Enterococci as Increasing Bacteria in Hospitals: Why Are Infection Control Measures Challenging for This Bacteria?

AbstractPurpose of the reviewEnterococci are emerging threatening multidrug-resistant bacteria.Enterococcus faecium is a common pathogen associated with severe hospital-acquired infections. The goal of this report is to analyze the evolution of this nosocomial pathogen and study the state of adequate infection control measures.Recent findingsEvolution over millions of years has allowed enterococci to develop into a persistent hospital pathogen, an environment where it thrives. Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) continues to obtain antibiotic resistance elements. Enterococci assemble multiple virulence factors. VRE intestinal colonization can promote nosocomial infections. New rapid PCR laboratory tests with high sensitivity and specificity allows for screening of Enterococci in asyptomatic carriers.SummaryThe efficient clonal dissemination of VRE has led to a potential multidrug-resistant bacteria that is a current and future threat to hospitals worldwide. The therapeutic options are few and decreasing. Healthcare-associated infection (HAI) prevention is critical in our fight against enterococci.
Source: Current Treatment Options in Infectious Diseases - Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research