Abstract:

Objective: Enterococci species increasingly gain importance among community-acquired and hospital-acquired infection factors. The aim of this study was to determine the resistance of Enterococcus species from our region.Materials and Methods: A total of 113 Enterococcus strains isolated from blood cultures sent to our laboratory were included in the study. Catalase-negative, pyrolidonyl aryl amidase (PYR-Oxoid)-positive, Gram-positive cocci with compatible colonial morphology on blood agar were identified as Enterococci. Results: Distribution of isolated Enteroccocus strains by clinics was as follows: 31% Pediatrics, 28% Anesthesia-Intensive Care Unit, 13% Chest Diseases, 3% Infectious Diseases, 5% Gynecology 5% Brain Surgery, 5% Internal Medicine and 8% other clinics. Distribution of isolated Enteroccocus strains by type was as follows: Enterococcus faecium 76, Enterococcus faecalis 31, Enterococcus casseliflavus/gallinarum 3 and Enterococcus hirae 3. The resistance rates of isolated Enterococcus species to various antibiotics are given in the table. While all E.faecalis strains were found susceptible to vancomycin and teicoplanin, E.faecium strains' resistance rate was 24%, which is the most important finding of this study. No resistance to lincosamide was detected. Daptomycin, included in the study afterwards in accordance with Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI)'s recomendation was tested on 12 E.faecalis strains and no resistance was detected. Conclusions: Enterococcus strains with their high antimicrobial resistance rates show significant difference in resistance between species. Therefore, species identification and antibiotics resistance determination will be a useful guide for empiric therapy.

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