PREVALENCE AND ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE PATTERNS OF ENTEROCOCCUS SPECIES IN CLINICAL SAMPLES.

Background: Enterococcus species are emerging nosocomial pathogens with increasing antimicrobial resistance, particularly to vancomycin. This study evaluates the prevalence, species distribution, and antimicrobial resistance patterns of Enterococcus isolates from clinical samples. Methods: An analysis of 150 Enterococcus isolates from urine, pus, blood, and body fluids was conducted. Species identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were performed using standard microbiological methods, following CLSI guidelines. Results: E. faecalis was the predominant species, followed by E. faecium. Urine samples were the most common source. Multi-drug resistance (MDR) was observed in a significant proportion of isolates, with high resistance to fluoroquinolones and aminoglycosides. Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) prevalence was 9.3%, more common in E. faecium. Linezolid and teicoplanin remained effective. The rising VRE and MDR Conclusion: Enterococcus burden highlights the need for surveillance, infection control, and antimicrobial stewardship programs to prevent further resistance spread.