Korean J Infect Dis.  2000 Jun;32(3):203-211.

A Molecular Epidemiologic Study on Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci Isolated from Clinical Specimens over a 5-year Period

• Shin DH
• Park JH
• Shin JH
• Suh SP
• Ryang DW
• Kim SJ

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) infection is an emerging nosocomial problem. In Chonnam National University Hospital, 64 vanA VRE isolates were recovered from clinical specimens of 21 patients from January 1995 through December 1999. It is important to understand the epidemiology of VRE within a hospital for implementing appropriate infection control measures.
METHODS
Twenty-one vanA VRE isolates obtained from 21 patients during over a 5-year period were analyzed by pulsed-field gel electroporesis (PFGE) fingerprinting. Medical records of the patients with VRE isolates were reviewed.
RESULTS
By PFGE analysis for 21 VRE isolates, eleven genotypes were determined; 4 genotypes were shared by more than 2 patients. This four small clusters of VRE involved patients from hemato-oncologic units and ICU (intensive care unit) over 3 days to 1 year period.
CONCLUSION
Although the VRE epidemic at our hospital is polyclonal, some spread of VRE from a clonal origin were found in this hospital. The implementation of careful isolation and infection control measures, prudent use of antibiotics, especially vancomycin, and periodic screening of patients populations, are required.

Keyword

Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE); vanA Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE)

MeSH Terms

Anti-Bacterial Agents
Dermatoglyphics
Epidemiologic Studies*
Epidemiology
Genotype
Humans
Infection Control
Jeollanam-do
Mass Screening
Medical Records
Vancomycin
Anti-Bacterial Agents
Vancomycin