Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus, Obesity and Antibiotics: Is there a possible link?

Abstract In the gut of almost all animals including humans is Enterococcus which are Gram-positive, hardy organism and are capable of causing serious infection especially among hospitalized patients. The emergence of obesity, atherosclerosis and the rest of non-communicable chronic diseases could be attributed to the presence of bacteria in the intestine of humans as seen in data gathered over the years. Obesity in the last ten years have significantly increased and these rates call for concern. There are several factors responsible for the emergence of obesity, among which are sedentary lifestyle, consumption of high-fat diet, hormonal, neural, epigenetic and genetic factors. Since VRE is one of the leading causes of nosocomial infections, its association with obesity in patients seeking treatment in the hospital could lead to increased treatment failure and worse outcome. This review, therefore, seeks to bring to light the relationship between VRE, antibiotics and obesity, it also seeks to elucidate the role played by mechanisms in promoting this association and it finally provides instances of cases of VRE in obese patients. Antimicrobials are of vital importance in the fight against bacterial infections and more specifically, VRE. However, the need for discreet and reasonable use of antibiotics including regimented dosage cannot be overemphasized. A dietary supplement is the most likely and effective tool in this microbial war in obesity against bacterial colonization. It is important to carry out further studies to lay bare the seeming association between VRE, obesity and antibiotics as this review has shown an indirect relationship.