Outbreak of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium clone ST796, Switzerland, December 2017 to April 2018

Euro Surveill. 2018 Jul;23(29):1800351. doi: 10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2018.23.29.1800351.

Abstract

A large outbreak of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) is affecting four hospitals in the Canton of Bern, Switzerland, since December 2017. Of 89 cases identified as carriers, 77 (86.5%) VRE isolates were virtually indistinguishable using whole genome sequencing, and identified as multilocus sequence type (MLST) ST796. This clone, previously only described in Australia and New Zealand, is characterised by rapid spread and the ability to cause bloodstream infections. It requires a multifaceted infection prevention effort.

Keywords: ST796; VRE; emergent clone; enterococcus; outbreak; vancomycin-resistant enterococci; whole genome sequencing.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology*
  • Cross Infection / epidemiology
  • Cross Infection / microbiology*
  • Disease Outbreaks*
  • Electrophoresis, Gel, Pulsed-Field
  • Enterococcus faecium / classification*
  • Enterococcus faecium / drug effects
  • Enterococcus faecium / genetics*
  • Female
  • Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections / epidemiology
  • Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections / microbiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Middle Aged
  • Multilocus Sequence Typing
  • Switzerland / epidemiology
  • Vancomycin / pharmacology*
  • Vancomycin Resistance / genetics*
  • Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci / drug effects
  • Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci / genetics*
  • Whole Genome Sequencing

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Vancomycin