Abstract
Context:Although existence of a probable association between glycopeptide and biocide resistance among enterococci has often been hypothesized, all studies conducted so far on this subject have been inconclusive.Aims:The aim of this study was to explore the possibility of the existence of an association between glycopeptide resistance and reduced susceptibility to biocides among Enterococcus spp.Settings and Design:This was a pilot study conducted in a super-speciality hospital situated in New Delhi, India, between June and November, 2015.Patients and Methods:Fourteen isolates of Enterococcus spp. obtained from various clinical samples of inpatients were subjected to susceptibility testing by modified Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method to the following antibiotics: ampicillin (30 μg), gentamicin (120 μg), linezolid (30 μg), teicoplanin (30 μg), and vancomycin (30 μg). Based on the preliminary glycopeptide susceptibility results, all the isolates were classified into glycopeptide-sensitive and glycopeptide-resistant groups, respectively. Isolates belonging to both of these groups were subjected to tube dilution method for determining minimum inhibitory concentration of three biocides, namely, sodium hypochlorite, povidone-iodine, and absolute ethanol, respectively. Minimum bactericidal concentration of these disinfectants was also determined as per standard guidelines.Statistical Analysis Used:Not applicable.Results:More number of glycopeptide-sensitive strains exhibited reduced susceptibility to sodium hypochlorite than glycopeptide-resistant strains of enterococci. However, more number of glycopeptide-resistant isolates exhibited lower susceptibility to povidone-iodine than glycopeptide-sensitive isolates of enterococci. Both glycopeptide-sensitive and glycopeptide-resistant enterococci were equally susceptible to absolute ethanol.Conclusions:It seems that biocide resistance is an important issue and may have links with antibiotic resistance. This study points towards a possible association between glycopeptide resistance and reduced susceptibility to povidone iodine among enterococci. More studies should be conducted in order to further explore this supposedly enigmatic issue.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.