Clinical and microbiological study of vancomycin-resistant enterococci isolated from colonized and infected patients with special reference to risk factors.

Background: Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) has become a growing concern in healthcare settings as a major cause of many nosocomial infections worldwide. Risk factors associated with VRE are important to study. High-risk patients need to be screened and isolated to prevent the spread of infection and colonization. The present study aims to investigate the clinical spectrum, risk factors, and source of transmission of VRE in infected and colonized patients. Methods: A prospective observational study was carried out for 1 year. A total of 200 Enterococcus species isolated from clinical samples such as urine, pus, blood, sterile body fluids, and stool from 200 patients without infection were included in the study. Stool samples were screened to measure the prevalence of VRE colonization. All samples were screened for vancomycin resistance using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Vancomycin MIC was detected using the macrobroth dilution method. Demographic and clinical history of the patients were recorded. Results: Vancomycin resistance was detected in 7 (3.5%) of 200 enterococci isolates from clinical samples. Urinary tract infection (n = 5, 71.4%) was the most common clinical illness caused by VRE. Gut colonization was found in 12 (6%) out of 200 patients screened for VRE. A history of previous antibiotic exposure was a significant risk factor in the current study and was associated with VRE infection and colonization. Endogenous bloodstream infection caused by VRE was found in one patient with VRE colonization. Conclusion: The findings of this study highlight the significant burden of VRE on patients, both those infected and colonized. The emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria in healthcare settings, a consequence of inappropriate antibiotic use, is a serious concern that warrants further research and our continued attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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