Opioid exposure as a potential risk factor for vancomycin-resistant enterococci colonization in the absence of antimicrobial exposure

Antimicrobial exposure leads to an increased risk of colonization and spread of vancomycin-resistant enterococci. Studies have also implicated exposure to non-antimicrobial medications as potential risk factors for an increased risk of colonization with these pathogens.

A matched case-control study was performed to determine specific non-antimicrobial medications associated with vancomycin-resistant enterococci rectal colonization. Cases and controls were defined as persons who were not exposed to antimicrobials in the preceding 12 months and in whom vancomycin-resistant enterococci rectal colonization was and was not detected at hospital admission, respectively. Matching was performed by date of admission. Data was extracted from electronic medical records and included patient demographics, clinical data and exposure to non-antimicrobial medications in the preceding 90 days.

Opioid exposure may increase the risk of vancomycin-resistant enterococci colonization. Preventing acquisition of these pathogens may require infection prevention efforts targeting persons exposed to opioids.