RESEARCH ARTICLE Identification of vancomyc s

Full list of author information is available at the end of the articleFor most immunocompetent patients, colonization with vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) does not present a significant personal health risk; however, these patients may function as carriers, and following hospital admission, may pose a substantial risk for transmission [1-4]. In 2003, nosocomial infections caused by VRE occurred rarely in lence of vancomycin resistance among enterococci spp. in community-hospitals and medical centers has increased from 2 % to 16 % and from 3 % to 21%, respectively [5]. Little is known about the epidemiology of VRE, and most information has derived from the descriptions of mono-clonal outbreaks [6-11]. The reasons underlying the rapid emergence of VRE had not been investigated in Taiwan thus far. Taiwan’s current management guidelines for VRE Background: In 2003, nosocomial infections caused by vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) occurred rarely in Taiwan. Between 2003 and 2010, however, the average prevalence of vancomycin resistance amon