Plasmid-Mediated Resistance to Vancomycin and Teicoplanin in Enterococcus Faecium

Abstract

THE glycopeptide antibiotic agents vancomycin and teicoplanin are useful in the treatment of severe infections due to gram-positive bacteria.1 2 3 Staphylococci, streptococci, and enterococci are almost always susceptible to these agents, which constitute an alternative to the penicillins in cases of resistance or intolerance.Resistance to glycopeptides is extremely common in leuconostoc species4 and pediococcus species and also occurs in lactobacilli.5 , 6 These gram-positive bacteria rarely cause infections and are considered opportunistic pathogens. The emergence of strains of Staphylococcus haemolyticus that became resistant during vancomycin therapy has recently been reported.7 Resistance to vancomycin is rare in streptococci.8 Enterococcal isolates with minimal inhibitory . . .