Cooperating commensals restore colonization resistance to vancomycin-resistant enterococcus faecium Journal Article


Authors: Caballero, S.; Kim, S.; Carter, R. A.; Leiner, I. M.; Sušac, B.; Miller, L.; Kim, G. J.; Ling, L.; Pamer, E. G.
Article Title: Cooperating commensals restore colonization resistance to vancomycin-resistant enterococcus faecium
Abstract: Antibiotic-mediated microbiota destruction and the consequent loss of colonization resistance can result in intestinal domination with vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE), leading to bloodstream infection in hospitalized patients. Clearance of VRE remains a challenging goal that, if achieved, would reduce systemic VRE infections and patient-to-patient transmission. Although obligate anaerobic commensal bacteria have been associated with colonization resistance to VRE, the specific bacterial species involved remain undefined. Herein, we demonstrate that a precisely defined consortium of commensal bacteria containing the Clostridium cluster XIVa species Blautia producta and Clostridium bolteae restores colonization resistance against VRE and clears VRE from the intestines of mice. While C. bolteae did not directly mediate VRE clearance, it enabled intestinal colonization with B. producta, which directly inhibited VRE growth. These findings suggest that therapeutic or prophylactic administration of defined bacterial consortia to individuals with compromised microbiota composition may reduce inter-patient transmission and intra-patient dissemination of highly antibiotic-resistant pathogens. © 2017 Elsevier Inc.
Keywords: antibiotic resistance; enterococcus; vancomycin resistance; enterococcus faecium; microbiota; microbiome; commensal bacteria; colonization resistance; intestinal domination; blautia product
Journal Title: Cell Host & Microbe
Volume: 21
Issue: 5
ISSN: 1931-3128
Publisher: Cell Press  
Date Published: 2017-05-10
Start Page: 592
End Page: 602.e4
Language: English
DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2017.04.002
PROVIDER: scopus
PUBMED: 28494240
PMCID: PMC5494988
DOI/URL:
Notes: Article -- Export Date: 2 June 2017 -- Source: Scopus
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MSK Authors
  1. Eric Pamer
    283 Pamer
  2. Ingrid Leiner
    49 Leiner
  3. Lilan Ling
    44 Ling
  4. Boze Susac
    8 Susac
  5. Rebecca Anne Carter
    13 Carter
  6. Liza Claire Miller
    7 Miller
  7. Grace Jaeyoon Kim
    4 Kim
  8. Sohn Kim
    6 Kim