Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Turk Anesteziyoloji ve Reanimasyon Dernegi Dergisi, cilt.36, sa.3, ss.168-173, 2008 (Scopus)
Enterococci have been recognized as clinically important pathogens in high risk populations of hospitalized patients. The role of entcroccocci in nosocomial infections is being recognized with increasing frequency. The main source of these infections is usually fecal carriage of the microorganisms. In this study, we investigated gastrointestinal colonization with vancomycin resistant enterococci (VRE) among high risk hospitalized patients prospectively. Rectal swabs were obtained from patients between 23 May 2003 and 27 August 2004 in Ankara University Hospitals. Nine of 467 patients (1.9 %) were found to be colonized with VRE. All strains were identified as Enterococcus faccium with high level resistance to vancomycin and teicoplanin. All nine strains defined as VRE had Van A gene which was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. All the patients were hospitalized in intensive care units and were using wide spectrum antibiotics. Infection control precautions and prudent use of antibiotics are essential in limiting the emergence and spread of nosocomial VRE infections. The patients' gastrointestinal tract is a possible reservoir for VRE and early detection is important for preventing its spread among hospitalized patients. For this reason we suggest that the screening tests should be done periodically to reveal resistant strains earlier.