Comparison of different phenotypic methods for detection of Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE) among clinical isolates

Aim: To compare the different phenotypic methods for detection of bacteriological profile on Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE) among clinical isolates Design: Prospective study Material and Methods: 480 Clinical samples sent for bacteriological examination and culture sensitivity were taken up in this study. Preliminary findings and identification of Enterococci species was carried out using Grams staining, Catalase test, Bile esculin test and growth in NaCl, followed by Antibiotic sensitivity testing in Muller Hilton Agar. The resistant strains were subjected to agar dilution method, Vancomycin estrip method and Vitek-2 automated system for phenotypic detection of Vancomycin resistance. The results were observed and analysed. Results: Among 480 clinical specimens analysed, 120 Enterococci species (25.0%) were isolated. Out of 120 isolates, 40 (33.33%) were resistant to Vancomycin and 80 (66.7%) were sensitive to Vancomycin by disc diffusion method. On further analysis, Vancomycin E-Strip and Vitek-2 showed almost similar results making them more reliable compared to agar dilution method. Keywords: VRE, Enterococci, Phenotypic methods, Vitek2, Estrip, Resistance.