Abstract
BackgroundVancomycin-resistant entrococci (VRE) are increasing in prevalence at many institutions, and are often reported in dialysis patients. The aim of this cross-sectional prevalence study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of VRE colonization in chronic hemodialysis patients in two hemodialysis centers in Shiraz, Iran.MethodsRectal swabs were obtained from all consenting patients and were streaked on the surface of Cephalexin-aztreonam-arabinose agar (CAA) and incubated at 37°C in air for 24 h. The vancomycin susceptibility of each isolate was confirmed by disk susceptibility testing. The MICs of vancomycin and teicoplanin were confirmed by the E test. To identify risk factors, a questionnaire was completed for all the studied patients and the data of VRE positive and negative groups were compared using Man-Withney U test for continues data and the Fisher exact test for categorical data.ResultsOf 146 patients investigated, 9 (6.2%) were positive for VRE. All VRE strains were genotypically distinguishable. Risk factors for a VRE-positive culture were "antimicrobial receipt within 2 months before culture" (P = 0.003) and "hospitalization during previous year" (P = 0.016).ConclusionVRE colonization is an under-recognized problem among chronic dialysis patients in Iran. VRE colonization is associated with antibiotic consumption and hospitalization.
Highlights
Vancomycin-resistant entrococci (VRE) are increasing in prevalence at many institutions, and are often reported in dialysis patients
Patients with chronic renal failure undergoing hemodialysis are at increased risk for acquiring VRE [1]
We found VRE rectal carriage in 6.2% of hemodialysis patients, a result similar to those reported in a number of previous studies that have examined VRE colonization among dialysis patients
Summary
Vancomycin-resistant entrococci (VRE) are increasing in prevalence at many institutions, and are often reported in dialysis patients. The aim of this cross-sectional prevalence study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of VRE colonization in chronic hemodialysis patients in two hemodialysis centers in Shiraz, Iran. In 1999, a Greek study conducted to determine the increased spread of VRE colonization reported a prevalence of VRE colonization of 1.2%. Patients with chronic renal failure undergoing hemodialysis are at increased risk for acquiring VRE [1]. In an U.S study, 17.8% of hemodyalysis patients became colonized with VRE, an incidence rate of one case per 9.8 patientyears of follow-up [4]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: 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.
