Prevalence of Vancomycin-Variable Enterococci in Korea
Author Information
Author(s): Lee Sung Young, Nam Ji-Hyun, Kim Jung Wook, Kim Soo Hyun, Yoo Jung Sik
Primary Institution: National Institute of Health, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency
Hypothesis
This study aims to analyze the prevalence and characteristics of vancomycin-variable enterococci (VVE) in Korea through the Global Antibiotic Resistance Surveillance System (Kor-GLASS).
Conclusion
The study found that while the incidence of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) has declined in Korea, the incidence of VVE is significantly rising.
Supporting Evidence
- 197 out of 3342 enterococcal isolates were identified as VVE.
- The prevalence of VREfm peaked at 40.9% in 2019 but has been gradually decreasing.
- VVE incidence is significantly rising, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Continuous surveillance is essential due to the high prevalence of VRE and potential evolution of VVE into VRE.
Takeaway
The study looked at a lot of bacteria from blood samples in Korea and found that some can be sensitive to vancomycin but might become resistant if exposed to the drug.
Methodology
Bloodstream isolates were collected and tested for antibiotic susceptibility, van gene detection, and multilocus sequence typing.
Limitations
The study may have underestimated the prevalence of VVE due to reliance on molecular testing for van genes.
Participant Demographics
The study involved enterococcal bloodstream isolates from various hospitals in Korea.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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