New test method shows: antibiotic-resistant bacteria spread more than previously anticipated

With a new method developed at OUH, it has been found that more people than previously believed carry enterococcal bacteria resistant to vancomycin. Vancomycin is one of the very few antibiotics that can be used to treat infections by Enterococcus faecium in hospitals. The study showed that the bacteria are not discovered with the method currently used routinely. The study also showed that these bacteria are transmitted from patient to patient in the hospital.

The Research Unit for Clinical Microbiology conducts extensive molecular biology-based research on enterococci, including vancomycin-resistant enterococci, VRE.

The Research Unit has developed methods for cheap and effective detection of VRE in clinical patient samples. This analysis has shown high value in the daily diagnostic work and has revealed unrecognized infection spread at OUH. The method is still under development and tested for new applications.

We monitor VRE with DNA sequencing and typing of isolates and thereby contributing, among other things. for early mapping of pathways in the hospital. The tool is used in daily infectious hygiene efforts.

We have introduced molecular biology rapid diagnosis (about one hour) for screening for VRE in hospitalized patients. The result of the screening test is used to determine whether patients should be isolated from other patients.

A number of other molecular biology studies of VRE are in the pipeline.

Contact: michael.kemp@rsyd.dk