title: Vancomycin-resistant gram-positive cocci: risk factors for faecal carriage.
abstract: This case-control study was undertaken to identify the risk factors for the gastrointestinal carriage of vancomycin-resistant, Gram-positive cocci (VRGPC) including vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE). Use of oral vancomycin (P = 0.003) or cephalosporins (P = 0.03) and prolonged duration of stay in the hospital (P = 0.02) were found to be the significant risk factors. Other previously suggested risk factors such as location of the patients and presence of central venous or arterial lines were not significantly associated with carriage of VRGPC. Judicious usage of glycopeptides (particularly oral vancomycin) and cephalosporins is likely to be the most effective way to prevent and control the spread of VRGPC and VRE.
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology, Lewisham Hospital, London, UK.
authors.forename: G G
authors.initials: GG
authors.lastname: Rao
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Ojo
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Kolokithas
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002353:Carrier State / Q000382:microbiology*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000382:microbiology*; D004352:Drug Resistance, Microbial; D005243:Feces / Q000382:microbiology*; D005260:Female; D016908:Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections / Q000382:microbiology*; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors; D014640:Vancomycin
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D014640:Vancomycin