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Objectives: The study aimed to describe the clinical use of chloramphenicol in client-owned cats, examining the patient population, sites of infection, targeted pathogens, prescribed dosing regimen, outcomes and adverse effects. Methods: Between 2015 and 2023, a retrospective medical record review was undertaken to identify a case series of cats treated with chloramphenicol. Results: Twelve client-owned cats with complicated infections were treated with chloramphenicol at a median dose of 13.3 mg/kg (range 9.1–34.7) administered orally every 12 h for a median duration of 14.5 days. Within 30 days before starting chloramphenicol, 11/12 cats had received treatment with at least one antibiotic. The sites of infection included skin, urinary tract and multisystemic. Multidrug-resistant pathogens, for which no alternative oral antibiotic therapy was available, were commonly targeted. These included meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus species and multidrug-resistant Enterococcus faecium. Of the 12 cats treated with chloramphenicol, nine effectively achieved either bacteriologic or clinical cure. Chloramphenicol adverse effects were uncommon and limited to gastrointestinal upset, which was self-limiting or manageable with supportive treatment in two cats. Conclusions and relevance: In these cats, the decision to treat with chloramphenicol was made because an alternative oral antibiotic was not available to target the multidrug-resistant pathogens. Infections of the skin or urinary tract were common. Overall, chloramphenicol was well tolerated, and treatment success was possible for most cats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enterococci, common hospital-acquired infections in immunocompromised patients, have garnered attention in clinical microbiology. To determine the clinical relevance of enterococci as food-borne pathogens, 116 fish, 90 vegetables, and 120 human diarrheal samples were tested for E. faecalis and E. faecium pathogenicity. Conventionally, 69 of 326 (21.17%) samples were positive for Enterococcus species, 52 (15.95%) of which were molecularly classified as E. faecalis and 13 (3.99%) as E. faecium. The E. faecalis contamination percentage of fresh fish (19.70%) was higher than frozen fish (4%). Cauliflower had the highest E. faecalis percentage (16.67%) when fish and vegetable samples didn't harbor the E. faecium atpA gene. 23.33% and 10.83% of participants' samples were molecularly confirmed as E. faecalis and E. faecium positive, respectively. E. faecalis isolates had all virulence genes, with gels being the most common (65.38%), while cylA and asa1 genes couldn't be detected in E. faecium isolates. E. faecalis showed the highest resistance against vancomycin and tetracycline (69.23%), whereas E. faecium extremely resisted tetracycline (76.92%) and erythromycin (69.23%) with the recognition of MDR among 44.2% of E. faecalis and 38.5% of E. faecium isolates. The great similarity of our isolates showed the clinical importance of food-borne antibiotic-resistant enterococci. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most prevalent infectious diseases identified in both communities and hospitalized patients is urinary tract infection (UTI). Enterococcus is evolved into a clinically pertinent uropathogen due to its evolving resistance to multiple antimicrobial agents.This study, detects antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of Enterococcus species and molecular detection of Enterococcus faecalis from patients with urinary tract infections. In this cross-sectional observational study, 165 urine samples were obtained from clinically diagnosed patients with UTIs of different ages and gender. Enterococcus species were identified by standard microbiological procedure and PCR (by using species-specific primers for Enterococcus faecalis). A modified Kirby Bauer Disc diffusion method was used to identify the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern following Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Out of 165 urine samples, 134 samples yielded positive cultures. Enterococcus species were isolated from 23 (17.1%) urine samples. Among all Enterococcus, 16 (69.6%) isolates were E. faecalis, detected by PCR assay. A higher (30.4%) proportion of Enterococcus-positive patients were from the age group 48–57 years and female patients (78.2%) had a higher prevalence. Enterococcal infection was found in 56.5% of non-catheterized patients and 43.5% of catheterized patients. Vancomycin and linezolid (78.3%) and meropenem (73.9%) sensitivity was prevalent among all Enterococcus species. They showed 100% resistance towards ceftriaxone, cefixime 95.7%, cefuroxime 91.3%, azithromycin 82.6%. This research indicated the occurrence of Enterococcus species and the advent of multidrug-resistant E. faecalis in patients with UTIs. Routine speciation and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of Enterococcus in various clinical samples is encouraged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Enterococci, common hospital-acquired infections in immunocompromised patients, have garnered attention in clinical microbiology. To determine the clinical relevance of enterococci as food-borne pathogens, 116 fish, 90 vegetables, and 120 human diarrheal samples were tested for E. faecalis and E. faecium pathogenicity. Conventionally, 69 of 326 (21.17%) samples were positive for Enterococcus species, 52 (15.95%) of which were molecularly classified as E. faecalis and 13 (3.99%) as E. faecium. The E. faecalis contamination percentage of fresh fish (19.70%) was higher than frozen fish (4%). Cauliflower had the highest E. faecalis percentage (16.67%) when fish and vegetable samples didn’t harbor the E. faecium atpA gene. 23.33% and 10.83% of participants’ samples were molecularly confirmed as E. faecalis and E. faecium positive, respectively. E. faecalis isolates had all virulence genes, with gels being the most common (65.38%), while cylA and asa1 genes couldn’t be detected in E. faecium isolates. E. faecalis showed the highest resistance against vancomycin and tetracycline (69.23%), whereas E. faecium extremely resisted tetracycline (76.92%) and erythromycin (69.23%) with the recognition of MDR among 44.2% of E. faecalis and 38.5% of E. faecium isolates. The great similarity of our isolates showed the clinical importance of food-borne antibiotic-resistant enterococci.

BACKGROUND: Enterococci are bacteria found naturally in the gastrointestinal tract of both chickens and humans, serving as a commensal bacterium. These opportunistic pathogens are recognized for their involvement in human diseases like urinary tract infections (UTIs), endocarditis, and sepsis. Infection sources encompass food, hospital environments, and animals, particularly chickens. Their increasing resistance to multiple drugs poses a growing concern for public health This study aimed to isolate the enterococcus species and to determine their antibiotic susceptibility profiles. METHOD: Swab samples of gut content from poultry in specific slaughterhouses located within selected markets in Accra were collected, cultured on MacConkey agar No.2, and incubated overnight for growth. Colonies suspected to be Enterococcus species were subjected to biochemical testing, and confirmed colonies underwent antibiotic testing against commonly used medications for bacterial infections. The Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method was used to assess the antibiotic susceptibility of the recovered isolates. RESULTS: Among the 160 samples examined, 97 (61%) were found to be contaminated with Enterococcus species. Each of the isolates displayed resistance to a minimum of three antibiotic classes tested in the study. Notably, high levels of resistance were observed for specific antibiotics, including penicillin (91.75%), vancomycin (87.63%), and tetracycline (80.41). CONCLUSION: The findings of this study revealed a high prevalence of multi-drug resistant Enterococcus species isolated from chicken rectal swab samples collected from three selected markets in Accra, Ghana. All the isolates exhibited resistance to at least three classes of antibiotics tested [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Methodology: A retrospective study was conducted using the Medical Microbiology Laboratory records of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital. The study reviewed the in vitro antibiotic susceptibility patterns of urinary bacterial isolates from April 2020 to March 2021, focusing on Enterococcus spp. Bacteria were isolated and identified from routine urine samples using standard bacteriological methods and the Analytical Profile Index (API). Antibiotic susceptibility tests (AST) were performed using the modified Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method, with susceptibility breakpoints determined by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Results: A total of 82 patients (5 outpatients and 77 inpatients) with Enterococcus-associated UTIs were identified. The species distribution was 70.7% E. faecalis and 29.3% E. faecium. E. faecium exhibited greater resistance to levofloxacin and tetracycline but greater sensitivity to amoxicillin compared to E. faecalis. Both species showed high sensitivity to tigecycline, meropenem, and fosfomycin. Conclusion: The prevalence of Enterococcus-associated UTIs in this study was 3.6% (82/2253), with hospital-acquired Enterococcus spp. accounting for 3.4% (77/2253). E. faecium isolates were significantly more resistant to levofloxacin and tetracycline than E. faecalis. The high rate of multidrug resistance (MDR) in both species underscores the importance of promoting rational antibiotic use to prevent the emergence of resistant organisms.

Background: Enterococcus is routinely considered a low-grade pathogen. The synergistic action of Enterococci with other bacteria increases the risk of infection. Enterococci are currently the next most common cause of healthcare-associated infections after E. coli. Greater understanding is needed regarding Enterococcus stress survival, virulence, and resistance patterns to assess the complexity of disease-causing Enterococcus. Purpose: Analyze the prevalence of Enterococcus and assess the antibiotic sensitivity pattern of Enterococcus. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study was designed and carried out in the Department of Microbiology at Bangladesh University of Health Sciences, Dhaka, over a period of 3 months. Bacterial culture and sensitivity were the methods employed for microbiological examination. Result: A total of 558 bacterial strains were isolated, among which the growth of Enterococcus spp. was 27 (4.83%). The prevalence of Enterococcus spp. among different samples was 4.83%. The number of highly sensitive strains ranged from 66.66% to 77.77% for antibiotics, namely gentamycin, ampicillin, amoxicillin, and meropenem. Moderately high sensitivity to levofloxacin (29.62%) and low sensitivity to doxycycline (14.81%) were also analyzed. Conclusion: The study recommends that antibiotics should be used after proper laboratory procedures are undertake, and it should be selected based on antimicrobial susceptibility tests.

Different anthropogenic sources can have a significant influence on bacterial populations and their antimicrobial activities. In this study, the impact of anthropogenic activities on Enterococcus species was studied in an urban watershed in southern California affected by concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs), recreational activities, wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), urban runoff, and control sites. Water samples were collected quarterly for two years for the enumeration of Enterococcus species based on the Enterolert most probable-number (MPN) assay. Concentrations of enterococci were higher in the sediment compared to surface water (4.5 × 106 CFU/g of sediment vs. 2.3 × 105 MPN/100 mL of water). The species diversity was dominated by E. mundtii (32%), E. faecalis (27%), and E. faecium (25%). E. faecium exhibited the highest antibiotic-resistant phenotype. Resistances were mostly to ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, and tetracycline. Tetracycline and erythromycin resistance genes, encoded by tet (C, K, O, S) and ermB, respectively, were more common in isolates from sediment (42.9%) compared to water (12.7%). E. mundtii was sensitive to ampicillin, chloramphenicol, gentamicin, and high levels of vancomycin. A significant percentage of E. faecalis were also resistant to these antibiotics. E. faecium and E. faecalis exhibited resistance to multiple antibiotics. Our data suggest that resistant Enterococcus species within the watershed might provide some useful data to determine pollutant types and sources in that watershed. Therefore, the widespread occurrence and abundance of E. faecium and E. faecalis, and their resistance genes associated with multiple antibiotics may potentially pose risks to the local populations exposed to these water sources during recreational activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abera Abdeta, Degefu Beyene, Abebe Aseffa Negeri National Clinical Bacteriology and Mycology Reference Laboratory, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Abera Abdeta, Tel +251911566420, Email aberaabdeta4@gmail.comPurpose: The study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial resistance patterns of Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus species isolated from clinical specimens over a period of five years, including resistance to methicillin and vancomycin.Patients and Methods: Bacterial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing reports from 2017 to 2021 at the Ethiopian Public Health Institute were used for this retrospective study. The organisms were identified using either BD Phoenix M50, Vitek 2 compact, or conventional biochemical methods, whichever was available at the time of testing. The antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of the isolates were determined using either Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion, BD phoenix M50, or Vitek 2 compact. WHONET software was used to analyze the antimicrobial resistance patterns of both organisms. The p-values of ≤ 0.05 were considered statistically significant.Results: During the study period, a total of 315 Staphylococcus aureus and 92 Enterococcus species were isolated. Out of 315 Staphylococcus aureus isolates, 27% and 5.1% were methicillin and vancomycin resistant, respectively. Staphylococcus aureus showed very high resistance to Penicillin G (86.7%). Out of 92 Enterococcus species recovered, 8.7% were vancomycin-resistant. Enterococcus species showed very high resistance to Penicillin G (71.4%) and tetracyclines (83.3%). Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus shows 100% resistance to penicillin followed by ciprofloxacin (50%), erythromycin (45.6%), and tetracycline (44.2%) and lower resistance to vancomycin (18.8%). All vancomycin-resistant isolates of both organisms were fully resistant (100%) to all antibiotics tested, except for linezolid and daptomycin, to which they were susceptible.Conclusion: This study found a high prevalence of methicillin and vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus species between 2017 and 2021. However, there were no statistically significant changes in the prevalence of these organisms during the study period. This suggests that larger and more representative nationwide data is needed to show trends of these pathogens.Keywords: antimicrobial resistance, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus species, Ethiopia

Enterococci cause meat and environmental contamination during slaughter time. In this study, virulence and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) characteristics of enterococci isolated from chickens were determined. A total of 107 cloacal swabs of chickens were inoculated onto Slanetz and Bartley agar and incubated at 37ºC for 24-48 h. Gram staining, catalase, and hemolytic tests were done. AMR was determined using the disc diffusion technique against twelve antimicrobials. Molecular detection of AMR genes: blaZ, aphA, aacA-aphD, ermB, tetL, tetM, and vanC, and virulence factors: agrBEfs, efaAEfs, esp, gelE, and hyl were done on selected isolates using PCR. Ninety-five isolates were Enterococcus species. The isolates showed resistance to tetracycline, cefoxitin, amoxicillin, and imipenem and possessed tetL, tetM, ermB, aphA, vanC, aaca-aphD resistance and gelE, agrBef, efaAfs, espfs and hyl virulence genes. This is the first detection of AMR and virulence genes in multi-drug resistant enterococci among chickens in the locality. These enterococci could constitute a reservoir of virulence and resistance properties which are of animal and public health concern.

Background and Aim: Enterococcus is a commensal bacteria found in humans and animals, which can cause human nosocomial infections. One of the most contaminated enterococcal sources is poultry meat. Therefore, this study estimated the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profile of Enterococcus from chickens and their meat products at local slaughterhouses in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand. Materials and Methods: From January 2021 to March 2022, 558 samples from 279 cloacal swabs and breast meat were collected from 31 local slaughterhouses in the area. Then, the samples were screened for Enterococcus using modified de Man, Rogosa, and Sharpe agar. Next, selected Gram-positive, catalase-negative, and cocci-shaped colonies were investigated for enterococcal confirmation using Enterococcosel Agar (EA). We also cultivated the samples directly on EA. However, the disk diffusion method was used to investigate positive Enterococcus resistance profiles to 16 antimicrobial agents. Finally, selected phenotypic multidrug-resistant (MDR) Enterococcus isolates were further assessed to identify AMR genes by polymerase chain reaction. Results: Investigations showed that the prevalence of Enterococcus isolates from the chicken cloacal swabs and meat samples were 29.75% (83/279) and 28.32% (78/279), respectively. Most Enterococcus positive isolates were resistant to colistin, followed by cefoxitin, cephalexin, and streptomycin. These isolates also showed a prevalence of MDR species (65.22%; 105/161) and 66 patterns. Furthermore, selected MDR Enterococcus (MDRE) from cloacal swabs and breast meat were positive for the resistant extended-spectrum beta-lactamase TEM genes at 71.43% (20/28) and 78.26% (18/23), respectively, whereas other AMR genes detected in the selected MDR enterococci from the cloacal swabs and breast meat were beta-lactamase TEM (blaTEM [0%, 1.96%]), Class 1 integrase (intI1 [14.28%, 0%]), colistin (mrc–1 [3.57%, 0%]), and vancomycin (vanA [14.28%, 0%]). Conclusion: This study indicated that phenotypic MDRE correlated with extended-spectrum beta-lactamase TEM gene presence, leading to an AMR reservoir that can be transferred to other bacteria.

Background Enterococci are nosocomial pathogen. They can develop high-level resistance to aminoglycoside by producing aminoglycoside modifying enzymes (AMEs). In enterococci, high level resistance to aminoglycosides is mediated by acquisition of plasmid mediated genes encoding for aminoglycoside modifying enzymes (AMEs). High level gentamicin resistance (MIC ≥ 500μg /mL) is predominantly mediated by aac(6′)-Ie-aph(2″)-Ia, encoding the bifunctional aminoglycoside modifying enzyme AAC(6′)-APH(2″). This enzyme eliminates the synergistic activity of gentamicin when combined with a cell wall active agent. Other AME genes such as aph(2″)-Ib, aph(2″)-Ic, aph(2″)-Id and ant(4′)-1a have also been detected in enterococci. Objective This study was carried out to determine the diverse prevalence of AME and their pattern of occurrence in the clinical isolates of Enterococci. Materials and Methods A total number of 150 clinical isolates were included in this study. Susceptibility to various antibiotics was determined by disc diffusion. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) was ascertained by agar dilution method. Polymerase chain reaction was done to screen the following AMEs (aac(6′)-Ie-aph(2″)-Ia; aph(2″)-Ib; aph(2″)-Ic; aph(2″)-Id and aph(3′)- IIIa genes). Results 51.3% of the study isolates exhibited high level gentamicin resistance. Polymerase chain reaction revealed that aph(3′)-111a is the most prevalent AME, followed by aac(6′)-1e-aph(2″)-1a. The combination of both the genes were detected in 44.1% of the study isolates. The rest of the AMEs and their combinations were not encountered in this study. 8.6% of the study isolates did not harbour any AME genes screened for, but was phenotypically resistant to gentamicin. In contrast 31.3% anchored the AME genes but phenotypically appeared susceptible to gentamicin. Conclusion This study indicates the high- level aminoglycoside resistance disseminated among Enterococci in our geographical region. It also emphasizes the detection of AMEs by PCR is mandatory because strains that appear susceptible by disc diffusion and/or MIC method may harbour one or more AMEs genes leading to therapeutic failure.

Study was conducted to detect the presence of Multi Drug resistant Enterococcus species in rural-urban landscape along river Ganga in northern India at Prayagraj District, Uttar Pradesh, India. The study revealed that the water was found to be contaminated with Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium species. The obtained isolates were found to be resistant for 10 antibiotics viz. Rifampicin, Gentamycin, Vancomycin, Streptomycin, Oxacillin etc. Resistance in Enterococci against these antibiotics may cause serious health hazards to the human beings. Constant monitoring of the antibiotic resistant profiles of Enterococci in ground and recreational water sources could provide a comprehensive data of the resistant patterns of these pathogens in the area. This would improve information on treatment options for Enterococcal infections in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Goal six (6) of the 2030 agenda and sustainable development goals highlights the need to "ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all." Over the years; Lake Victoria, which supports nearly one-third of the total East African population has been facing pollution-related effects and thus risking water-borne infections from pathogenic bacteria for example; Citrobacter freundii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus species, Enterococcus species, etc.; with some of the associated factors including wastewater treatment, agricultural activities, soil surface runoffs, bathing, rubbish dumping among others. Methods: A two-month cross-sectional pilot survey was done in which thirty-one (n=31) Lake Victoria surface water samples were collected at the Kasenyi landing site and bacteriologically examined through culturing water samples. Additionally; a one-time field observation accompanied by eleven (n=11) short interviews with key respondents was undertaken to identify the factors potentially associated with the bacterial contamination of the Lake Victoria shore surface water. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2013. Results: Citrobacter freundii accounted for the highest occurrence at 58% (46/79) while Klebsiella pneumoniae was the least occurring at 3% (2/79). “Soil surface run-off” emerged as the most occurring factor related to possible bacterial contamination of the shore surface waters (73%; 8/11). One-time field observation revealed the presence of “bathing practices, rubbish dumping, and soil surface runoff.” Conclusion: Citrobacter freundii was the most occurring bacterial pathogen; soil surface run-off emerged as the most occurring factor; there is a low chance of encountering Klebsiella pneumoniae and a high chance of encountering Citrobacter freundii, Staphylococcus species, and Enterococcus species. Recommendation: Establishment of control mechanisms (i.e. physical barriers) for soil run-off into the lake shore.

Different anthropogenic sources can have a significant influence on bacterial populations and their antimicrobial activities. In this study, the impact of anthropogenic activities on Enterococcus species was studied in an urban watershed in southern California affected by concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs), recreational activities, wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), urban runoff, and control sites. Water samples were collected quarterly for two years for the enumeration of Enterococcus species based on the Enterolert most probable-number (MPN) assay. Concentrations of enterococci were higher in the sediment compared to surface water (4.5 × 106 CFU/g of sediment vs. 2.3 × 105 MPN/100 mL of water). The species diversity was dominated by E. mundtii (32%), E. faecalis (27%), and E. faecium (25%). E. faecium exhibited the highest antibiotic-resistant phenotype. Resistances were mostly to ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, and tetracycline. Tetracycline and erythromycin resistance genes, encoded by tet (C, K, O, S) and ermB, respectively, were more common in isolates from sediment (42.9%) compared to water (12.7%). E. mundtii was sensitive to ampicillin, chloramphenicol, gentamicin, and high levels of vancomycin. A significant percentage of E. faecalis were also resistant to these antibiotics. E. faecium and E. faecalis exhibited resistance to multiple antibiotics. Our data suggest that resistant Enterococcus species within the watershed might provide some useful data to determine pollutant types and sources in that watershed. Therefore, the widespread occurrence and abundance of E. faecium and E. faecalis, and their resistance genes associated with multiple antibiotics may potentially pose risks to the local populations exposed to these water sources during recreational activities.

Enterococci cause meat and environmental contamination during slaughter time. In this study, virulence and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) characteristics of enterococci isolated from chickens were determined. A total of 107 cloacal swabs of chickens were inoculated onto Slanetz and Bartley agar and incubated at 37°C for 24-48 h. Gram staining, catalase, and hemolytic tests were done. AMR was determined using the disc diffusion technique against twelve antimicrobials. Molecular detection of AMR genes: blaZ, aphA, aacA-aphD, ermB, tetL, tetM, and vanC, and virulence factors: agrBEfs, efaAEfs, esp, gelE, and hyl were done on selected isolates using PCR. Ninetyfive isolates were Enterococcus species. The isolates showed resistance to tetracycline, cefoxitin, amoxicillin, and imipenem and possessed tetL, tetM, ermB, aphA, vanC, aaca-aphD resistance and gelE, agrBef, efaAfs, espfs and hyl virulence genes. This is the first detection of AMR and virulence genes in multi-drug resistant enterococci among chickens in the locality. These enterococci could constitute a reservoir of virulence and resistance properties which are of animal and public health concern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study.Objective: The aim was to compare the influence of 2 common vertebral osteomyelitis (VO) causing pathogens on treatment failure within the first year of diagnosis.Summary Of Background Data: VO is mainly caused by Staphylococcus aureus (SA), while enterococci and streptococci (ENST) are also responsible for a significant proportion of VO, particularly in elderly patients. Data on VO caused by SA show a tendency for worse outcome, whereas data on VO caused by ENST are scarce. For this purpose, our study compares characteristics of patients with VO caused by SA or ENST in order to analyze risk factors for treatment failure.Methods: We conducted a retrospective monocentric study including VO patients from 2008 to 2020. Primary outcome was treatment failure defined as death or relapse within 1 year (T1). We compared patients diagnosed with VO caused by Staphylococcus aureus including MRSA to patients diagnosed with VO caused by Enterococcus and Streptococcus species, which were combined into one group. Polymicrobial infections were excluded. We employed multiple logistic regression analysis to adjust for confounding. To account for moderation, the model was repeated with an included interaction term.Results: Data of 130 VO patients (SA=95; ENST=35) were available at T1. Treatment failure occurred in 37% of SA patients and 23% of ENST patients. On multivariate analysis SA [odds ratio (OR): 3.12; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.09-10.53; P =0.046], Charlson comorbidity index (OR: 1.31; 95% CI: 1.11-1.58; P =0.002) and infectious endocarditis (IE; OR: 4.29; 95% CI: 1.23-15.96; P =0.024) were identified as independent risk factors for treatment failure.Conclusion: In our cohort every third patient with VO caused by SA or ENST dies within 1 year. Our findings indicate that patients with VO caused by SA, concomitant IE and/or a high Charlson comorbidity index score may be at elevated risk for treatment failure. These findings can be used to individualize patient care and to direct clinical surveillance. This could include echocardiography evaluating for the presence of IE in patients with VO caused by gram-positive pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the susceptibility profiles of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus isolates in urine culture to create an antibiogram to guide selection of oral antimicrobials in British Columbia (BC), Canada., Methods: An audit was conducted on all urine cultures reported from January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2023, in LifeLabs BC microbiology laboratories. Enterococcus species in urine were routinely tested with ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, nitrofurantoin, tetracycline, and vancomycin. Linezolid and fosfomycin were tested in selected cases., Results: Three hundred and thirty-five vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium , 47 vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis , 48 Enterococcus gallinarum , 25 Enterococcus casseliflavus , and no Enterococcus flavescens isolates were reported in urine culture. Vancomycin-resistant E. faecium isolates were >90% susceptible to linezolid, but <15% susceptible to ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, nitrofurantoin, and tetracycline. Vancomycin-resistant E. faecalis isolates were >90% susceptible to ampicillin, linezolid, and nitrofurantoin, but <10% susceptible to ciprofloxacin and tetracycline. E. casseliflavus isolates were >90% susceptible to ampicillin, nitrofurantoin, and tetracycline. E. gallinarum isolates were >90% susceptible to ampicillin and nitrofurantoin. In the seven and 263 selected cases of vancomycin-resistant E. faecium and E. faecalis , respectively, fosfomycin susceptibility rates were 57% and 86%, respectively., Conclusions: Ampicillin and nitrofurantoin may be considered for urinary tract infections secondary to vancomycin-resistant E. faecalis , E. casseliflavus , and E. gallinarum . Tetracycline may also be considered for E. casseliflavus . Linezolid remained to be the only reliable oral antimicrobial for vancomycin-resistant E. faecium ., Competing Interests: Eugene Y.H. Yeung is working as a microbiologist, physician, pharmacist, and clinical assistant professor. The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of their employers., (© 2024 Bladder, All rights reserved.)

This study aimed to isolate and characterize bacterial dental caries and for this purpose, 60 samples were collected from people with caries Tooth decay for the period from the beginning of May 2018 to the end of September 2020, for both sexes, at different ages ranging from (7-60) years, Then they were collected and transported directly to the laboratory and the samples were planted by plotting on plates of tryptic soy blood agar anaerobic conditions, Only 13 specimen showed a positive result with (21.7%) percentage, the most common bacteria which responsible for dental cavities are Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis. Here, three pathogenic bacteria S. aureus, S. mutans and E. faecalis were identified by Bergey’s Manual of Systematic Bacteriology, Antibiotic sensitivity patterns of the isolated pathogenic bacteria were assessed against the selection of antibiotics. these types of bacteria have been shown high resistant to different antibiotics like Erythromycin, Methicillin, Oxacillin, Cephalexin, Aztreonam, Amikacin, Gatifloxacin, Chloramphenicol, Gentamicin, Norfloxacin, Pencillin-G and Ceftazidime while showed sensitivity to some antibiotics like Trimethoprimsulfamethoxazole, Ciprofloxacin, Amoxicillin, Levofloxacin, Nitrofurantoin and Vancomycin, and using antimicrobial agents, as a biocontrol agent, against certain antibiotic-resistant bacteria causing dental caries, To overcome this problem, by applying different strain of probiotics e.g., Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Lactobacillus plantarrum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Enterococcus faecalis, Bacillus subtilis, Yeast, and Lacteolfort capsules were applied against the three pathogenic bacteria which showed growth inhibition of these isolates, the zone of inhibition has high efficiency in case of Lactobacillus spp than Bifidobacterium spp even though against those with antibiotic-resistant pattern. There was another propagation used to overcome the bacterial dental caries which was mouthwashes propagation e.g., chlorohexidine, which showed high efficiency in the case of S. aureus then S. mutans and E. faecalis, this study refers that the isolated probiotics and mouthwashes are promising biocontrol agents that could challenge antibioticresistant dental caries bacteria to announce new successful alternatives to antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Enterococci are nosocomial pathogen. They can develop high-level resistance to aminoglycoside by producing aminoglycoside modifying enzymes (AMEs). In enterococci, high level resistance to aminoglycosides is mediated by acquisition of plasmid mediated genes encoding for aminoglycoside modifying enzymes (AMEs). High level gentamicin resistance (MIC ≥ 500μg /mL) is predominantly mediated by aac(6′)-Ie-aph(2″)-Ia, encoding the bifunctional aminoglycoside modifying enzyme AAC(6′)-APH(2″). This enzyme eliminates the synergistic activity of gentamicin when combined with a cell wall active agent. Other AME genes such as aph(2″)-Ib, aph(2″)-Ic, aph(2″)-Id and ant(4′)-1a have also been detected in enterococci. Objective This study was carried out to determine the diverse prevalence of AME and their pattern of occurrence in the clinical isolates of Enterococci. Materials and Methods A total number of 150 clinical isolates were included in this study. Susceptibility to various antibiotics was determined by disc diffusion. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) was ascertained by agar dilution method. Polymerase chain reaction was done to screen the following AMEs (aac(6′)-Ie-aph(2″)-Ia; aph(2″)-Ib; aph(2″)-Ic; aph(2″)-Id and aph(3′)- IIIa genes). Results 51.3% of the study isolates exhibited high level gentamicin resistance. Polymerase chain reaction revealed that aph(3′)-111a is the most prevalent AME, followed by aac(6′)-1e-aph(2″)-1a. The combination of both the genes were detected in 44.1% of the study isolates. The rest of the AMEs and their combinations were not encountered in this study. 8.6% of the study isolates did not harbour any AME genes screened for, but was phenotypically resistant to gentamicin. In contrast 31.3% anchored the AME genes but phenotypically appeared susceptible to gentamicin. Conclusion This study indicates the high- level aminoglycoside resistance disseminated among Enterococci in our geographical region. It also emphasizes the detection of AMEs by PCR is mandatory because strains that appear susceptible by disc diffusion and/or MIC method may harbour one or more AMEs genes leading to therapeutic failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Superficial surgical site infections (SSSIs) are a major reason for morbidity after abdominal surgery. Microbiologic isolates of SSSIs vary widely geographically. Therefore, knowledge about the specific bacterial profile is of paramount importance to prevent SSSI. Methods: We performed a subgroup analysis of the microbiological isolates from patients with SSSI after abdominal surgery that were included in our institutional wound register. We aimed at identifying predominant strains as well as risk factors that would predispose for SSSI with certain bacteria. Results: A total of 494 patients were eligible for analysis. Of those 313 had received wound swaps, with 268 patients yielding a bacterial isolate. Enterobacterales (31.7%) and Enterococcus spp. (29.5%) were found as main bacteria in SSSI, with 62.3% of the wounds being polymicrobial. As risk factors for changes in bacterial isolates, we identified operative revision (OR 3.032; 95%CI 1.734–5.303) in multivariate analysis. Enterococcus spp. showed a significant increase in patients after revision surgery (p<0.001). Antibiotic therapy was neither influential on bacterial changes nor on the presence of Enterococcus spp. in SSSI. Conclusion: Our study accentuates the high frequency of Enterococcus spp. in SSSI after abdominal surgery, while identifying surgical revision as major risk factor. The results urge vigilance in the treatment of patients with surgical revisions to include Enterococcus spp. in the prevention and treatment strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enterococci comprise a group of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) with considerable potential to serve as food fermentation microorganisms. Unfortunately, enterococci have received a lot of negative attention, due to the occurrence of pathogenic and multidrug resistant strains. In this study, we used genomics to select safe candidates among the forty-four studied enterococcal isolates. The genomes of the forty-four strains were fully sequenced and assessed for presence of virulence and antibiotic resistance genes. Nineteen isolates belonging to the species Enterococcus lactis, Enterococcus faecium, Enterococcus durans, and Enterococcus thailandicus, were deemed safe from the genome analysis. The presence of secondary metabolite gene clusters for bacteriocins was assessed, and twelve candidates were found to secrete antimicrobial compounds effective against Listeria monocytogenes isolated from cheese and Staphylococcus aureus. Physiological characterization revealed nineteen industrial potentials; all strains grew well at 42 °C and acidified 1.5 hours faster than their mesophilic counterpart Lactococcus lactis, with which they share metabolism and flavor forming ability. We conclude that a large fraction of the examined enterococci were safe and could serve as excellent food fermentation microorganisms with inherent bioprotective abilities., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts to declare., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier GmbH.. All rights reserved.)

(1) Background: Linezolid plays an important role in the treatment of invasive infections caused by vancomycin-resistant enterococci after its introduction to clinical practice. However, a detailed examination of linezolid-nonsusceptible enterococci (LNSE) is required. In this study, we attempted to analyze the mechanisms of LNSE strains isolated from a tertiary care hospital. (2) Methods: From 2019 to 2020, 18 Enterococcus faecalis, 14 E. faecium, and 2 E. gallinarum clinical isolates were collected at Severance Hospital. Agar dilution was performed to evaluate precise linezolid minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs). Short-read whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was used to analyze resistance determinants. (3) Results: The presence of the optrA gene was likely the primary resistance mechanism in these three species, typically demonstrating a MIC value of 8 μg/mL. The co-existence of the cfr(D) and poxtA2 gene was the second major mechanism, primarily predicting a phenotype showing intermediate susceptibility to linezolid. G2576U mutation on 23S rRNA was only found in E. faecium; it mediated the most significant increase in linezolid MIC. (4) Conclusion: This is the first report examining poxtA2–cfr(D) co-harboring clinical enterococcal isolates in Korea and demonstrating the poxtA EF9F6-harboring clinical E. gallinarum strain worldwide. The comparison with resistance-gene-containing fragments in the isolates obtained from different countries and different sources demonstrated the spread of linezolid-resistance genes and suggested the possibility of foodborne transmission.

Abstract Regarding endocarditis prophylaxis, there is an increasing burden of enterococci related to antibiotic resistances. The testing of the bacterial milieu of the oral cavity before dental procedures may be promising to adjust the antibiotics.

Regarding endocarditis prophylaxis, there is an increasing burden of enterococci related to antibiotic resistances. The testing of the bacterial milieu of the oral cavity before dental procedures may be promising to adjust the antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Enterococci are intrinsically resistant to clinically achievable concentrations of aminoglycosides. However, high-level resistance to aminoglycosides (HLAR) is primarily due to the acquisition of genes encoding aminoglycoside-modifying enzymes (AMEs). Aminoglycosides along with cell wall inhibitors are given clinically for treating enterococcal infections. The current study was conducted to investigate the rate of HLAR and to determine aminoglycoside resistance encoding genes profile in enterococcal isolates from different clinical specimens. Results From 120 Enterococcus species, 50 (41.7%) enterococcal isolates were proven to have HLAR, 78% (39/50) have high-level gentamicin resistance (HLGR), and 74% (37/50) were high-level streptomycin-resistant (HLSR). HLGR isolates carried aminoglycoside modifying gene aac (6′)-Ie-aph (2′)-Ia in 26/39 (66.7%) of isolates, whereas 32/37 (86.5%) of HLSR carried aph (3′)-IIIa gene and were observed in E. faecalis, E. faecium, E. gallinarum, and E. casseliflavus. The aph (2′)-Ib, aph (2′)-Ic, and aph (2′)-Id that encode HLGR could not be detected. Conclusions The high detection rate of HLAR among the studied Enterococcus species and the coexistence of HLGR and HLSR strains provide crucial insights to the necessity of routine testing for HLAR in the microbiology lab. The main AME genes among HLGR and HLSR enterococci were aac (6′)-Ie-aph (2″)-Ia and aph (3′)-IIIa, respectively.

Background: While surveillance of antimicrobial drug resistance is ongoing in human medicine in South Africa, there is no such activity being performed in veterinary medicine. As a result, there is a need to investigate antimicrobial resistance among enterococci isolated from dogs in South Africa to improve understanding of the status of antimicrobial drug resistance given its public and veterinary public health importance. This study investigated antimicrobial resistance and factors associated with resistance profiles of enterococci isolated from dogs presented for veterinary care at a veterinary teaching hospital in South Africa.Methods: In total 102 Enterococcus isolated between 2007 and 2011 by a bacteriology laboratory at a teaching hospital were included in this study. Antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolates was determined against a panel of 18 antimicrobials using the Kirby Bauer disc diffusion technique. Univariate analysis was used to assess simple associations between year, season, breed group, age group, sex, and specimen as covariates and extensive drug resistance (XDR) as the outcome. Variables that were significant in the univariate analysis at a generous p-value ≤ 0.2 were included in the multivariable logistic models to investigate predictors of XDR.Results: All the Enterococcus isolates were resistant to at least one antimicrobial. High proportions of isolates were resistant against lincomycin (93%), kanamycin (87%), orbifloxacin (85%), and aminogycoside-lincosamide (77%). Ninety three percent (93%), 35.3, and 8.8% of the isolates exhibited multi-drug, extensive-drug and pan-drug resistance, respectively. Only year was significantly (p = 0.019) associated with extensive-drug resistance.Conclusion: Given the zoonotic potential of Enterococcus spp., the high antimicrobial resistance and multi-drug resistance observed in this study are a public health concern from one health perspective. The identified resistance to various antimicrobials may be useful in guiding clinicians especially in resource scarce settings where it is not always possible to perform AST when making treatment decisions.

Objectives: We aimed to assess the frequency of ICU-acquired bloodstream infections in coronavirus disease 2019 patients.Design: Retrospective observational study.Setting: The emergency expansion of an ICU from eight general beds to 30 coronavirus disease 2019 beds.Participants: Patients with coronavirus disease 2019 admitted to the ICU of Luigi Sacco Hospital (Milan, Italy) for greater than or equal to 48 hours between February 21, 2020, and April 30, 2020.Interventions: None.Measurements and Main Results: The frequency of bloodstream infections per 1,000 days of ICU stay was calculated in 89 coronavirus disease 2019 patients, and the cumulative probability of bloodstream infection was estimated using death and ICU discharge as competing events. Sixty patients (67.4%) experienced at least one of the 93 recorded episodes of bloodstream infection, a frequency of 87 per 1,000 days of ICU stay (95% CI, 67-112).The patients who experienced a bloodstream infection had a higher Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score upon ICU admission (9.5; interquartile range, 8-12 vs 8, interquartile range, 5-10; p = 0.042), a longer median ICU stay (15 d; interquartile range, 11-23 vs 8, interquartile range, 5-12; p < 0.001), and more frequently required invasive mechanical ventilation (98.3% vs 82.8%; p = 0.013) than those who did not. The median time from ICU admission to the first bloodstream infection episode was 10 days. Gram-positive bacteria accounted for 74 episodes (79.6%), with Enterococcus species being the most prevalent (53 episodes, 55.8%). Thirty-two isolates (27.3%) showed multidrug resistance.Conclusions: Coronavirus disease 2019 seemed to increase the frequency of bloodstream infections (particularly Enterococcus-related bloodstream infection) after ICU admission. This may have been due to enteric involvement in patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 and/or limitations in controlling the patient-to-patient transmission of infectious agents in extremely challenging circumstances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Objective This study was done to determine the prevalence and phenotypic characterization of Enterococcus species isolated from clinical samples of pediatric patients in Jimma University Specialized Hospital, Southwest Ethiopia. Results The overall prevalence of Enterococci species was 5.5% (22/403). Five (22.7%) of Enterococci species were vancomycin resistant. Haemolysin, gelatinase and biofilm production was seen among 45.5, 68.2 and 77.3% of isolates respectively. The overall rate of antibiotic resistance was 95.5% (21/22). High resistance was observed against norfloxacin (87.5%), and tetracycline (77.3%). Whereas, low resistance (36.5%) was observed against ciprofloxacin and eighteen (80.8%) of the isolates were multi-drug resistant.

Copyright of Journal of Surgery & Medicine (JOSAM) is the property of Journal of Surgery & Medicine and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Staphylococcal bacteremia and enterococcal bacteremia are prevalent in hospitalized or recently instrumented patients, and are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. They are often difficult to treat due to the pathogenicity of the organisms, poor response to antibiotics, and increasing development of multidrug resistance. Therefore, there has been increasing interest in combination therapy for the treatment of these infections. The aim of this review was to summarize and assess the evidence supporting combination beta-lactam therapy for both Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus species blood stream infections. Currently, there is promising in vitro data but little clinical evidence supporting combination beta-lactam therapy for this indication. Further clinical investigations are needed to elucidate the potential benefits of beta-lactam combination therapy over monotherapy for Gram-positive bacteremia, although combination therapy may be useful in refractory cases of bacteremia that do not respond to standard antibiotic therapy.

Abstract Although commonly regarded as human and animal intestinal tract commensals, Enterococcus spp. have emerged as important nosocomial pathogens due to their intrinsic or acquired resistance to a number of antibiotics. Poultry has been suggested to be a reservoir for antibiotic resistance that may aggravate the problem of transmission of enterococci infections. Between January and December 2016, 106 Enterococcus spp. were isolated from a total of three poultry species. The collection included isolates recovered from chickens (n = 30), ducks (n = 35) and pigeons (n = 41). All enterococci isolates were screened for their ability to form biofilm. The antibiotic susceptibility was determined against 13 antibiotics using the disc diffusion method. The presence of the eight resistance genes, vanA, vanB, vanC, catA, catB, fexA, fexB and cfr was determined by PCR. All 106 isolates were resistant to clindamycin, whereas majority of isolates (>90%) were resistant to erythromycin, oxytetracycline, doxycycline, gentamycin, ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, and vancomycin. All isolates produced biofilms and were classified as extensive drug-resistant. MAR indices for all isolates was determined to be > 0.8, indicating that they have been recovered from high risk contamination sources. The cfr resistance gene was not detected in any of the 106 enterococci isolates, whereas the chloramphenicol resistance genes catA and catB were found in 18.9% (20/106) of the isolates. Interestengly, fex A 11.9% (15/106), fex B 8.7% (11/106), vanA 18.9% (20/106) , vanB 25.5% (27/106), and vanC 33% (35/106) genes were also determined in our study. The present study highlights the emergence of a linezolid sensitive-vancomycin resistant enterococci, which lacks the cfr gene reporting also for the first time the detection of van, fex and cat -genes in Enterococcus species recovered from chickens, ducks and pigeons in Egypt suggesting that poultry species could be potential vectors for transmission of multidrug resistant enterococci posing a public health risk. Highlights • Excessive use of antibiotics has led to consider them as important pollutants. • Enterococcal strains and their antibiotic resistance an aspect of great concern. • Three poultry species used for human consumption and pet animals. • Could be vectors for the dissemination of antibiotic resistant enterococcal strains. • A public health crisis to the Egyptian community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Enterococcal meningitis is very rare among bacterial meningitis and has variable clinical outcomes. Aims: The purpose of the current study is to evaluate clinical features, therapeutic options with susceptibility profile, and outcomes of enterococcal meningitis in a tertiary care hospital. Settings and Design: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of all patients with enterococcal meningitis over the periods of 4 years. Subjects and Methods: The clinical and laboratory data of all patients with enterococcal meningitis were evaluated between 2013 and 2016. Results: Six cases of enterococcal meningitis were found (three infant and three adults). All patients developed meningitis after neurosurgical procedures, and majority of patients (four out of six) had central nervous system (CNS) devices in situ at the time of development of meningitis. The causative organism isolated from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture of all patients was Enterococcus species only. All Enterococcus spp. were resistant to ampicillin, Amoxicillin-clavulanate, and oxytetracycline and two isolates were also resistant to vancomycin. Four patients with vancomycin-sensitive Enterococcus spp. were treated with vancomycin alone for mean periods of 18 days (14–21 days). One patient with vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) meningitis was treated with linezolid alone, and another one requires combination with rifampicin to achieve microbiological clearance of CSF. CNS devices were removed in all patients. No mortality was reported in current case series. Conclusions: Enterococcal meningitis is very uncommon, mostly associated with neurosurgical intervention. Early treatment is associated with favorable outcomes. Removal of CNS devices is recommended to achieve a clinical cure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Avian Diseases is the property of American Association of Avian Pathologists, Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Staphylococcal bacteremia and enterococcal bacteremia are prevalent in hospitalized or recently instrumented patients, and are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. They are often difficult to treat due to the pathogenicity of the organisms, poor response to antibiotics, and increasing development of multidrug resistance. Therefore, there has been increasing interest in combination therapy for the treatment of these infections. The aim of this review was to summarize and assess the evidence supporting combination beta-lactam therapy for both Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus species blood stream infections. Currently, there is promising in vitro data but little clinical evidence supporting combination beta-lactam therapy for this indication. Further clinical investigations are needed to elucidate the potential benefits of beta-lactam combination therapy over monotherapy for Gram-positive bacteremia, although combination therapy may be useful in refractory cases of bacteremia that do not respond to standard antibiotic therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enterococcus species was isolated from Turkish white cheese and genotypic characterization of these isolates revealed the presence of 12 distinct strains belonging to 5 different species: Enterococcus faecium , E. faecalis , E. durans , E. gallinarum and E. italicus . All strains showed good survival ability under bile salt conditions. The antibiotic resistance of these strains was low but two strains showed high levels of resistance including resistance to vancomycin. PCR detection of virulence determinant in these isolates revealed that cheese isolate enterococci contained virulence genes common in gut and food originated enterococci and importantly two strains harboured cylB gene related to cytolysin metabolism. No complete hemolytic activity was observed for Enterococcus strains but partial hemolytic activity was observed 8 out of 12 strains. Additionally, all strains showed important levels of antimicrobial activity against food-borne pathogens and PCR screening of genes encoding enterocin A and B indicated the presence of enterocin B gene in all tested strains. The antimicrobial activities of the tested strains were lost after proteolytic enzyme treatments but no alteration was observed at different pHs and after heat treatments. In summary, this study reflected characteristics of Enterococcus strains presented in Turkish white cheese in terms of functional and safety perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vertebral osteomyelitis (VO) is a worldwide emerging disease that affects broilers. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency and aetiology of VO in broilers in a highly productive broiler region. For this, 608 broilers with locomotory problems were analysed from 18 farms. Clinical signs were recorded, necropsy was performed and samples were collected from vertebral bodies with gross changes for molecular and histopathological analysis and for bacterial isolation. From broilers with locomotory changes, 5.1% (31/608) had VO and, of these, 93.5% were 40 days old or older and 89.7% were males. The birds with VO presented varying degrees of limited mobility and this was related to the level of compression to the spinal cord. Bacterial species of the genusEnterococcus(DNA detected in 53.6%) were the aetiological agents involved in most VO cases.Enterococcus faecaliswas detected most frequently (35.7%), butEnterococcus hiraewas also present in some lesions (7.1%).Escherichia coliwas detected in 35.7% of vertebral lesions and co-infection withE. faecaliswas confirmed in 7.1% cases.Staphylococcus aureuswas involved in 14.3% of the cases, being 7.1% in co-infection withEnterococcusspp. orE. hirae. Our study has indicated that, in Brazil, VO in broilers may not be caused by a single infectious agent and has a lower frequency than recently reported in other countries. This study suggests that there are geographical differences between Brazil and other countries concerning the frequency and aetiology of VO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]