NOSOCOMIAL ENTEROCOCCAL INFECTION

Enterococci have established themselves as important nosocomial pathogens and have recently acquired a number of novel antimicrobial resistances. Available evidence suggests that the hospital epidemiology of antimicrobial-resistant enterococci is likely to resemble that of other recognized nosocomial pathogens such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Speciation and screening of "significant" isolates for novel resistances is important for prevalence studies and selection of antimicrobial therapy and prophylaxis. Simple and widely applicable typing schemes are required for epidemiologic surveillance. Cross-infection may occur, and when complicated by multiple antimicrobial resistance, control of infection measures may need to be reinforced.