Epidémiologie Des Infections Nosocomiales À Entérocoques

Enterococci have been recently recognized as major agents of nosocomial infections. Hospital outbreaks due to strains resistant to penicillins, to high levels of aminoglycosides and to glycopeptides were described. Several risk factors for colonization or infection are involved, including antibiotic treatments, underlying severe diseases and extended hospital stay. The reservoir of the strains is frequently intestinal and the hands of the health care personnel might be the mode of cross transmission of the strains. Prevention and control of infections and colonisations is based on application of hygienic measures including handwashing.