Gentamicin-resistant enterococcal endocarditis: the need for routine screening for high-level resistance to aminoglycosides

South Med J. 1990 Apr;83(4):458-60.

Abstract

We have reported a case of high-level gentamicin-resistant enterococcal endocarditis as a complication of intravenous narcotic abuse. Because routine screening of enterococcal blood isolates for high-level aminoglycoside resistance was not done, the patient possibly received suboptimal therapy. This case amplifies the necessity of a systematic screening program for enterococcal blood isolates to detect high-level resistance to gentamicin and streptomycin in clinical laboratories.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Endocarditis, Bacterial / drug therapy*
  • Enterococcus faecalis / drug effects*
  • Evaluation Studies as Topic
  • Gentamicins / pharmacology*
  • Gentamicins / therapeutic use
  • Heroin*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Streptococcal Infections / drug therapy*
  • Streptomycin / pharmacology*
  • Streptomycin / therapeutic use
  • Substance Abuse, Intravenous / complications*

Substances

  • Gentamicins
  • Heroin
  • Streptomycin