Vancomycin-resistant enterococci: A road map on how to prevent the emergence and transmission of antimicrobial resistance

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

76 Scopus citations

Abstract

Nosocomial acquisition of microorganisms resistant to multiple antibiotics represents a threat to patient safety. Here we review the mechanisms that have allowed highly resistant strains belonging to the Enterococcus genus to proliferate within our health-care institutions. These mechanisms indicate that decreasing the prevalence of resistant organisms requires active surveillance, adherence to vigorous isolation, hand hygiene and environmental decontamination measures, and effective antibiotic stewardship. We suggest how to tailor such a complex, multidisciplinary program to the needs of a particular health-care setting so as to maximize cost-effectiveness.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)504S-518S
JournalCHEST
Volume123
Issue number5 SUPPL.
StatePublished - May 1 2003

Keywords

  • Antibiotic control
  • Antibiotic management
  • Antibiotic stewardship
  • Enterococcus
  • Infection control
  • Resistance
  • Review
  • Surveillance
  • Vancomycin
  • Vancomycin-resistant enterococci

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
  • Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine
  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

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