Enterococcus-related vascular graft infection: A case series

Abstract

Objectives: We aimed to assess the frequency, management, and burden of enterococcal-related vascular graft infection.

Patients and methods: From 2008 to 2021, data regarding all episodes of vascular graft infections initially managed or secondarily referred to our referral center were prospectively collected. We described the history and management of the infection, depending on the type of prosthesis used.

Results: The frequency of enterococcal-related vascular graft infections was 29/249 (12 %). Most of them were early infections (22/29, 76 %). Infections were polymicrobial (26/29, 90 %), mostly associated with Enterobacterales. Among patients with positive blood cultures, 7/8 (88 %) involved enterococci. Patients with enterococcal-related vascular graft infections were mainly (22/29, 76 %) treated with an association of antibiotics. Mortality and relapse occurred in 28 % and 7 % respectively of the cases.

Conclusions: Enterococcal-related vascular graft infections occurred in patients with comorbidities, during the early period following surgery and were more frequent in cases of intra-cavitary prosthesis. Their potential virulence needs to be considered, especially in polymicrobial infections.

Keywords: Enterococcus spp.; Fluoroquinolone; Polymicrobial; Prosthetic vascular infection; Rifampicin.