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Vancomycin‐Resistant Enterococci
Author(s) -
Palmer Shirley M.,
Rybak Michael J.
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
pharmacotherapy: the journal of human pharmacology and drug therapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.227
H-Index - 109
eISSN - 1875-9114
pISSN - 0277-0008
DOI - 10.1002/j.1875-9114.1996.tb02999.x
Subject(s) - vancomycin resistant enterococci , antimicrobial , vancomycin , intensive care medicine , flora (microbiology) , medicine , antibiotics , infection control , cephalosporin , enterococcus , antibiotic resistance , drug resistance , colonization , vancomycin resistant enterococcus , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , staphylococcus aureus , bacteria , genetics
Vancomycin‐resistant enterococci (VRE) are a major problem in numerous institutions in the United States. Most VRE are resistant to all available antimicrobial agents, resulting in serious therapeutic dilemmas. The resistance genes are transmitted on transposons, so the potential for dissemination to other species is significant. Risk factors associated with VRE infection and colonization are vancomycin and cephalosporin use, but numerous patient‐related factors also contribute. Although resistant strains appear to arise from the patient's endogenous flora, VRE may be spread through direct contact with contaminated environmental surfaces and hands of caregivers. Published guidelines for preventing such spread suggest implementing infection‐control practices and vancomycin restrictions. The ideal drug regimen for the treatment of VRE is unknown. Various drug combinations have been studied in the laboratory, but patient treatment data are scarce. There is an urgent need for new antimicrobial agents.