Susceptibility phenotypes and genetic characteristics of vancomycin-resistant Enterococci

Objective To understand the susceptibility phenotype and genetic characteristics of vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE). Methods Epsilometer test was conducted to detect the resistance of VRE to vancomycin and teicoplanin. PCR was conducted to detect vanA, vanB, vanC1, vanC2 and vanC3 gens, and related PCR products were confirmed by DNA sequencing. Results The result of vancomycin resistant gene detection indicated that all the VRE strains had vanA gene, no vanB, vanCl and vanC2/3 gens were detected. Conclusion Susceptibility phenotypes of VRE were consistent with their vancomycin resistant genotypes. The strains shared high homology. VRE carriage is high in intestinal tract of inpatients, which is a risk factor for nosocomial infection.