Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci: Approach to Treatment and Control.

Enterococci have become increasingly important nosocomial pathogens in many hospitals in the United States within the past few years. This is a result of an increased incidence of enterococci resistance to many antimicrobials. Drugs that were once the mainstay in the treatment of enterococci, including penicillins, aminoglycosides, and vancomycin, are no longer effective in many situations where resistant enterococci are encountered. The treatment of enterococci that are resistant to single or combination antibiotic regimens now presents a clinical challenge to physicians, pharmacists, and other health care professionals.