Vibrational spectroscopy for rapid profiling of vancomycin susceptibility in Enterococci

Abstract

Fast diagnosis of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), especially in high-priority pathogens, is essential to maintain the best-possible patient outcomes. In this communication, we present a new approach for rapid AMR assessment that is able to distinguish between vancomycin-resistant and vancomycin-susceptible enterococci (VRE and VSE, respectively) within 2 hours using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, chemometrics and chemometrics-based modelling. This study outlined how early spectral markers of effective vancomycin action were used to accurately predict resistance profiles in both known and blinded Enterococcus samples. This article provides the foundation for a rapid diagnostic tool that enables faster determination of bacterial susceptibility, supporting timely clinical decisions and better patient outcomes.