Emergence of <i>pstS</i>-Null Vancomycin-Resistant <i>Enterococcus faecium</i> Clone ST1478, Canada, 2013–2018

Abstract

V ancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are major nosocomial pathogens that have been observed worldwide (1,2). VRE were identified in Canada in 1993 (3), but rates of colonization and infection have remained relatively low for years VRE bloodstream infections (BSIs) are of particular concern because they are associated with increased illness, length of hospital stay, healthcare costs, and death (6-8). Furthermore, increased rates of VRE BSI have been reported (8).