Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium infection in patients with hematologic malignancy: Patients with acute myeloid leukemia are at high-risk

Abstract

Background: Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are significant nosocomial pathogens in patients with hematologic malignancy. Identification of risk factors for infection is necessary for targeted prevention and surveillance. Objectives and methods: An outbreak of VRE infection occurred at a tertiary cancer hospital between 1 August 2003 and 30 June 2005. Infection control measures recommended by the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America were used throughout the outbreak period. A matched case-control study was performed to identify risk factors for VRE infection. Results: Fourteen VRE infections (13 episodes of bacteremia, one urinary tract infection) occurred a median of 10.5 d..