The case controlled study population consists of solid organ transplant patients. Objectives Initially the colonization and infection rates are measured in a historically susceptible population. Susceptibility to selected antibiotics for these isolates will also be assessed. The second objective is to further examine the association between colonization and infection on the Transplant service. This will include a comparison of antibiotic susceptibility patterns for VRE isolates obtained from surveillance cultures and from patients with nosocomial infections.
Informed consent is obtained.