Articles Vol. 67 No. 7 25/07/2026

ENTEROCOCCUS SPP. INFECTIONS AT THE HOSPITAL FOR TROPICAL DISEASES (2021 – 2023): EPIDEMIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS, PATHOGENS, AND VANCOMYCIN RESISTANCE

Tran Thanh Thuy Truc1,2, Phan Ngoc Phuong Thao3,4, Hoang Truong3,4, Tran Thanh Thien Truc3,4, Ho Dang Trung Nghia1,2,3,4
1 Hospital for Tropical Diseases
2 Bệnh viện Bệnh Nhiệt đới
3 Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine
4 Trường Đại học Y khoa Phạm Ngọc Thạch
DOI: 10.52163/yhc.v67i7.5995
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Keywords
Enterococcus spp.; VRE; vancomycin resistance; antibiotic resistance; nosocomial infection; healthcare-associated infection
Abstract

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study (retrospective and prospective) was conducted on 216 patients with Enterococcus spp. infections treated at the Hospital for Tropical Diseases from January 2021 to August 2023. Factors associated with vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus spp. (VRE) infection were identified using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models.

Results: Healthcare-associated infections due to Enterococcus spp. accounted for 87%, significantly outnumbering community-acquired infections, with the urinary tract being the most common infection site. E. faecium was the most prevalent pathogen (63%), followed by E. faecalis (36%). The overall rate of VRE infection was 34.3%, while E. faecium specifically showed a vancomycin resistance rate of 45.8%. Multivariate analysis revealed that patients aged ≥ 60 years had a significantly higher risk of VRE infection compared to those aged < 60 years (aOR = 1.91; 95% CI: 1.01–3.62). Diabetes mellitus (aOR = 2.00; 95% CI: 1.04–3.83) and a history of vancomycin use (aOR = 1.98; 95% CI: 1.04–3.76) were also identified as independent risk factors for VRE infection. The overall mortality rate in the study was 38.4%."

Conclusion: Enterococcus spp. infections pose a significant healthcare-associated burden, characterized by high mortality rates and the prevalence of vancomycin-resistant strains. VRE infection is independently associated with advanced age, diabetes mellitus and a history of prior vancomycin use.

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