# Rapid Transmission and Divergence of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus faecium Sequence Type 80, China

## TL;DR

This study examines how vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium evolved and spread during an outbreak in China.

## Contribution

The study reveals how genomic divergence and recombination drive the evolution of VREF during an outbreak.

## Key findings

- Two VREF subpopulations diverged through insertion sequence–mediated recombination.
- One subpopulation gained more antimicrobial resistance and carbohydrate metabolism genes.
- Persistent transmission highlights the importance of genomic surveillance to control spread.

## Abstract

We investigated genomic evolution of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREF) during an outbreak in Shenzhen, China. Whole-genome sequencing revealed 2 sequence type 80 VREF subpopulations diverging through insertion sequence–mediated recombination. One subpopulation acquired more antimicrobial resistance and carbohydrate metabolism genes. Persistent VREF transmission underscores the need for genomic surveillance to curb spread.