Detection and genetic characterisation of van A‐containing Enterococcus strains in healthy Lusitano horses

Lusitano horses were investigated in order to detect the presence of vancomycin‐resistant enterococci . van A isolates showed high level vancomycin (Minimum inhibitory concentration; MIC ≥128 mg/l) and teicoplanin resistance (MIC 64 mg/l), as well as resistance to ciprofloxacin, erythromycin and tetracycline. The tet (L) and erm (B) genes, associated with tetracycline and erythromycin resistance, respectively, were found in all van A isolates. The intestinal tract of Lusitano horses can be a potential reservoir for van A‐containing enterococci .