Emerging Infections
Program Survey for Antimicrobial-Resistant Enterococci
Among Outpatients and Food Samples
The goal of this study is to determine the prevalence
of clinically important, antimicrobial-resistant enterococci
among persons outside the healthcare setting and on
the surface of poultry or other meat products sold
for human consumption. This study began in June 1998
with 3 participating sites: Oregon, Georgia, and Maryland.
Since that time, the study has expanded by 2 sites:
Minnesota Health Department and William Beaumont University
in Michigan.
State Laboratory Participation
Human stool isolates are obtained from outpatients
or healthy volunteers. State laboratories also purchase
food at retail each month. From July 1998 to June
1999 poultry was tested, from July 1999 to June 2000
ground pork was tested. Enterococci isolated from
human stool and food are screened for three clinically
relevant forms of antimicrobial resistance in enterococci:
high-level vancomycin resistance, high-level gentamicin
resistance, and quinpristin-dalfopristin (Synercid)
resistance. The predominant enterococci will be isolated
and saved regardless of the presence of antimicrobial
resistance. All Enterococcus isolates are forwarded
to CDC for further testing.
Search for Enterococci Study
Publications and Abstracts.
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