Vancomycin Resistance in Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus Species Isolated at the University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia: Should We Be Worried?

Abstract

Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus species cause invasive infections such as bacteremia and infective endocarditis. Despite vancomycin being the drug of choice for drug-resistant infections caused by these species, few studies have been conducted to ascertain vancomycin resistance in the African setting. This is crucial given the rising resistance in these organisms. This study aimed at isolating S. aureus and Enterococcus species and determine their susceptibility to vancomycin and other antibiotics at the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia.