Rising Antibiotic Resistance: High-level Aminoglycoside Resistance in Enterococcus Clinical Isolates.
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Introduction: Enterococcus species have emerged as signicant nosocomial pathogens due to their increasing antibiotic resistance, particularly High-Level Aminoglycoside Resistance (HLAR). HLAR compromises the efcacy of aminoglycoside- -lactam synergistic therapy, making infections difcult to treat. This study aims to determine the prevalence and genetic mechanisms of HLAR among clinical Enterococcus isolates. Methodology: This observational, laboratory based study was conducted at a Index Medical College Hospital and Research Centre in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India, over a period of 18 months . A total of 150 non-repetitive Enterococcus isolates were collected from urine, blood, wound swabs, and body uids. Bacterial identication was performed using Gram staining, biochemical tests, and growth conditions. HLAR was detected using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method with high-level gentamicin (120 g) and streptomycin (300 g) discs, following CLSI guidelines. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined, and PCR was performed to detect aminoglycoside-modifying enzyme (AME) genes. Results: Among 150 isolates, E. faecalis (45.3%) and E. faecium (34.7%) were predominant. HLGR was found in 38.0%, HLSR in 30.0%, and combined HLGR & HLSR in 18.7%. The aac(6')-Ie-aph(2”)-Ia gene was detected in 66.2% of HLGR isolates, while aph(3')-IIIa was found in 85.4% of HLSR isolates. Conclusion: HLAR is highly prevalent among Enterococcus isolates, emphasizing the need for routine surveillance, strict infection control, and antimicrobial stewardship to limit its spread.
Authors: Purva Yogi, R. Jain, Naveen Kumar Patidar
Language: English
Subfield: Molecular Medicine
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4409181772