Risk factors for acquisition of gentamicin-resistant enterococcal infection: a case-controlled study
M Viagappan, R E Holliman
Department of
Medical Microbiology, St George's Hospital & Medical School, Blackshaw
Road, London SW17 0QT, UK
Accepted 14 January
1999
High-level gentamicin-resistant enterococci present problems in
the treatment of infected patients, especially as synergy between
penicillin and gentamicin is lost. Previous studies have suggested
various risk factors for the acquisition of these enterococci. A
case-controlled study was performed on 17 patients infected with
resistant enterococci and 26 infected with sensitive strains who
attended a London hospital. The key risk factors for acquisition of
infection with high-level gentamicin-resistant enterococci were found
to be prior prolonged antibiotic treatment, use of five or more
antibiotics, and the presence of a urinary catheter. It is proposed
that infection control measures should be targeted at patients at
higher risk. In addition, control of antibiotic usage in a hospital may
help to prevent acquisition and spread of these organisms.
Keywords: gentamicin-resistant enterococci; enterococcal infection
© 1999 by The Fellowship of Postgraduate Medicine
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