Identification of a Novel Genomic Island Associated with vanD-Type Vancomycin Resistance in Six Dutch Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus faecium Isolates

Abstract

Genomic comparison of the first six Dutch vanD-type vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE) isolates with four vanD gene clusters from other enterococcal species and anaerobic gut commensals revealed that the vanD gene cluster was located on a genomic island of variable size. Phylogenetic inferences revealed that the Dutch VRE isolates were genetically not closely related and that genetic variation of the vanD-containing genomic island was not species specific, suggesting that this island is transferred horizontally between enterococci and anaerobic gut commensals.

Keywords: Enterococcus faecium; genomic island; vanD type; vancomycin resistance.