Overview of Prevalence, Characteristics, Risk Factors, Resistance, and Virulence of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are Gram-positive bacteria that are resistant to vancomycin. Infections caused by VRE are associated with adverse outcomes such as extended length of hospital stay, increased cost, and high mortality rate. Clinical and surveillance VRE isolates have been reported from Saudi Arabia. In this review, prevalence, characteristics, risk factors, resistance, and virulence of VRE isolates associated with infection and colonization in Saudi Arabia are described.

Keywords: Saudi Arabia; enterococci; epidemiology; vancomycin resistant.