Widespread Distribution of Vancomycin Resistance Genes in Enterococcus faecium: A Global Study

Strategic Insights -

Research conducted by scientists from Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital found that vancomycin resistance genes are prevalent in human populations and clinical settings, with a significant presence of the gene in strain ST17. The study analyzed 3,256 genome sequences, retaining 2,235 high-quality genomes after quality filtering. The researchers identified eight genotypes, including and, accounting for 47.6% of the strains carrying genes. Most of the strains carrying genes were isolated from humans, primarily in the United States, and commonly from rectal swabs.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study analyzed 3,256 genome sequences, with 2,235 high-quality genomes retained after quality filtering.
  • The researchers identified eight genotypes, including and, accounting for 47.6% of the strains carrying genes.
  • Most of the strains carrying genes were isolated from humans, primarily in the United States, and commonly from rectal swabs.
  • The gene was the most prevalent in 2015, particularly in ST17 strains.
  • The study highlights the importance of monitoring and intervening in the spread of ST17 strains.
  • The research was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China.
  • The study used the blastn tool to screen genomes for genes and pubMLST profiles to determine sequence types.

Statistics:

  • 3,256 genome sequences were downloaded for analysis.
  • 2,235 high-quality genomes were retained after quality filtering.
  • 1,071 (47.9%) of the 2,235 genomes harbored genes.
  • Eight genotypes were identified, including and, accounting for 47.6% of the strains carrying genes.
  • 83 distinct sequence types (STs) were identified among the strains carrying genes.
  • ST17 was the most prevalent strain carrying genes.
  • Most stains carrying genes were isolated from humans, primarily in the United States.
  • Rectal swabs were the most common source of isolation for strains carrying genes.

Sources:

  • Deciphering vancomycin resistance in Enterococcus faecium: gene distribution, sequence typing, and global phylogenetic analysis. Frontiers in Microbiology, 2025;16:1578903.
  • Frontiers in Microbiology, Avenue Du Tribunal Federal 34, Lausanne, Ch-1015, Switzerland
  • Jun Ji, Dept. of Laboratory Medicine, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, People's Republic of China