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Volume 13 Issue 4 (April) 2024

Original Articles

A Study of Microbial Characterization of Enterococci with special Emphasis on VRE at Tertiary care centre
Dr. Kuldeep Singh, Dr. Saurabh G Agarwal, Dr. Sanyogita Jain, Mr. Veerendra Sen, Dr. Rajdeep Paul, Dr. Akshaya Khattri, Dr. Arpita Soni

Introduction: Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) pose a significant challenge in healthcare settings, necessitating urgent attention due to their role in healthcare-associated infections. The emergence of VRE underscores the evolving nature of microbial pathogens and highlights the need for vigilant surveillance and intervention. Enterococci, once considered harmless inhabitants of the gastrointestinal tract, have become prominent causes of nosocomial infections. The increasing global incidence of nosocomial infections, including urinary tract infections (UTIs) and other device-associated infections, underscores the virulence and adaptability of Enterococci. Traditionally, vancomycin has been the mainstay of therapy, but the emergence of vancomycin-resistant strains has necessitated a shift in treatment paradigms. Objective: This study aims to evaluate and characterize different Enterococcus species isolated from various clinical samples, with a particular emphasis on screening for vancomycin resistance, considering the scarcity of information on VRE in India. Materials & Methods: The study employed a prospective laboratory-based approach with a cross-sectional design, conducted at the Department of Microbiology, Chirayu Medical College & Hospital, Bhopal, over one year. Samples include those from hospitalized patients and outpatient department attendees, excluding respiratory, stool, and vaginal sources. Samples were subjected to bacteriological processing using standard methods, with a focus on Enterococcus isolation and identification. Data analysis includes detailed sample characteristics, microbiological findings, and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles. Results: Among 16,993 samples analysed, urinary isolates were most common (27.33% positivity), with 17.63% yielding Enterococcus spp. Blood samples showed 22.58% positivity, with 6.31% yielding Enterococcus spp. Female patients accounted for 57.68% of isolates, and positivity varied across age groups. VRE prevalence was 7.77% in urine and 6.25% in blood samples. Sensitivity to antibiotics varied, with Vancomycin, Teicoplanin, and Linezolid showing high Sensitivity. Conclusion: This study provides insights into Enterococcus spp. prevalence and VRE at a tertiary care center, emphasizing the need for surveillance and tailored interventions to address the rising threat of VRE. Understanding distribution, resistance patterns, and antibiotic sensitivities is crucial for optimizing treatment and infection control measures. Continued research is essential to combat Enterococcus infections and antimicrobial resistance effectively.

 
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