VRE-positive Patients Research Articles

Concerning emergence of a new vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium strain ST1299/CT1903/vanA at a tertiary university centre in South Germany

vanB-carrying vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREfm) of the sequence types 80 (ST80) and ST117 have dominated Germany in the past. In 2020, our hospital witnessed a sharp increase in the proportion of vanA-positive VREfm. To attempt to understand these dynamics through whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and analysis of nosocomial transmissions. At our hospital, the first VREfm isolate per patient, treated during 2020, was analysed retrospectively using specific vanA/vanB PCR, WGS, multi-locus sequence typing (MLST), and core-genome (cg) MLST. Epidemiologic links between VRE-positive patients were assessed using hospital occupancy data. Isolates from 319 out of 356 VREfm patients were available for WGS, of which 181 (56.7%) fulfilled the ECDC definition for nosocomial transmission. The high load of nosocomial cases is reflected in the overall high clonality rate with only three dominating sequence (ST) and complex types (CT), respectively: the new emerging strain ST1299 (100% vanA, 77.4% CT1903), and the well-known ST80 (90.0% vanB, 81.0% CT1065) and ST117 (78.0% vanB, 65.0% CT71). The ST1299 isolates overall, and the subtype CT1903 in particular, showed high isolate clonality, which demonstrates impressively high spreading potential. Overall, 152 out of 319 isolates had an allelic cgMLST difference of ≤3 to another, including 91 (59.6%) ST1299. Occupancy data identified shared rooms (3.7%), shared departments (6.2%), and VRE-colonized prior room occupants (0.6%) within 30 days before diagnosis as solid epidemiological links. A new emerging VREfm clone, ST1299/CT1903/vanA, dominated our institution in 2020 and has been an important driver of the increasing VREfm rates.

Cessation of Rectal Screening for Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci: Experience from a Tertiary Care Hospital from Türkiye.

Here, we compared the impact of different polices on the epidemiology of Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium bloodstream infections (VRE-BSIs) in a tertiary care hospital including two hospital buildings (oncology and adult hospitals) in the same campus. All patients who were hospitalized in high-risk units were screened weekly for VRE colonization via rectal swab between January 2006 and January 2013. After January 2013, VRE screening was only performed in cases of suspicion of VRE outbreak and during point prevalence studies to evaluate the epidemiology of VRE colonization. Contact precautions were in place for all VRE-positive patients. The incidence density rates of hospital-acquired (HA)-VRE-BSIs were compared between two periods. While the rate of VRE colonization was higher in the second period (5% vs. 9.5% (p < 0.01) for the adult hospital, and 6.4% vs. 12% (p = 0.02 for the oncology hospital), there was no increase in the incidence rate HA-VRE BSIs after the cessation of routine rectal screening in either of the hospitals. Screening policies should be dynamic and individualized according to the epidemiology of VRE as well as the workforce and cost. Periodical rectal screening of VRE can be discontinued if suspicion of an outbreak can be carefully monitored.

Prevalence, risk factors, and molecular analysis of vancomycin-resistant Enterococci colonization in a referral neonatal intensive care unit: a prospective study in northern Iran

Vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE) is an emerging drug-resistant organism responsible for increasing nosocomial infections. Few data are available on the epidemiology of VRE colonization or infection in neonates, and is of recent interest. This study analyzes the prevalence of neonatal VRE colonization in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), and describes risk factors and molecular phenotypes associated with VRE colonization. We performed a prospective epidemiological study on neonates admitted to an NICU. We compared neonates with VRE isolates detected in rectal swab cultures to those without. Association of VRE colonization with risk factors was tested by using univariate and multivariate methods. During a period of 18 months, amongst 180 neonates enrolled in the study, 76 (42.2%) were colonized by VRE. VRE isolates were resistant to amikacin in 68%, gentamicin in 26%, and ampicillin in 17.1% of cases. Molecular analysis showed the vanA gene in all isolates. Two VRE-positive patients developed infection during the observation time. No deaths occurred during this period. Prematurity (P=0.023), low birth weight (P=0.019), history of admission in other hospitals (P=0.00), and antibiotic therapy for more than seven days (P=0.01) were identified as risk factors for VRE colonization. Newborn susceptibility to early colonization with VRE in NICUs is increased in preterm and low birth weight newborns. All VRE colonization in the NICU was related to the acquisition of the vanA gene. Adherence to infection control policies and antimicrobial stewardship strategies are of the highest importance.

A Japanese traditional medicine Hochuekkito promotes negative conversion of vancomycin-resistant Enterococci

Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are prominent causes of nosocomial infections. Japanese traditional (Kampo) medicine promotes intestinal immunity and protects against bacterial infections. We assessed potential differences in the clinical course of VRE-positive patients, based on their characteristics and treatment with Kampo medicines. This retrospective observational study collected data from VRE-positive patients from August 2018 to July 2019 at a tertiary-care hospital in Japan. The data of 122 consecutive VRE-positive inpatients were analyzed. Sixty-nine patients were treated with probiotics, among whom, 18 were further treated with Kampo medicines. Twenty-six of the 122 patients subsequently died. In univariate analyses, subsequent VRE negative conversion significantly reduced the mortality of VRE-detected patients (p = .0003). Administration of probiotics (p = .0065) and Kampo medicines with probiotics (p = .0002), especially of the Kampo medicine hochuekkito (p = .0014), and a higher serum albumin level positively contributed to the subsequent VRE negative conversion. Multivariate analyses demonstrated that Kampo medicines and body mass index contributed to VRE negative conversion. Hochuekkito shortened the time needed for VRE negative conversion (p = 0.0485). Administration of Kampo medicines, especially of hochuekkito, in addition to probiotics in VRE patients may promote VRE negative conversion.

The Role of Healthcare Worker-Mediated Contact Networks in the Transmission of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci.

BackgroundUser- and time-stamped data from hospital electronic health records (EHRs) present opportunities to evaluate how healthcare worker (HCW)-mediated contact networks impact transmission of multidrug-resistant pathogens, such as vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE).MethodsThis is a retrospective analysis of incident acquisitions of VRE between July 1, 2016 and June 30, 2018. Clinical and demographic patient data were extracted from the hospital EHR system, including all recorded HCW contacts with patients. Contacts by an HCW with 2 different patients within 1 hour was considered a “connection”. Incident VRE acquisition was determined by positive clinical or surveillance cultures collected ≥72 hours after a negative surveillance culture.ResultsThere were 2952 hospitalizations by 2364 patients who had ≥2 VRE surveillance swabs, 112 (4.7%) patients of which had incident nosocomial acquisitions. Patients had a median of 24 (interquartile range [IQR], 18–33) recorded HCW contacts per day, 9 (IQR, 5–16) of which, or approximately 40%, were connections that occurred <1 hour after another patient contact. Patients that acquired VRE had a higher average number of daily connections to VRE-positive patients (3.1 [standard deviation {SD}, 2.4] versus 2.0 [SD, 2.1]). Controlling for other risk factors, connection to a VRE-positive patient was associated with increased odds of acquiring VRE (odds ratio, 1.64; 95% confidence interval, 1.39–1.92).ConclusionsWe demonstrated that EHR data can be used to quantify the impact of HCW-mediated patient connections on transmission of VRE in the hospital. Defining incident acquisition risk of multidrug-resistant organisms through HCWs connections from EHR data in real-time may aid implementation and evaluation of interventions to contain their spread.

670. VRE Clearance in Patients with Recurrent Clostridium difficile Infection Following Treatment with Microbiota-Based Drug RBX2660

BackgroundVancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) infection is frequently associated with immunocompromised and critically ill patients. VRE carriers are at increased risk for infection due to VRE colonization and they pose a risk as a transmission source. VRE infection and Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) share common risk factors, including disruption of the intestinal microbiome. Thus, therapeutic approaches that decolonize VRE would be valuable. Herein, we report on stool VRE clearance in a cohort analysis from a Phase 2 open-label study of RBX2660, standardized microbiota-based drug, for recurrent CDI.MethodsThis prospective, multicenter, open-label Phase 2 study enrolled subjects with recurrent CDI. Participants received up to 2 doses of RBX2660 delivered via enema with doses 7 days apart. Patients were requested to voluntarily submit stool samples at baseline and at 7, 30 and 60 days, 6, 12, and 24 months after the last administration of RBX2660. Stool samples were tested for VRE using bile esculin azide agar with 6 µg/mL vancomycin and gram staining. Vancomycin resistance was confirmed via blood agar and etest.ResultsStool samples were available for 143 patients. Twenty-one patients were VRE-positive at the first test (baseline or 7 day). Of the 19 VRE-positive patients that provided additional samples at later timepoints, 18 (94.7%) converted to negative as of the last available follow-up (30 or 60 days and 6, 12, or 24 months). The remaining patient remained positive at all follow-ups.ConclusionThis cohort analysis of VRE-positive patients within an rCDI population provides additional support that microbiota-based formulations, such as RBX2660, may have additional benefit beyond reducing the recurrence of CDI. Additional study is needed to confirm the role of microbiome restoration on VRE clearance.Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures

Risk Factors and Outcomes of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus Colonization in Patients on Peritoneal Dialysis: A Single-Center Study in Hong Kong.

Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) colonization is common among patients with chronic kidney disease. However, data concerning VRE colonization among patients receiving peritoneal dialysis (PD) is lacking. The aim of this study is to evaluate the risk factors and various clinical outcomes for VRE colonization among PD patients. This is a retrospective cohort study of 166 PD patients who were hospitalized between 1 August 2013 and 31 July 2014. They were screened for VRE colonization status during a major VRE outbreak in Hong Kong in 2013 and were then categorized into 2 groups: VRE-positive and VRE-negative. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality while the secondary outcomes included VRE infection, PD-related peritonitis, and length of hospitalization. Twenty-eight patients (16.9%) belonged to the VRE-positive group. Multivariate analysis showed that previous contact with VRE-positive patients (odds ratio [OR]: 417.86; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 17.21 - 10,147.26, p < 0.01), vancomycin use in previous 3 months (OR: 130.32; 95% CI: 5.35 - 3,176.30, p < 0.01), and old age (OR: 1.13; 95% CI: 1.02 - 1.24, p = 0.02) were the independent risk factors for VRE colonization. Patients in the VRE-positive group had significantly longer length of hospitalization, but there was no significant difference in all-cause mortality and peritonitis-free survival. Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus colonization is important among hospitalized PD patients. Cautious use of antibiotics and infection control measures are necessary to prevent VRE spreading, especially in high-risk patients.

MiBAlert—a new information tool to fight multidrug-resistant bacteria in the hospital setting

BackgroundAlthough the timely isolation of patients is an essential intervention to limit spread of drug-resistant bacteria, information about the colonization status is often unavailable or lost when patients are readmitted or transferred between hospitals. Therefore, carriers of drug resistant bacteria are not recognized sufficiently early, and proper and timely isolation precautions are not taken. Consequently, resistant bacteria of public health concerns including vancomycin resistant enterococci (VRE) and methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) can spread epidemically. To ensure timely identification and proper isolation of such patients we developed an automatic real-time alert of carriers of drug resistant bacteria. ObjectivesThe aim of this paper is to describe the system, called MiBAlert, and share the initial experiences in connection with an outbreak of VRE in the greater Copenhagen area (the Capital region), Denmark. MethodsWe obtained data on cases of VRE from hospitals in Copenhagen during the period when the first version of MiBAlert was implemented and log-data on the use of MiBAlert. Furthermore, a survey was conducted among 88 staff members to investigate their experiences of MiBAlert. ResultsThe alert is a tool directed toward healthcare personnel accessing the electronic health record (EHR) and those further involved in the care and treatment of the patient. It is based on a web service using data from the national microbiological database, MiBa. MiBAlert is a real-time electronic non-intrusive alert generated automatically in the header of the EHR each time record is accessed. On February 15, 2015 a pilot version of MiBAlert was launched. All positive tests for VRE throughout 1year were shown with alert status by MiBAlert visible to all medical staff with access to EHR.The alert system was automatically updated directly in the EHR across the five hospitals in the Capital region. We found that the system performed satisfactorily, being operational 24/7 all 135 trial days, apart from 72min, for all the hospitals. Of the staff who responded to the survey, 82% considered that MiBAlert overall improved compliance with isolation precautions regarding VRE-positive patients. We found a marked decline of new patients infected or colonized with VRE concomitant with the implementation of MiBAlert and the survey results. ConclusionWe found that MiBAlert was a valuable tool in a bundle approach to counter a multiple hospital outbreak of VRE, and that it has a great potential to improve the control of other drug-resistant bacteria.

Clearance of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus Concomitant With Administration of a Microbiota-Based Drug Targeted at Recurrent Clostridium difficile Infection.

Background. Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) is a major healthcare-associated pathogen and a well known complication among transplant and immunocompromised patients. We report on stool VRE clearance in a post hoc analysis of the Phase 2 PUNCH CD study assessing a microbiota-based drug for recurrent Clostridium difficile infection (CDI).Methods. A total of 34 patients enrolled in the PUNCH CD study received 1 or 2 doses of RBX2660 (microbiota suspension). Patients were requested to voluntarily submit stool samples at baseline and at 7, 30, and 60 days and 6 months after the last administration of RBX2660. Stool samples were tested for VRE using bile esculin azide agar with 6 µg/mL vancomycin and Gram staining. Vancomycin resistance was confirmed by Etest.Results. VRE status (at least 1 test result) was available for 30 patients. All stool samples for 19 patients (63.3%, mean age 61.7 years, 68% female) tested VRE negative. Eleven patients (36.7%, mean age 75.5 years, 64% female) were VRE positive at the first test (baseline or 7-day follow-up). Of these patients, 72.7%, n = 8 converted to negative as of the last available follow-up (30 or 60 days or 6 months). Of the other 3: 1 died (follow-up data not available); 1 patient remained positive at all follow-ups; 1 patient retested positive at 6 months with negative tests during the interim.Conclusions. Although based on a small sample size, this secondary analysis demonstrated the possibility of successfully converting a high percentage of VRE-positive patients to negative in a recurrent CDI population with RBX2660.

The clinical impact of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus colonization and bloodstream infection in patients undergoing autologous transplantation.

Although several studies have documented adverse outcomes for vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) colonization and infection in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) recipients, data are inadequate for patients undergoing autologous (auto-)HSCT. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 300 consecutive patients receiving an auto-HSCT between 2006 and 2014. Patients had stool cultures for VRE on admission and weekly during hospitalization. Thirty-six percent of patients had VRE gastrointestinal (GI) colonization and 3% developed a VRE bloodstream infection (BSI), all of whom were colonized. VRE strain typing of BSI isolates showed that some patients shared identical patterns. Rates of colonization and BSI in colonized patients were similar to simultaneous patients undergoing allo-HSCT, except that the latter had a higher rate of colonization at admission. A diagnosis of lymphoma was associated with an increased risk of colonization. VRE BSI was associated with longer lengths of stay and possibly higher costs, but no decrease in overall survival, and colonized patients had no VRE infections during the year following discharge. Repeat stool cultures in patients subsequently undergoing allo-HSCT suggested that most, if not all, VRE-positive auto-HSCT patients lose their detectable GI colonization within a few months of discharge. VRE colonization is frequent but carries a low risk for infection in patients undergoing auto-HSCT. However, these patients can serve as reservoirs for transmission to higher risk patients. Moreover, patients may remain colonized if proceeding to an allo-HSCT shortly after auto-HSCT, potentially increasing the risk of the allogeneic procedure.

Risk factors for enterococcal infection and colonization by vancomycin-resistant enterococci in critically ill patients.

Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE) are important causes of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) infections. Our goal was to identify the prevalence and risk factors for VRE colonization upon ICU admission and during ICU stay, as well as, their impact in enterococcal infection including vancomycin-susceptible cases (VSE). A prospective study regarding patients admitted in ICU (n = 497) was conducted during a 24-month period. Rectal swabs were collected upon admission and during hospitalization and inoculated onto selective medium. Enterococci were phenotypically characterized. van genes were investigated by PCR and clones were identified by Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis and Multilocus Sequence Typing. Epidemiologic data were collected from the ICU database. Risk factors for VRE carriage upon ICU admission (71/497) were: duration of previous hospitalization, glycopeptide administration, chronic heart failure, malignancy, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, and previous enterococcal infection (VRE and/or VSE). Risk factors for VRE colonization during ICU stay (36/250) were: quinolone administration, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic renal failure, and number of VRE-positive patients in nearby beds. Risk factors for enterococcal infection during ICU stay (15/284), including VRE and VSE cases, were: administration of third- or fourth-generation cephalosporins, cortisone use before ICU admission and VRE colonization, whereas, enteral nutrition was a protective factor. Previous VRE colonization and antibiotic usage are essential parameters for enterococcal infection (by VRE or VSE) during ICU stay. Previous enterococcal infection, co-morbidities and antibiotic usage are associated with VRE colonization upon ICU admission, whereas, patient to patient transmission, co-morbidities and antibiotic usage constitute risk factors for VRE colonization during ICU hospitalization.

Confounding by indication affects antimicrobial risk factors for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus but not vancomycin-resistant enterococci acquisition.

BackgroundObservational studies rarely account for confounding by indication, whereby empiric antibiotics initiated for signs and symptoms of infection prior to the diagnosis of infection are then viewed as risk factors for infection. We evaluated whether confounding by indication impacts antimicrobial risk factors for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) acquisition.FindingsWe previously reported several predictors of MRSA and VRE acquisition in 967 intensive care unit (ICU) patients with no prior history of MRSA or VRE who had an initial negative screening culture followed by either a subsequent negative screening culture (controls) or positive screening or clinical culture (cases). Within and prior to this acquisition interval, we collected demographic, comorbidity, daily device and antibiotic utilization data. We now re-evaluate all antibiotics by medical record review for evidence of treatment for signs and symptoms ultimately attributable to MRSA or VRE. Generalized linear mixed models are used to assess variables associated with MRSA or VRE acquisition, accounting for clustering by ward. We find that exclusion of empiric antibiotics given for suspected infection affects 17% (113/661) of antibiotic prescriptions in 25% (60/244) of MRSA-positive patients but only 1% (5/491) of antibiotic prescriptions in 1% (3/227) of VRE-positive patients. In multivariate testing, fluoroquinolones are no longer associated with MRSA acquisition, and aminoglycosides are significantly protective (OR = 0.3, CI:0.1-0.7).ConclusionsNeglecting treatment indication may cause common empiric antibiotics to appear spuriously associated with MRSA acquisition. This effect is absent for VRE, likely because empiric therapy is infrequent given the low prevalence of VRE.

Evaluation of GeneXpert vanA/vanB assay for the detection of vancomycin-resistant enterococci in patients newly admitted to intensive care units

The automated Cepheid GeneXpert system provides rapid PCR results and can be used for the identification of VRE. We aimed to evaluate the use of the Cepheid Xpert vanA/vanB real-time PCR assay for the detection of VRE from rectal swabs of patients newly admitted to intensive care units in a hospital setting. Materials and methods: Rectal swab samples of patients newly admitted to 6 intensive care units from March 2011 to February 2012 were obtained. The specimens were analyzed by the GeneXpert system. The results were reported for both vanA and vanB as negative or positive. Results: Comparing the number of inpatients, most of the samples were delivered from the neurosurgery (48.3%), pediatrics (33.3%), and neonatology (20.6%) intensive care units. The positive samples according to GeneXpert vanA/vanB method were 33 (7.3%) among 454 rectal samples. Of these positive samples 22 (4.9%) were vanA, 10 (2.2%) were vanB, and 1 sample (0.2%) was vanA and vanB-harboring, by PCR. Conclusion: As a rapid, easy to use, and labor-saving method GeneXpert vanA/vanB can detect VRE-positive patients, particularly in risk groups, as soon as they are admitted to hospital so that infection control policies can be applied immediately.

Systematic Review of Measurement and Adjustment for Colonization Pressure in Studies of Methicillin-ResistantStaphylococcus aureus, Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci, andClostridium difficileAcquisition

Colonization pressure is an important infection control metric. The aim of this study was to describe the definition and measurement of and adjustment for colonization pressure in nosocomial-acquisition risk factor studies of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), and Clostridium difficile. We performed a computerized search of studies of nosocomial MRSA, VRE, and C. difficile acquisition published before July 1, 2009, through MEDLINE. Studies were included if a study outcome was MRSA, VRE, or C. difficile acquisition; the authors identified risk factors associated with MRSA, VRE, or C. difficile acquisition; and the study measured colonization pressure. The initial MEDLINE search yielded 505 articles. Sixty-six of these were identified as studies of nosocomial MRSA, VRE, or C. difficile acquisition; of these, 18 (27%) measured colonization pressure and were included in the final review. The definition of colonization pressure varied considerably between studies: the proportion of MRSA- or VRE-positive patients (5 studies), the proportion of MRSA- or VRE-positive patient-days (6 studies), or the total or mean number of MRSA-, VRE-, or C. difficile-positive patients or patient-days (7 studies) in the unit over periods of varying length. In 10 of 13 studies, colonization pressure was independently associated with MRSA, VRE, or C. difficile acquisition. There is a need for a simple and consistent method to quantify colonization pressure in both research and routine clinical care to accurately assess the effect of colonization pressure on cross-transmission of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Patienten mit multiresistenten Erregern: Wirksamkeit und Risiko von Isolierungsmaßnahmen bei „MRSA &amp; Co.“

The transmission of multidrug-resistant organisms (MRSA, VRE and ESBL producing bacteria) occurs predominantly if health-care workers are not compliant with hand hygiene procedures. The impact of single-room isolation in transmission prevention is often overestimated. As long as hand disinfection is not performed before and after patient contact and gloves are not removed, a single room will not prevent transmission by -itself. Understaffing is additionally worsening the situation. There is no consistent evidence sup-port-ing strict single-room isolation even though data show supportive tendencies. Social isolation is one of the risks that should be considered as well as the economic impact of using shared rooms as a single room. Up-to-date, evidence-based standard operating procedures and individual infection control recommendations should take these considerations into account. In general, contact precautions including isolation in a single room are performed in MRSA and VRE-positive patients. If a single room cannot be provided in a given case (a common problem in intensive care units), contact precautions can be performed in a shared room as an alternative. The problem of establishing an optimal compliance with standard precautions (especially hand hygiene) throughout all professional groups should be addressed. Additional precautions, including single-room isolation, should be implemented critically if indicated.

Rapid Curbing of a Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus faecium Outbreak in a Nephrology Department

Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are recovered with increasing frequency among patients with chronic renal failure, making VRE a major concern in nephrology departments, especially for patients who are treated by hemodialysis. We report herein the successful aggressive management of a VRE outbreak in a nephrology department. An Enterococcus faecium vanB strain was isolated from a peritoneal dialysis solution from an inpatient. Immediately, infection control measures were enforced and active screening was performed for all contact patients. Carriers were isolated, and patients were divided into three cohorts: Positive, contact, and noncontact patients. We then performed a case-control study to understand risk factors for VRE carriage comparing VRE carriers with contact patients who were negative for VRE. A total of 14 VRE-positive and 125 VRE-negative contact patients were identified. VRE-positive patients were more likely to receive hemodialysis and have longer hospital stays in nephrology. VRE-positive patients more often had a central venous catheter for a longer period of time and received more antibiotics than VRE-negative patients. Treatment with large-spectrum beta-lactams and number of days in the nephrology ward were significantly associated with a higher risk for VRE carriage by using multivariate analysis. These findings suggest that case mix, longer hospital stays, and antibiotic use are major risk factors for VRE acquisition. In addition, it demonstrates that strict enforcement of isolation precautions and cohorting associated with active screening are successful to curb the transmission of VRE in renal units despite continuous colonization pressure.

Incidence and Risk Factors of Infection Caused by Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus Colonization in Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit Patients

This study was aimed to identify the incidence and risk factors of vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE) colonization in neurosurgical practice of field, with particular attention to intensive care unit (ICU). This retrospective study was carried out on the Neurosurgical ICU (NICU), during the period from January. 2005 to December. 2007, in 414 consecutive patients who had been admitted to the NICU. Demographics and known risk factors were retrieved and assessed by statistical methods. A total of 52 patients had VRE colonization among 414 patients enrolled, with an overall prevalence rate of 6.1%. E. faecium was the most frequently isolated pathogen, and 92.3% of all VRE were isolated from urine specimen. Active infection was noticed only in 2 patients with bacteremia and meningitis. Relative antibiotic agents were third-generation cephalosporin in 40%, and vancomycin in 23%, and multiple antibiotic usages were also identified in 13% of all cases. Multivariate analyses showed Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score less than 8, placement of Foley catheter longer than 2 weeks, ICU stay over 2 weeks and presence of nearby VRE-positive patients had a significantly independent association with VRE infection. When managing the high-risk patients being prone to be infected VRE in the NICU, extreme caution should be paid upon. Because prevention and outbreak control is of ultimate importance, clinicians should be alert the possibility of impending colonization and infection by all means available. The most crucial interventions are careful hand washing, strict glove handling, meticulous and active screening, and complete segregation.

Factors Associated With Acquisition of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE) in Roommate Contacts of Patients Colonized or Infected with VRE in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Most nosocomial acquistion of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) is due to cross-transmission. We sought to identify risk factors for acquisition of VRE by roommates of patients colonized or infected with VRE. Retrospective cohort study. A 472-bed tertiary care teaching hospital. All patients who shared a room with a patient colonized or infected with VRE at our hospital between January 1, 1999 and December 31, 2006 were identified. These roommates of VRE-positive patients were screened by rectal swab culture on days 2, 5, and 7 after the last exposure to the index patient. Chart reviews were performed to identify risk factors for VRE colonization in these roommates. Eighty-eight roommates of patients colonized or infected with VRE were identified. Of the 38 roommates with complete follow-up, 8 (21%) became colonized with VRE. These 8 roommates were older (median, 87.5 vs 62.5 years of age; P = .001), had longer duration of room exposure (median, 8.5 vs 4 days; P = .002), and were more likely to have a urinary catheter (odds ratio [OR], 16 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.7-152]; P = .005), an elevated serum creatinine level (OR, 17 [95% CI, 1.4-196]; P = .02), low serum albumin level (OR, 9.9 [95% CI, 1.3-113]; P = .01), and recent third-generation cephalosporin use (OR, 8.3 [95% CI, 1.5-47]; P = .02). Roommates of patients identified as colonized or infected with VRE are at substantial risk of becoming colonized, with the degree of risk increasing in older and more frail patients. VRE control programs should pay particular attention to such patients.

Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE): transmission and control

Transmission of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) can occur through direct contact with colonised or infected patients or through indirect contact via the hands of health-care workers (HCWs), or via contaminated patient care equipment or environmental surfaces. Antibiotic exposure plays an important role in the transmission dynamic of VRE. Until now, the control measures aimed at reducing the incidence of VRE colonisation and infection in hospitals have included: education of HCWs with implementation of hand-washing practices and compliance; wide and targeted surveillance cultures; isolation of VRE-positive patients; pre-emptive isolation of high-risk patients; and restriction of antibiotic use. However, despite these, VRE is still endemic in many hospitals. The causes of this could be non-compliance with infection control interventions, overuse of antibiotics, and insensitive microbiological methods for detecting VRE in stool. A scoring system using point values has been demonstrated to be useful in reducing rates of nosocomial VRE colonisation. Future prospective comparative studies of infection control approaches in different epidemiological situations might be useful.

Rapid control of an outbreak of vancomycin-resistant enterococci in a French university hospital

Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are emerging in French hospitals. A VRE outbreak occurred in our hospital, prompting efforts to eradicate the organism. The following interventions were implemented simultaneously to control the outbreak: (1) creation of a VRE control committee; (2) cohorting of VRE carriers in a dedicated ward; (3) extensive screening of contact patients; (4) use of a sensitive technique for detecting VRE in rectal samples; (5) intervention of a dedicated team to reduce consumption of selected antibiotics; (6) information for, and education of, all hospital staff; and (7) electronic tracking of in-hospital transfer and readmission of VRE carriers and contact patients. Over a four-week period following admission of the index case, 37 carriers of a single strain of vanA vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium were identified across seven units. A single additional readmitted contact patient was identified later. Of the 39 VRE-positive patients, two had urinary tract infections and 37 were colonised. Of the 32 patients with known VRE stool concentrations, 23 had low and nine high concentrations. One low-concentration patient precipitated transmission in another unit. This aggressive, co-ordinated, multifaceted strategy was successful in halting a widespread VRE outbreak in our hospital.