Selective isolation of vancomycin-resistant enterococci.
Broth formulations of two media selective for enterococci, Enterococcel, M-Enterococcosel broths were supplemented with 6 micrograms of vancomycin per ml and evaluated for isolation of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE). Each broth was challenged with various concentrations of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and vancomycin-susceptible and vancomycin-resistant enterococci and with 193 perianal specimens obtained from patients at risk in our institution for VRE colonization. Both the Enterococcosel and M-Enterococcus broths with vancomycin detected as few as 1 to 9 CFU of VRE while inhibiting growth of the other organisms tested. Enterococcus faecium organisms (MIC, > 256 micrograms/ml) were recovered from 66 perianal swab cultures in the enterococcosel-vancomycin broth, and VRE were recovered from 62 perianal swab cultures in the M-Enterococcus-vancomycin broth. Enterococcosel-vancomycin broth detected VRE in perianal specimens 48 h earlier than did M-Enterococcus-vancomycin broth. Enterococcosel broth with 6 micrograms of vancomycin per ml can be used for the rapid and selective isolation of VRE from surveillance specimens.
van Horn
K G
KG
Department of Clinical Pathology, Westchester County Medical Center, Valhalla, New York 10595, USA.
Gedris
C A
CA
Rodney
K M
KM
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001431:Bacteriological Techniques; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology; D003470:Culture Media; D004352:Drug Resistance, Microbial; D016983:Enterococcus / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D016908:Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology; D006801:Humans; D014640:Vancomycin / Q000494:pharmacology*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D003470:Culture Media; D014640:Vancomycin