Outbreak of vanB vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium colonization in a neonatal service

Abstract

Objective To describe successful termination of an outbreak of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREfm) colonization within a neonatal service. Setting Multisite neonatal intensive care unit and special care nurseries within a single health care service. Participants Forty-four cases of VREfm-colonized neonatal inpatients-including 2 clinical isolates (eye swab and catheter-urine specimen) and 42 screening isolates. Interventions Active surveillance cultures, patient isolation, contact precautions, enhanced environment cleaning, and staff and parent education. Whole genome sequencing and multilocus sequence typing were used to characterize the outbreak and refine infection control p..