Detection of vancomycin-resistant enterococci colonization in a children'shospital

Background: Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are important nosocomial pathogens in many hospitals. The true prevalence of VRE in pediatric hospi tals is not known. Methods: A surveillance study was performed at a pediatric tertiary care me dical center by using vancomycin-containing screening media. Results: Six children (of 112 screened) were found to be colonized with VRE . Colonized patients had a history of receiving broad-spectrum antimicrobia l agents. Conclusion: In the absence of VRE infections, surveillance studies can help determine the extent of VRE colonization and support infection control mea sures.