The Prevalence of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus and Its Associated Health Complications
1. Introduction
Bacteria are classified according to their shape, size, and Gram reaction. Enterococci are classified as Gram-positive cocci that occur in pairs or short chains. They are small in size (0.5-1.0 µm in diameter) and do not possess a flagellum for motility (Smibert & Kobayashi, 1994).
Enterococci bacteria are one of the most common classes of bacteria present in the human digestive system, primarily the intestines. They are also found in the female genital tract and mouth. These bacteria are normally harmless and do not cause any disease. In fact, they are considered as part of the normal human flora. However, under certain conditions, they can become pathogenic and cause various infections such as urinary tract infection, endocarditis, and bacterial meningitis (Smibert & Kobayashi, 1994).
One of the major challenges in treating enterococcal infections is the emergence of antibiotic resistance among these bacteria. Vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE) is a type of Enterococcus bacteria that is resistant to vancomycin, an antibiotic used for the treatment of serious infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria. The prevalence of VRE has been increasing over the years and it has become a major public health concern due to the limited treatment options available for infections caused by this bacterium.
2. What are Enterococci bacteria?
Enterococci are a group of Gram-positive cocci that occur in pairs or short chains. They are small in size (0.5-1.0 µm in diameter) and do not possess a flagellum for motility (Smibert & Kobayashi, 1994). Enterococci bacteria are one of the most common classes of bacteria present in the human digestive system, primarily the intestines. They are also found in the female genital tract and mouth. These bacteria are normally harmless and do not cause any disease. In fact, they are considered as part of the normal human flora. However, under certain conditions, they can become pathogenic and cause various infections such as urinary tract infection, endocarditis, and bacterial meningitis (Smibert & Kobayashi, 1994).
One of the major challenges in treating enterococcal infections is the emergence of antibiotic resistance among these bacteria. Vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE) is a type of Enterococcus bacteria that is resistant to vancomycin, an antibiotic used for the treatment of serious infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria. The prevalence of VRE has been increasing over the years and it has become a major public health concern due to the limited treatment options available for infections caused by this bacterium.
3. What is Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus?
Vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE) is a type of Enterococcus bacteria that is resistant to vancomycin, an antibiotic used for the treatment of serious infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria. The prevalence of VRE has been increasing over the years and it has become a major public health concern due to the limited treatment options available for infections caused by this bacterium.
4. The prevalence of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus
The prevalence of VRE has been increasing over the years and it has become a major public health concern due to the limited treatment options available for infections caused by this bacterium.
5. The health complications associated with Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus
Infections caused by VRE can lead to various health complications such as sepsis, pneumonia, meningitis, and endocarditis. Sepsis is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by the body’s response to an infection. It is characterized by inflammation, organ dysfunction, and coagulopathy (Dellinger et al., 2013). Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, the thin layer of tissue that covers the brain and spinal cord. Endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers or valves.
6. Treatment and management options for Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus
Treatment options for VRE infections are limited due to the bacterium’s resistance to vancomycin. Other antibiotics that may be effective include linezolid, daptomycin, and quinupristin-dalfopristin. Linezolid is an antibiotic that inhibits protein synthesis and is effective against Gram-positive bacteria. Daptomycin is a lipopeptide antibiotic that inhibits cell membrane function and is effective against Gram-positive bacteria. Quinupristin-dalfopristin is a combination antibiotic that inhibits protein synthesis and cell membrane function. It is effective against Gram-positive bacteria (Dellinger et al., 2013).
7. Conclusion
In conclusion, vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE) is a type of Enterococcus bacteria that is resistant to vancomycin, an antibiotic used for the treatment of serious infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria. The prevalence of VRE has been increasing over the years and it has become a major public health concern due to the limited treatment options available for infections caused by this bacterium.