Abstract
BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Infections caused by vancomycin-resistant Enterococci are difficult to treat given the limited therapeutic alternatives. Different gene clusters are known to confer vancomycin resistance. vanA and vanB genes are transferable and are clinically relevant. This cross-sectional study aimed to identify the vancomycin-resistant genotypes in the strains causing urinary tract infection and also to test the in vitro efficacy of linezolid and pristinamycin against the vancomycin-resistant isolates. METHODS: Antimicrobial resistance profile of 118 enterococcal isolates was evaluated. Minimum inhibitory concentration of vancomycin, teicoplanin and high-level gentamicin (HLG) was determined by micro broth dilution. The vancomycin-resistant isolates were tested against linezolid and pristinamycin by micro-broth dilution and E strip method. The presence of vancomycin-resistant genes was detected by multiplex polymerase chain reaction and was sequenced and analyzed. RESULTS: Most commonly isolated species were Enterococcus faecalis (76.9%) and Enterococcus faecium (16.9%). It was found that 43 per cent of the isolates were resistant to HLG and 16.9 per cent to vancomycin. Higher resistance was seen against fluoroquinolones, erythromycin, tetracycline and β-lactam drugs. However, 5.08 per cent strains were resistant to tigecycline. All vancomycin-resistant strains were sensitive to pristinamycin and one was resistant to linezolid. vanA and vanB gene were found in 15 and five isolates, respectively. The gene sequences were submitted to NCBI gene bank and accession numbers were obtained. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed prevalence of vanA and vanB genes carrying Enterococcus in a tertiary care centre in north India. The emergence of resistance against drugs such as tigecycline and linezolid is a topic of concern as it will be a therapeutic challenge for physicians.