Global burden, inequalities and projections of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis, 1990-2050: A systematic global analysis.

BACKGROUND

Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREfm) and Enterococcus faecalis (VREfs) are major antimicrobial resistance threats. Previous assessments rarely distinguished species, limiting understanding of their epidemiology and control. To address this gap, we analysed trends from 1990 to 2021 and projected the burden through 2050 in order to assess the global burden, inequalities, and future patterns of VREfm and VREfs.

METHODS

We analysed deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) from Measuring Infectious Causes and Resistance Outcomes for Burden Estimation (MICROBE) across 204 countries from 1990 to 2021. Temporal trends were assessed using estimated annual percentage change (EAPC). Associations with the socio-demographic index (SDI), health inequalities, and decomposition of burden changes were examined. Future trends to 2050 were projected using a Bayesian age-period-cohort (BAPC) model.

RESULTS

In 2021, 11,021 deaths and 353,634 DALYs were attributable to VREfm worldwide, compared with 2991 deaths and 82,025 DALYs attributable to VREfs. Since 1990, VREfm has increased mainly in higher-SDI regions, whereas VREfs has decreased in lower-SDI settings. Based on the BAPC model, VREfm burden is projected to continue rising across all indicators by 2050, while VREfs shows a sustained decline.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates divergent species-specific trends, with an increasing burden of VREfm and a decline in VREfs. VREfm is concentrated in middle- to high-SDI regions, while VREfs is in lower-SDI regions. For both species, burden peaks in young children and older adults. These divergent patterns necessitate tailored strategies that prioritise young children and older adults, with a focus on hospital infection control and antimicrobial stewardship for VREfm in higher-SDI regions, and on community prevention and One Health approaches for VREfs in lower-SDI regions.