Clinical, genomic, and functional characterization of vancomycin-resistant <i>Enterococci</i> from immunocompromised patients: insights into epithelial dysfunction and bloodstream infections.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis (VRE) are increasingly recognized as major opportunistic pathogens in immunocompromised patients, where they may cause bloodstream infections (BSIs). The present study aimed to characterize a cohort of immunocompromised patients colonized or infected with VRE, performing genomic analysis of these isolates. Additionally, we investigated the impact of bacterial culture supernatants on Caco-2 epithelial cells, focusing on adhesion and cytotoxicity to elucidate mechanisms related to epithelial dysfunction and bacterial translocation.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study including 46 VRE from two Italian hospitals. Clinical and epidemiological data were collected, and isolates were

SUBMITTER: Sangiorgio G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12748236 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature