BMC Microbiol. 2026 Jun 8. doi: 10.1186/s12866-026-05257-4. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) constitute a major global public health concern. These organisms can colonize the gastrointestinal (GI) tract for prolonged periods, ranging from months to years, and efforts to eradicate colonization are often only temporarily effective, with recurrence occurring within days or weeks. In immunocompromised individuals, particularly people living with HIV, VRE colonization may progress to clinically significant infection. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of VRE colonization and identify associated risk factors among HIV-positive patients attending Mettu Karl Comprehensive Specialized Hospital.
METHODS: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from July to September 2023 among 308 participants. Socio-demographic and clinical data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire and a standardized checklist. Stool samples were collected for the isolation and identification of Enterococci using standard microbiological methods. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion technique. Data were entered into Epi Data version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 26. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed to assess the association between presumptive VRE colonization and potential risk factors. Variables with adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to determine the strength of associations, and a p-value of ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
RESULTS: Enterococci were found in 56.8% (175 out of 308) of participants, with 9.1% (16 of 175) identified as presumptive VRE. Among HIV-positive individuals, the presumptive VRE colonization rate was 11.2% (11 cases), compared to 6.5% (5 cases) in HIV-negative individuals. Overall, 46.9% of the enterococci isolates showed multidrug resistance (MDR).Being hospitalized within the past six months was significantly associated with presumptive VRE colonization: (AOR = 0.148; 95% CI: 0.031-0.707; p = 0.017).
CONCLUSION: Presumptive VRE colonization rates were 11.2% among HIV-positive individuals and 6.5% among HIV-negative individuals; however, this difference was not statistically significant. Recent hospitalization were significant risk factors. Therefore, stronger antibiotic stewardship and infection control practices are recommended for people living with HIV.
PMID:42252413 | DOI:10.1186/s12866-026-05257-4
