Linezolid-resistant, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium infection in patients without prior exposure to linezolid.
We describe 2 patients without prior exposure to linezolid who were infected with closely related strains of linezolid- and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (LRVREF) that may have been hospital acquired. Polymerase chain reaction amplification of the domain V region of the 23S ribosomal RNA gene demonstrated the presence of the G2576U mutation previously reported to be associated with linezolid resistance. Nosocomial transmission of LRVREF is an ominous sign and underscores the importance of meticulous infection-control measures.
Rahim
Sibtain
S
Division of Infectious Diseases, New York University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
Pillai
Satish K
SK
Gold
Howard S
HS
Venkataraman
Lata
L
Inglima
Kenneth
K
Press
Robert A
RA
D000081:Acetamides / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000368:Aged; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000635:transmission; D016984:Enterococcus faecium / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000235:genetics; D005260:Female; D016908:Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections / Q000382:microbiology*; D006801:Humans; D000069349:Linezolid; D008297:Male; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D023303:Oxazolidinones / Q000494:pharmacology*; D017354:Point Mutation; D012338:RNA, Ribosomal, 23S / Q000235:genetics*; D014640:Vancomycin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D020713:Vancomycin Resistance / Q000235:genetics*
D000081:Acetamides; D023303:Oxazolidinones; D012338:RNA, Ribosomal, 23S; D014640:Vancomycin; D000069349:Linezolid