Abstract
Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are becoming increasingly important pathogens. They are rife throughout health care facilities, causing problems for infection control teams, despite their numerous interventions. Although the genes encoding vancomycin resistance are well characterized, the methods used for their detection have not improved at the same rate as their prevalence. Culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing are the most widely used methods for the identification of VRE carriers, yet it is known that culture lacks the sensitivity to detect those patients with low bacterial burdens, and susceptibility testing does not differentiate the various phenotypes. PCR is a promising alternative that can detect even one CFU per ml. Not only can it identify more carriers than culture, but it is also rapid and can detect the resistance genes. With newer real-time assays, a result can be obtained in under 4 h. PCR offers promise as a new “gold standard” that may help to turn the tide in the battle against this problematic pathogen.
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