AUTHOR=Marbjerg Lis , Stougaard Caroline Louise , Sørensen Sophie-Amalie Grønhøj , Thomsen Amalie Vørs , Wang Lis , Andersen Lise , Andersen Thomas Emil , Kallipolitis Birgitte , Kemp Michael 

TITLE=A New Tool for Analyses of Whole Genome Sequences Reveals Dissemination of Specific Strains of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus faecium in a Hospital

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Medicine

VOLUME=8

YEAR=2021

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/medicine/articles/10.3389/fmed.2021.733676

DOI=10.3389/fmed.2021.733676

ISSN=2296-858X

ABSTRACT=<p>A new easy-to-use online bioinformatic tool analyzing whole genome sequences of healthcare associated bacteria was used by a local infection control unit to retrospectively map genetic relationship of isolates of <italic>E. faecium</italic> carrying resistance genes to vancomycin in a hospital. Three clusters of isolates were detected over a period of 5 years, suggesting transmission between patients. Individual relatedness between isolates within each cluster was established by SNP analyses provided by the system. Genetic antimicrobial resistance mechanisms to antibiotics other than vancomycin were identified. The results suggest that the system is suited for hospital surveillance of <italic>E. faecium</italic> carrying resistance genes to vancomycin in settings with access to next Generation Sequencing without bioinformatic expertise for interpretation of the genome sequences.</p>