Epidemiology and genetic diversity of linezolid-resistant Enterococcus clinical isolates in Belgium from 2013 to 2021

• DOI: 10.1016/j.jgar.2024.04.010
• Publication Date: 2024-05-07T01:53:50Z
• Authors: Olivier Mortelé; Stefanie van Klee...; Sarah Vandamme; Hilde Jansens; Herman Goossens; Veerle Matheeussen
• Keywords: Linezolid

Linezolid resistant opportunistic human pathogens Enterococcus faecalis and faecium are an emerging health threat as limited therapeutic options remain. The aim was to investigate the epidemiology, resistance mechanisms genetic diversity of Belgian linezolid enterococci (LRE) isolated between 2013 2021 received at National Reference Centre (NRC) for Enterococci. susceptibility testing performed upon request on 2458 submitted Enterococci strains. Whole genome sequencing all LRE Seventy-eight isolates, which 63 (81%) E. 15 (19%) strains, were NRC Of 97% harboured optrA (56% wild-type pE349) 3% poxtA gene. 54% G2576T point mutation in V domain 23S rRNA genes, 23% Furthermore two strains identified with a combination ((i) (ii) cfr(B) respectively). Vancomycin observed 15% (n=12) LRE. ST480 (n=42/63 typed 67%) most frequently detected sequence type (STs) while ST203 (n=5/15 33%) STs isolates harbouring predominant Belgium prominent MLST. could be attributed either chromosomal mutations or transferable determinants.