Linezolid-resistant and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium urinary isolate in a pediatric B-ALL patient

October 22, 2025
Clinical Microbiology
Emma Seevak, Tanvi S Sharma, Alaric W D'Souza
Pathogen:Enterococcus faecium
Infection Type:Urinary tract infection
Pathogen Type:Bacteria

Summary

A pediatric patient with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), undergoing chemotherapy, presented with a urinary tract infection. Urine culture identified Enterococcus faecium, which exhibited resistance to both vancomycin and linezolid. This dual resistance was confirmed by phenotypic susceptibility testing and whole-genome sequencing, revealing the presence of vanA and optrA genes. The patient was successfully treated with daptomycin. This case highlights the emergence of extensively drug-resistant Enterococcus faecium in immunocompromised pediatric populations, emphasizing the critical need for vigilant surveillance and appropriate antimicrobial stewardship.

Key note: The emergence of linezolid-resistant and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium in immunocompromised children necessitates careful monitoring and alternative treatment strategies.

DOI: 10.1128/asmcr.00085-25