Occurrence ofEnterococcus faecalisandEnterococcus faeciumin Various Clinical Infections: Detection of Their Drug Resistance and Virulence Determinants

Abstract

The aim of this study was to characterize virulence determinants and antibiotic resistance profiles in enterococci obtained from various clinical sources in the northwest of Iran. A total of 160 enterococcal clinical isolates from various wards of University Teaching Hospitals were collected and specified by biochemical test, from September 2014 to July 2015. Identification of enterococci was confirmed by multiplex PCR in the genus and species level. Antibiotic resistance properties and virulence determinants were examined by phenotypic and molecular methods. Of 160 enterococcal isolates, 125 (78.12%) and 35 (21.88%) isolates were identified as Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium, respectively. The most common antibiotic nonsusceptible pattern observed was resistance toward rifampicin [n = 122 (76.25%)] followed by erythromycin [n = 117 (73.12%)]. Among all isolates, gelE [n = 140 (87.5%)], cpd [n = 137 (85.6%)], and asa1 [n = 118 (73.8%)] were the most prevalent virulence genes studied. Thirty isolates (11 E. faecalis, 19 E. faecium) were found to be resistant to vancomycin, with minimum inhibitory concentration of ≥256 μg/ml. Twenty-seven isolates carried the vanA gene, whereas none of the isolates carried vanB. E. faecalis had a considerable ability to show virulence genes and drug resistance. Emergence of antibiotic-resistant enterococci and the high prevalence of virulence traits in our study could be regarded as an alarming situation.

Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles for Different Isolates in Aden, Yemen: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Resource-Poor Setting

“…The same study also showed the prevalence of virulent traits [42]. Another review study in Iran (2009 to 2015) revealed the emergence of Acinetobacter baumannii clinical specimens with high resistance to different classes of antibiotics (including carbapenems) [42]. The result of this study was in parallel with that of a study carried out in Iran (2015-2016) [43].…”

“…A study carried out in Iran on the occurrence of Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium in several clinical samples indicated a nonsusceptible pattern toward rifampicin (n = 122, 76.25%) as well as erythromycin (n = 117, 73.12%). The same study also showed the prevalence of virulent traits [42]. Another review study in Iran (2009 to 2015) revealed the emergence of Acinetobacter baumannii clinical specimens with high resistance to different classes of antibiotics (including carbapenems) [42].…”

Low-fat/high-fibre diet prehabilitation improves anastomotic healing via the microbiome: an experimental model

“…First, Enterococcus faecalis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were identified as two highly collagenolytic bacteria capable of causing leaks in both rats and mice. The discovery of E. faecalis as a leak pathogen is particularly important as it is the most common pathogen to be cultured from a leaking anastomosis in patients and the most difficult to eradicate from the intestinal tract. Although E. faecalis is classified as a low‐abundance commensal species among the normal microbiota, when properly provoked, it can bloom and behave as a virulent pathogen.…”

Bactericidal activity of acetone extract of Alpinia galanga on multidrug resistant clinical isolates of Enterococcus faecalis

“…In our study, E.faecalis was commonly isolated from urine, followed by pus and blood samples. The predominance of this pathogen in urinary tract infections and pyogenic infections are reported widely [10,11]. The 1 st line drug of choice for treating enterococcal infections is with a synergistic combination of beta lactam and aminoglycoside antibiotics [12].…”