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Enterococcus faecium: A Leading Cause of Multidrug-Resistant Enterococcal Infection
Introduction
Enterococcus faecium is a Gram-positive gamma-hemolytic or non-hemolytic bacterium in the genus Enterococcus. It is one of the most common causes of enterococcal infections, particularly in healthcare settings.
Prevalence and Importance
Enterococcus faecium is the second most common species of Enterococcus, after E. faecalis. It is found in the gastrointestinal tract of humans and animals and can be transmitted through contact with contaminated food, water, or soil.
Enterococcus faecium infections are becoming increasingly common, particularly in healthcare settings. This is due to the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains, which can be difficult to treat.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Enterococcus faecium infections can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
- Urinary tract infections
- Bloodstream infections
- Endocarditis
- Meningitis
Enterococcus faecium infections are diagnosed based on a culture of a clinical specimen, such as urine, blood, or cerebrospinal fluid.
Treatment
The treatment of enterococcus faecium infections depends on the severity of the infection and the susceptibility of the strain to antibiotics. Vancomycin is the antibiotic of choice for the treatment of serious enterococcus faecium infections.
However, some strains of enterococcus faecium have developed resistance to vancomycin. These strains are known as vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE). VRE infections can be difficult to treat and may require the use of combination therapy with multiple antibiotics.
Prevention
The prevention of enterococcus faecium infections is based on proper infection control practices. These practices include:
- Handwashing
- Proper cleaning and disinfection of surfaces
- Isolation of infected patients
In healthcare settings, it is important to implement antimicrobial stewardship programs to prevent the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains of enterococcus faecium.
Conclusion
Enterococcus faecium is a leading cause of multidrug-resistant enterococcal infections. These infections can be serious and difficult to treat. Proper infection control practices are essential for the prevention of enterococcus faecium infections.
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