Enterococci have emerged as an important etiological agent of nosocomial infections in the recent years. The major reason for this is the increasing number of strains resistant to large number antimicrobial agents. Indiscriminate use of broad spectrum antibiotics contributes to the conversion of Enterococci, the otherwise gut commensal to an opportunistic pathogen and its emergence as important cause of community acquired infections. The propensity of enterococcus species to easily acquire resistance genes and the presence of some unique mechanisms conferring resistance to aminoglycosides and glycopeptides have limited the choice available for treating serious Enterococcal infections. Hence continuous monitoring and determination of antimicrobial susceptibility is quintessential. Aim: The purpose of the study was to determine the pattern of antimicrobial resistance among Enterococcus species in SRM medical college hospital, Chennai Materials and methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out from April2013 - March 2014.A total of 128 isolates of enterococcus species were identified using Facklam and Collins scheme. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed by Kirby Baeur disk diffusion method and results were interpreted using CLSI guidelines. Results: Out of 128 isolates, 97 strains were E.faecalis and 31 were E.faecium. The isolated enterococcus species showed maximum resistance to commonly used antibiotics like penicillin, ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, and gentamicin .E.faecium were more resistant to antibiotics. Vancomycin and teicoplanin resistance was 2.34% and 3.12% respectively. All the strains were sensitive to Linezolid. Conclusion: A combination of Vancomycin, linezolid and / tigecycline are deemed to be effective against multidrug resistant enterococci. Nonetheless, routine monitoring and regular surveillance of susceptibility pattern of enterococcal infections are absolutely essential for prudent and evidence based use of antibiotics
