High-Risk VREfm Clones and Resistance Determinants in a Thai Hospital

Abstract

Background/Objective: Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), particularly Enterococcus faecium (VREfm), are significant healthcare-associated infections, especially bloodstream infections (BSIs). Method: This study explored the genotypic and phenotypic characteristics of 29 VREfm isolates causing BSIs in Thailand. Bacterial species, sequence types (STs), virulence genes, and vancomycin antimicrobial-resistance genes were identified by multiplex PCR, multilocus sequence typing, and whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Antibiotic susceptibility was determined by disk diffusion, while an E-test or broth microdilution were used for daptomycin, teicoplanin, linezolid, and tigecycline. Biofilm formation was assessed using a microtiter plate assay. Results: All isolates harbored the vanA gene and exhibited resistance to ampicillin, erythromycin, norfloxacin, vancomycin, and rifampin. Resistance to ciprofloxacin, tigecycline, and nitrofurantoin was widespread as well. All isolates remained susceptible to chloramphenicol and linezolid. The majority of isolates belonged to clonal complex 17, with ST17 being predominant (21/29, 72.4%), followed by ST80 (6/29, 20.7%), ST761 (1/29, 3.4%), and ST117 (1/29, 3.4%). WGS analysis confirmed the presence of various antimicrobial resistance genes, including aac(6′)-Ii, ant-Ia, erm(B), and vanA. Additionally, virulence genes such as acm (collagen adhesin) and esp (enterococcal surface protein), which are involved in biofilm formation, were detected. Conclusion: This study provides insights into the genomic characteristics and clonal dissemination of invasive VREfm in Thailand, which is crucial for infection control and public health surveillance.