p=0,016) estaban asociadas a la colonización por ERV. En conclusión, existe colonización perianal por ERV en los diversos servicios de hospitalización, el gen vanA podría ser transmitido a gérmenes más virulentos y ocasionar la aparición de la bacteria Staphylococcus aureus resistente a vancomicina (VRSA). Es necesario adoptar medidas de control de infecciones para evitar la transmisión de esta bacteria en el ambiente hospitalario.

Detection of both vanA & vanB genes in vanA phenotypes of Enterococci by Taq Man RT-PCR.

Twenty seven isolates of vancomycin resistant Enterococci based on the disk diffusion and E- test have been screened; being found eight (0.3%) clinical isolates of vanA & vanB through Taq Man Real Time PCR assay. This study shows the presence of both vanA & vanB genotypes in vanA phenotypes clinical isolates in the three hospitals in Iran.

Small hospitals matter: insights from the emergence and spread of vancomycin-resistant enterococci in 2 public hospitals in inner Brazil.

Although vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are reported in Brazil since 1996, data on their impact over settings of different complexity are scarce. We performed a study aimed at identifying determinants of VRE emergence and spread in a public hospital consortium (comprising 2 hospitals, with 318 and 57 beds) in inner Brazil. Molecular typing and case-control studies (addressing predictors of acquisition or clonality) were performed. Among 122 authocthonous isolates, 106 were Enterococcus faecium (22 clones), and 16, Enterococcus faecalis (5 clones). Incidence was greater in the small-sized hospital, and a previous admission to this hospital was associated with greater risk of VRE colonization or infection during admission to the larger one. Overall risk factors included comorbidities, procedures, and antimicrobials (piperacillin-tazobactam, cefepime, and imipenem). Risk factors varied among different hospitals, species, and clones. Our findings demonstrate that VRE can spread within low-complexity facilities and from these to larger hospitals.

Detection of both vanA & vanB genes in vanA phenotypes of Enterococci by Taq Man RT-PCR

Twenty seven isolates of vancomycin resistant Enterococci based on the disk diffusion and E- test have been screened; being found eight (0.3%) clinical isolates of vanA & vanB through Taq Man Real Time PCR assay. This study shows the presence of both vanA & vanB genotypes in vanA phenotypes clinical isolates in the three hospitals in Iran.