Comparative evaluation of chromogenic agar with conventional e-test in detection of vancomycin resistant enterococci

Background: The emergence of Vancomycin resistance Enterococci (VRE) is a cause of concern. They have become important nosocomial pathogen, which is very difficult to treat and control. So it is necessary to prevent their spread by early detection and monitor continuously such infection in hospital. Objective: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the two different methods - Epsilometer test (E- test) (Himedia, India) and HiCrome VRE Agar, Modified (Himedia M195, India) in detecting VRE. Methods: A total of 100 Enterococci isolated from various clinical specimens were speciated and antibiogram was done by using standard protocol. The efficacy of E- test (Himedia, India) and HiCrome VRE Agar, Modified (Himedia M195, India) in detecting VRE was evaluated .Results: In the present study, all the isolates were sensitive to Vancomycin. No VRE was isolated in my study. Hicrome VRE media and E-test showed sensitivity and specificity of 100%. Conclusion: In the present study VRE was not isolated. Identification of VRE by chromogenic media is rapid, easy to perform with reliable visual detection and cost effective compared to time consuming, technically demanding and expensive conventional method. Hence, HiCrome VRE Agar, Modified (Himedia M195, India) can be used as selective medium for isolation and differentiation of Vancomycin Resistant Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium from clinical specimens.