Detection of vancomycin resistance genes in enterococcal isolates of animal origin by multiplex PCR

207 enterococcal isolates of animal and food origin were examined for the existence of vancomycin resistance genes (vanA, vanB, vanC1, vanC2) by multiplex-PCR. For 5 strains the vanA-gene could be detected clearly. The vanB-gene could not be found in any of the examined strains. In subsequent single PCR examinations 135 vanC-positive strains were identified as either vanC1- or vanC2-isolates whereas 16 vanC-positive probes were obviously mixed cultures. For 5 enterococcal strains isolated from pigs the multiplex FOR led first to false-negative results. By single FOR examinations the vanC1-gene could be detected in these strains. According to multiplex- and single FOR examinations 46 strains were negative for any examined gene. The multiplex FOR is characterised by its time-and material saving advantages and is therefore recommended for the routine use for the detection of vancomycin genes in enterococcal strains. For the differentiation of vanC1- and vanC2-genes and the clarification of negative results single-PCR examinations should be carried out