Antibiotic-resistant enterococci.
Enterococci have emerged as an important cause of nosocomial infection. Successful antibiotic treatment of serious enterococcal infection usually depends on the synergistic bactericidal effect achieved by the combination of a cell wall-active agent, such as ampicillin or a glycopeptide, and an aminoglycoside. However, the prevalence of enterococci resistant to one or more of these antibiotics is increasing, and has resulted in serious therapeutic difficulties. The mechanisms of antibiotic resistance, and the epidemiology, laboratory diagnosis and management of infection with antibiotic-resistant enterococci are discussed.
Department of Microbiology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne.
J W
JW
Gray
S J
SJ
Pedler
D003428:Cross Infection / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control; D004352:Drug Resistance, Microbial; D013293:Enterococcus faecalis / Q000187:drug effects*; D016984:Enterococcus faecium / Q000187:drug effects*; D016908:Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests