Genotypic Characterization of Van A and Van B Genes among Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci Isolated from Urine Samples

Infections caused by VRE are difficult to treat because different gene clusters are known to confer Vancomycin resistance. Van A and Van B genes are transferable and clinically relevant. This study aimed to identify Vancomycin resistant genotypes in strains causing U.T.I. Out of 250 Enterococci 37 (14.8%) of the isolates were Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE) of which 17(45.94%) were from male and 20 (54.05%) were from female Patients. Total species distribution in VRE isolates was 3(8.1%), 31(83.78%) and 3(8.1%) for E. faecalis, E. faecium, other sps. Antibiotic resistance profile of VRE isolates was evaluated. All the VRE strains were 100% resistant to Ampicillin whereas 89.18% VRE strains were resistant to Ciprofloxacin and 78.3% VRE strains were resistant to High Level Gentamicin. Van A and Van B genes were detected in 14(37.8%) and 1(2.7%) of strains respectively. The present study showed prevalence of Van A and Van B genes carrying Enterococcus in urinary isolates.