Rapid detection of Van genes in rectal swabs by real time PCR in Southern Brazil.

Introduction: Laboratory-based surveillance is an important component in the control of vancomycin resistant enterococci (VRE).

Methods: The study aimed to evaluate real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) (genes vanA-vanB) for VRE detection on 115 swabs from patients included in a surveillance program.

Results: Sensitivity of RT-PCR was similar to primary culture (75% and 79.5%, respectively) when compared to broth enriched culture, whereas specificity was 83.1%.

Conclusions: RT-PCR provides same day results, however it showed low sensitivity for VRE detection.