Septicemia due to vancomycin resistant enterococcus: a case report

ABSTRACT

Enterococci commonly found in the intestinal flora have emerged as common nosocomial pathogens. Up till 1988, all enterococcal strains were sensitive to vancomycin. However, there are now reports of vancomycin resistant Ecterococcus [VRE] from Europe and USA. In this communication we report the case of a patient with acute myeloid leukaemia who was colonized with VRE and subsequently developed septicaemia. The enterococci were resistant to both vancomycin and teicoplanin but sensitive to tetracycline and trimethoprim. The patient made a favourable response to tetracycline therapy. It is suggested that all enterococcal isolates should be routinely screened for vancomycin resistance, especially in immunocompromised patients on prophylactic antibiotics