Molecular characterization of vancomycin-resistant Enterococci strains eight years apart from its first isolation in São Paulo, Brazil

Changed epidemiology during intra and interhospital spread of high-risk clones of vanA-containing Enterococcus in Brazilian hospitals

We report changes in the molecular epidemiology of vanA-containing Enterococcus during the intra and interhospital spread of high-risk clones, in Southeastern Brazil. While VRE faecalis predominated during 1998 to 2006, a reversal has been observed in the last years, where VRE faecium belonging to ST114, ST203, ST412, ST478 and ST858 have become endemic.

Rapid detection of Van genes in rectal swabs by real time PCR in Southern Brazil

INTRODUCTION

Laboratory-based surveillance is an important component in the control of vancomycin resistant enterococci (VRE).

METHODS

The study aimed to evaluate real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) (genes vanA-vanB) for VRE detection on 115 swabs from patients included in a surveillance program.

RESULTS

Sensitivity of RT-PCR was similar to primary culture (75% and 79.5%, respectively) when compared to broth enriched culture, whereas specificity was 83.1%.

CONCLUSIONS

RT-PCR provides same day results, however it showed low sensitivity for VRE detection.