Antibiotic resistance in enterococci at a teaching hospital.
Antibiotic resistance in enterococci is becoming increasingly common throughout the world. Of particular therapeutic concern are strains which produce beta-lactamase, display high-level aminoglycoside resistance or show plasmid-mediated resistance to vancomycin. A prospective survey of 112 enterococcal isolates has been carried out to determine the extent of these resistance mechanisms in a Sydney teaching hospital. No beta-lactamase production was found. Eleven (9.8%) strains displayed high-level streptomycin resistance (MIC greater than 2048 mg/l), and 2 (1.8%) strains high-level gentamicin resistance (MIC greater than 2048 mg/l). No vancomycin resistance was observed. Enterococcal resistance is not as common at this hospital as in many centres in other countries. High-level aminoglycoside resistance may be missed on routine sensitivity testing. All enterococcal isolates from patients with serious infections should be screened for high-level aminoglycoside resistance.
Dryden
M
M
Department of Bacteriology, Westmead Hospital, New South Wales.
D004352:Drug Resistance, Microbial / Q000235:genetics*; D006784:Hospitals, Teaching; D006801:Humans; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D009517:New South Wales; D013291:Streptococcus / Q000187:drug effects*