ANTIBIOTIC-RESISTANCE OF ENTEROCOCCI IN G ERMANY

Background: The resistance of enterococci against various antimicrobia l substances including vancomycin has increased markedly. Since 1989 i n the USA in particular high resistance rates against vancomycin have been observed but very few surveillance studies have been published in Europe. Therefore, we conducted a multicenter study in Germany to obt ain information about the incidence and distribution of vancomycin and /or high-level aminoglycoside-resistant enterococci. Methods: A total of 2046 enterococcal isolates were identified and susceptibility-testi ng was performed according to international guidelines. Results: A tot al number of 90.5% of the enterococcal isolates were identified as Ent erococcus faecalis and 7.8% as Enterococcus faecium. Resistance agains t ampicillin was detected in 56.6% of the Enterococcus faecium isolate s, however, in only one Enterococcus faecalis isolate. High-level resi stance against gentamycin or streptomycin was observed in 7.3% and 24. 8% of the isolates respectively. Twelve isolates showed resistance aga inst vancomycin, however, cross resistance with teicoplanin was found in only two isolates. Conclusion: The rate of resistance of enterococc i in Germany is still considerably lower than in the United States. Pr evious vancomycin therapy has been implemented as a risk factor for co lonization or infection with vancomycin-resistant enterococci. continu ed vigilance, decreased use of vancomycin and strict enforcement of in fection control measures are appropriate measures to control the growi ng problem of resistant enterococci.