Methods: Cases were reported by passive surveillance to the Arizona Department of Health Services by hospitals, physicians, and/or laboratories. Cases were defined as individuals either colonized or infected with VRE. Census Bureau estimates (1998) were used to calculate age- and county-specific incidence rates for VRE.
Results: There were 1,833 reported cases of VRE during 1998-1999. The overall incidence rate of VRE in Arizona was 17.7 per 100,000 population in 1998 and 20.4 in 1999. There was no seasonal variation in either year. Females had a higher incidence rate than males in 1998 (20.9 vs. 14.4, p<0.001) and 1999 (24.0 vs. 17.3, p<0.001). All age groups were affected. Incidence rates increased with age. The risk of either colonization or infection with VRE was 11 times greater [relative risk (RR)=11.17, 95% confidence interval (CI)=(9.70,12.86), p<0.001] in individuals 65 years of age or older than those under 65 years of age in 1998 and 9.6 times greater [RR=9.61, 95% CI=(8.48,10.90), p<0.001] in 1999.
Conclusions: VRE was made reportable in Arizona in 1997. It was the fourth most common reportable infectious disease in Arizona in 1999. In response to the magnitude of this problem, state guidelines for the management of patients with VRE were developed and implemented.
Learning Objectives: 1. Assess VRE as a public health concern in Arizona. 2. Describe the surveillance of VRE during 1998-1999. 3. Identify measures that were taken to reduce the incidence rates of VRE
Keywords: Surveillance, Antibiotic Resistance
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Arizona Department of Health Services
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.