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PubMedDate not supplied

Absence of high-level vancomycin resistance in enterococci isolated from meat-processing facilities.

Enterococci isolated from packaging areas of meat-processing facilities that produce ready-to-eat meat products were examined for high-level vancomycin resistance. A total of 406 enterococci isolates from the plants' packaging areas were examined for vancomycin resistance. High-level vancomycin resistance was not demonstrated in any enterococci isolated from 12 meat-processing plants.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed1998

Antimicrobial resistance in enterococci.

Enterococci have emerged as a major nosocomial pathogen and as an ever-increasing problem in antimicrobial resistance. They are ubiquitous in the intestinal flora of humans and animals and inherently resistant to a wide array of antimicrobial agents, and, more alarmingly, they seem to have a potential facility for acquiring new resistance determinants, including beta-lactamase production, high-level resistance to aminoglycosides, and recently, glycopeptide resistance. Collectively, all of these properties make enterococci one of most difficult nosocomial pathogens to treat and control today. The purpose of this review was to examine the epidemiology, the mechanisms, and laboratory detection of resistance of enterococci to the two major groups of antibiotics: aminoglycosides and glycopeptides.

Aminoglycosides↗
PubMed2004

Cloning of the bile salt hydrolase (bsh) gene from Enterococcus faecium FAIR-E 345 and chromosomal location of bsh genes in food enterococci.

Enterococcus faecium strain FAIR-E 345 isolated from food was shown to possess bile salt hydrolase (Bsh) activity in a plate screening assay and by high-performance liquid chromatography analysis. The bsh gene was cloned and sequenced. DNA sequence analysis revealed that it encoded a protein of 324 amino acids, with pI 4.877. A bsh gene probe was prepared from the cloned bsh gene and was used for probing plasmid and total genomic DNA of Bsh-positive enterococci isolated from food to determine the genomic location of their bsh genes. This probe was able to detect the bsh gene among total genomic DNA preparations but not from plasmid preparations of 10 plasmid-bearing Enterococcus strains. However, the probe could detect the bsh gene from total genomic DNA preparations of 12 Enterococcus strains that did not contain detectable plasmid DNA. In no cases did the probe hybridize with plasmid DNA preparations, suggesting that the bsh gene among enterococci is probably generally chromosomally encoded. This presumptive chromosomal location of bsh genes among food enterococci suggests that transfer of this trait by conjugative plasmids is unlikely.

Amidohydrolases↗
PubMed2006

Genes encoding bacteriocins and their expression and potential virulence factors of Enterococci isolated from wood pigeons (Columba palumbus).

Samples of the intestinal content and carcasses of wood pigeons (Columba palumbus) were evaluated for enterococci with antimicrobial activity. Enterococcus faecium comprised the largest enterococcal species with antagonistic activity, followed by Enterococcusfaecalis and Enterococcus columbae. PCR amplification of genes coding bacteriocins and determination of their nucleotide sequence, and the use of specific antipeptide bacteriocin antibodies and a noncompetitive indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, permitted characterization of enterococci coding that described bacteriocins and their expression. The efaAfm determinant was the only virulence gene detected in E. faecium, whereas E. faecalis showed a larger number of virulence determinants, and E. columbae did not carry any of the virulence genes examined. Although all E. faecalis isolates manifested a potent direct antimicrobial activity, no activity was detected in supernatants of producer cells. Purification of the antagonistic activity of E. columbae PLCH2 showed multiple chromatographic fragments after matrix-assisted laser desorption-ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry analysis, suggesting the active peptide(s) had not yet purified to homogeneity. Bacteriocinogenic E. faecium and E. columbae isolates may be considered hygienic for production of enterocins and potentially safe due to their low incidence of potential virulence genes and susceptibility of most relevant clinical antibiotics. However, the presence among the enterococci of E. faecalis strains with a potent antagonistic activity and multiple virulence factors is an issue that must be considered further.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

The emergence of enterococci as a cause of nosocomial infection.

Enterococci have traditionally been regarded as low-grade pathogens but have emerged as an increasingly important cause of nosocomial infection. The rise in hospital-acquired enterococcal infection has been in part due to the increased use of broad-spectrum antibiotics and the rising number of severely ill patients. The intrinsic resistance of enterococci to many antimicrobial agents, and the acquisition of resistance to the few antibiotics available for treatment, has led to real therapeutic difficulties. The microbiological laboratory has an important role to play in the control of enterococcal infection through surveillance, and should be able to identify antibiotic-resistant strains likely to cause a problem. Infection control measures, such as source isolation of infected or colonised patients, should be considered. The possibility that vancomycin-resistant strains of enterococci are entering the community via the food chain indicates the need for greater control of the use of glycopeptide antibiotics in animal feed.

Cross Infection↗
PubMed1999

[Aminoglycoside-resistant enterococci a new bacterial hazard].

Enterococci are common causative agents in a broad range of human infections. Although formerly considered to be of low virulence, in recent years they have emerged as important pathogens, particularly in the hospital environment. Enterococci are not only intrinsically resistant to several antibiotics, but are also characterised by a potent and unique ability to exchange genetic material. With the increasing prevalence of strains resistant to ampicillin, aminoglycosides and glycopeptides, serious therapeutic difficulties have become more common. Epidemiological aspects, the mechanisms of action, the detection of antibiotic resistance, and the situation of enterococci in Sweden are discussed in the article.

Aminoglycosides↗
PubMed2000

Glycopeptide resistance in enterococci.

The selective pressure resulting from the extensive use of antibiotics over the last 50 years has led to the emergence of bacterial resistance and to the dissemination of resistance genes among pathogenic microorganisms. Consequently, we are now at serious risk of suffering intractable, life-threatening infections. The progressive emergence and rapid dissemination of resistance to glycopeptides, the last resort for treating nosocomial infections with enterococci resistant to usual antibiotics, constitute one of the most dramatic examples of such resistance. Enterococci are normal human commensals, but are also a frequent cause of nosocomial urinary tract infections and nosocomial bacteremia. Enterococcus faecalis causes 80 to 90% of human enterococcal infections, while Enterococcus faecium accounts for most of the remainder. During the last decade, our understanding of the genetics and biochemical basis of resistance to glycopeptides has increased greatly. Furthermore, the application of molecular methods for the diagnosis of glycopeptide-resistant enterococci has provided new insights into the epidemiology of enterococcal infections.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

In Vitro Antimicrobial Activity Against Enterococci Isolated in a University Hospital in São Paulo, Brazil.

The prevalence of multiresistant enterococci (MRE) is rapidly increasing and becoming an important problem in several countries. São Paulo Hospital is a 600-bed tertiary hospital located in São Paulo, Brazil. The use of vancomycin is very high in the hospital due to the high prevalence of multi-resistant S. aureus (around 70%). We susceptibility tested 250 isolates of Enterococci consecutively collected between March, 1994 and June, 1995. Isolates were susceptibility tested using agar dilution disc diffusion BHI screen plating, and E test. In addition to vancomycin and teicoplanin, the isolates were tested against ampicillin, gentamicin, streptomycin and RP 59-500. Methods used for susceptibility testing were compared. None of the isolates showed high-level resistance to vancomycin or teicoplanin. The MIC90s for teicoplanin were &lte;1µg/mL for E. faecalis (EF, n=216), E. faecium (EFM, n=23) and for the non-faecalis-non-faecium (NFNF, n=11) species. The MlC90s for vancomycin were 2µg/mL, 4µg/mL and 4µg/mL for EF, EFM and NFNF respectively. Eight isolates (3.2%), 5 E. faecalis, 2 E. casseliflavus and 1 E. gallinarum presented intermediate MICs for vancomycin (6 - 12µg/mL), but they were highly susceptible to teicoplanin (MIC 0.19 - 1µg/mL). The percentage of resistance to ampicillin and high-level resistance to gentamicin and streptomycin were, respectively: 4.8%, 26.4%, and 24.8%. In spite of the high usage of vancomycin in our hospital, the prevalence of glycopeptide resistance among enterococci seems to be low. Teicoplanin appears to be more potent than vancomycin, RP 59-500, gentamicin, streptomycin and ampicilin against this genus, especially EFM and NFNF species.

Journal Article↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Characterization of the biological properties of enterococci of different origin].

The species composition of enterococci isolated from different ecological niches in newborn infants was determined. Pathogenicity and persistence markers were unified into a single complex which integrally determined the pathogenic potential of enterococci. The mathematical model suitable for differentiation pathogenic and nonpatogenic enterococci was developed.

Digestive System↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Prevalence of glycopeptide resistant enterococci in hospitalized patients and in the community in Calabria (Italy)].

The study evaluated prevalence of glycopeptide (vancomycin and teicoplanin) resistant enterococci (VRE) in hospitalized patients and in the community in Calabria (Italy). Rectal swabs were collected from hospitalized and community subjects. Information was gathered on demographics, ward and duration of hospital stay and antibiotics administered; in community subjects information on previous hospitalizations and antibiotics use in the previous year were also collected. Rectal swabs were plated on Enterococcosel agar alone and with addition of vancomycin (6 mg/l) and incubated aerobically at 37 degrees for 24-48 hours. Typical colonies were tested for Gram stain and catalase production. Enterococci were identified to the species level by biochemical tests. Antimicrobial susceptibility test and E-test were performed by the disk diffusion method to evaluate vancomycin and teicoplanin susceptibility. t-test and chi square test were performed to evaluate difference in means and proportions, respectively. Samples were collected from 211 subjects; 132 (62.6%) from community and 79 (37.4%) from hospitals. Enterococci were isolated from 145 subjects (68.7%), 72.7% and 62% in community and in hospital, respectively. The most frequent isolates were E. faecium (30.4%), followed by E. faecalis and E. durans (25.5%), and, finally, by Leuconostoc (18.6%). Only one E. faecium strain was resistant to both vancomycin and teicoplanin, isolated from a non-hospitalized 45 years old woman (1.3%). The results did not show emergence of VRE in our area, although surveillance to confirm these findings is needed, considering the substantial spread of antibiotics in hospitals and in the community.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Isolation, characterisation and antibiogram of Enterococci from clinical samples.

During a one year study 2955 clinical specimens of pus, urine, wound swabs, blood cultures, discharges from fistula, peritoneal aspiration fluid, CSF and sputum were processed to find out the prevalence rate of enterococci. One hundred isolates (3.38%) of Enterococci were obtained which were speciated by conventional methods. The highest incidence was from isolates of urine (43%), pus (40%), wound swabs (11%), and the least incidence was noted in discharges from fistula (2%), blood cultures (2%) and peritoneal aspiration fluid (2%). 98% were Enterococci and among these 88% of the isolates were Enterococcus faecalis. Antibiogram of the isolates were done by Standard disc diffusion method and Vancomycin sensitivity was found to be 95%.

Enterococcus faecalis↗
PubMed2004

Aminoglycoside resistance in enterococci isolated from paediatric septicaemia in a tertiary care hospital in north India.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Enterococci are important nosocomial agents and serious infections caused by them are often treated with a combination of cell wall inhibitor and aminoglycoside. However, the presence of high level aminoglycoside resistance in these isolates makes this treatment combination ineffective. The prevalence of such isolates in a tertiary care set up has important diagnostic and therapeutic implications. The present study was carried out to find out the occurrence of high level aminoglycoside resistant isolates of enterococci in paediatric septicaemia cases in a tertiary care set up in north India. METHODS: Blood of paediatric cases with a clinical diagnosis of septicaemia was cultured to isolate and identify enterococci. Agar screen method was used to detect high level streptomycin and gentamicin resistance in these isolates. Vancomycin susceptibility of these isolates were determined as per the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS) recommendations. RESULTS: Fifty one enterococcal strains were isolated from 21 neonates, nine infants and 21 children with a clinical diagnosis of septicaemia. Sixty eight per cent of these isolates had high level gentamicin resistance and forty three per cent had high level streptomycin resistance. All the isolates with high level streptomycin resistance also had high level gentamicin resistance. More than ninety five per cent of these isolates were sensitive to vancomycin. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: The occurrence of high level gentamicin and high level streptomycin resistance in enterococcal isolates in our set up was high. This would require routine testing of the enterococcal isolates for high level aminoglycoside resistance. Alternative treatment regimes need to be sought, besides prudent use of antibiotics.

Aminoglycosides↗
PubMed2005

Occurrence of antibiotic resistant enterococci in clinical specimens from a pediatric hospital.

Enterococcal infection has become a major clinical problem and E. faecalis and E. faecium are the most frequently isolated species. However, the isolation of other species (E. casseliflavus, E. gallinarum, E. durans) from clinical materials was reported recently. The aim of this study was to evaluate drug resistance of 97 species of enterococci isolated from clinical specimens of Upper Silesian Health Center of Child and Mother in Katowice. Each strain was tested for susceptibility to vancomycin, teicoplanin, aminoglycosides (gentamycin and streptomycin) and synercid (quinupristine/ dalfopristine) by the E-test method. Fifty three percent of studied enterococci demonstrated high level aminoglycoside resistance (HLAR) (MIC > 1024 microg/ml). Sixty three strains of E. faecalis were sensitive to vancomycin (MIC 1-4 microg/ml), but 5 strains demonstrated low sensitivity (3 strains with MIC = 6 microg/ml and 2 strains with MIC = 24 microg/ml). All studied enterococci were sensitive to teicoplanin (MIC < 2 microg/ml). A high percentage of E. faecium (70%) resistant to synercid was demonstrated (MIC = 2-24 microg/ml). Infection control and monitoring of antibiotic sensitivity among isolated hospital strains may prevent the transmission of resistant strains in a pediatric hospital.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[The lactic acid enterococci Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus durans: nucleotide sequence diversity in 16S rRNA genes].

Among the strains used as starters for making sour milk products on the territory of the CIS, the bacteria Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus durans are frequently found. In this work, we studied a new collection of lactic acid enterococci and also obtained more complete data on the nucleotide sequences of 16S rRNA genes in some strains studied earlier and found that most strains had certain distinctions in their 16S rRNA genes as compared with the E. durans and E. faecium genes available in the NCBI database. Based on these data, it is suggested that the strains of lactic acid enterococci represent new, earlier unknown taxa of enterococci that use milk as an ecological niche.

Armenia↗
PubMed2006

Antibiotic resistance of enterococci isolated from frozen foods and environmental water.

We evaluated 239 isolates of enterococci (113 from frozen foods and 126 from environmental water) for their resistance to 8 antibiotics by agar disk diffusion method. Most isolates from both sources were resistant to tetracycline (64.1% food strains; 46.8% water strains) and ciprofloxacin (53.4% food strains; 48.4% water strains). A relatively high prevalence of chloramphenicol, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and vancomycin resistance was present, ranging from 9.7 to 27.2% for food strains and 10.3 to 15.9% for water strains; while other drug resistance (ampicillin, gentamicin and teicoplanin) was minimal (< or = 0.9% for food strains; < or = 1.6% for water strains). No significant differences in resistant rates between the two sources were found for any of the drugs (p>0.05) except tetracycline (p<0.05). The majority of isolates from both sources were multi-resistant strains (50% for food strains and 42% for water strains). Most of them showed resistance to two drugs. There was no significant difference in the non-resistance patterns and the multidrug resistance patterns (p>0.05) between the frozen food and environmental water strains, but a significant difference was seen in the single drug resistance pattern (p<0.05). Vancomycin resistant enterococci (VRE) were isolated from nearly all sources studied, 9.7% food isolates and 10.3% water isolates, with no significant difference between the two sources (p>0.05). This study shows a high prevalence of multidrug resistance among enterococci isolated from foods of animal origin and environmental water. This may serve as a potential transfer route of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and resistant genes into the human food-chain and environment which could potentially pose a health threat to humans in the future. The use of antibiotics for purposes other than human health, ie in animal feeds and in the treatment of infection in animals, should be reduced and eventually eliminated. Improved hygiene practices and controlled use of antibiotics in agriculture, animal husbandry, and fisheries are desirable for environmental management and public health protection.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed2005

[Assimilatory ferric reductases in enterococci].

Enterococci produced assimilatory ferric reductases which are surface-associated enzymes. This is the first report of the intracellular enzymic reduction of iron by enterococci. A correlation between ferric reductases activity and species affiliation and origin of strains was found. The expression of ferric reductases has not affected by the presence or absence of iron, hemin and hemoglobin in the growth medium. Enterococcal ferric reductases exhibit a very broad specificity. A number of different ferric organic and inorganic compounds, natural and synthetic iron chelators and iron body sources including lactoferrin, transferin, ferritin, haemoglobin, could be reduced. A surface-associated ferric reductases may be one component of a general iron scavenging mechanism which can be used by enterococci growing in a variety of environments.

Enterococcus↗
PubMed2006

PFGE analysis of enterococci isolates from recreational and drinking water in Greece.

Biotyping and DNA fingerprinting by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis were applied to a collection of enterococci recovered from recreational and drinking water, in order to identify possible genetic relationships. Clinical strains of hospital origin were compared to the environmental isolates. A total of 104 enterococci were isolated from 128 recreational water (94 marine and 34 river water) and 470 drinking water supplies (440 municipal and 30 natural spring water samples). Sixty-two isolates were characterised as Enterococcus faecium recovered from all sources, 32 E. faecalis (from all sources), 4 E. durans (from marine, river and municipal water), 4 E. gallinarum (from marine water) and 2 E. avium (from marine and municipal water). Biotypes, determined with API20Strep, among E. faecium were correlated with certain environmental sources, while antibiotypes, determined with Etest, did not reveal any relationship to the sample origin. Even though genetic diversity was observed among the studied strains, common clonal types were also identified in different sources, suggesting a possible common origin of the enterococci. Cluster analysis revealed a genetic relationship between certain environmental E. faecium and clinical strains.

Bacterial Typing Techniques↗