Evaluation of Risk Factors in Nosocomial Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci Colonization and Infection

Abstract

Introduction: Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) have recently been observed as an increasingly responsible agent among nosocomial infections. In our study, we aimed to investigate the possible risk factors for VRE colonization and infection. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted prospectively in the hematology, oncology and bone marrow transplantation departments between September 2004 and April 2005. Rectal swab culture was obtained on admission day and once a week from patients who had been hospitalized in these departments. A follow-up form was completed for each patient. Stata version 8.0 was used for statistical analysis. Results: A total of 462 rectal swab samples were obtained in the seven-month period. VRE was isolated in 13 patients. All these patients were from the hematology department. Female gender, long duration of hospitalization, prolonged neutropenia, total parenteral nutrition, sucralfate usage, central venous catheterization, and duration of antibiotic usage (third- and fourth- generation cephalosporins, metronidazole, amikacin, glycopeptides, macrolides, carbapenems, quinolones) were found as risk factors with univariate analysis. In multivariate analysis, long duration of hospitalization was found as an independent risk factor. Conclusion: Establishing the risk factors for colonization and infection with VRE can contribute to the implementation of effective infection control measures