Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) Questions & Answers
What is VRE?
Enterococci are
bacteria that are normally present in the human intestines and in the
female genital tract and are often found in the environment. These
bacteria can sometimes cause infections. Vancomycin is an antibiotic
that is often used to treat infections caused by enterococci. In some
instances, enterococci have become resistant to this drug and thus are
called vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE). VRE have a minimal
inhibitory concentration (MIC) to vancomycin of ≥ 32 mcg/ml. They
contain the resistance genes VAN-A or VAN-B.
What causes VRE?
Enterococci bacteria
in lower intestine and/or possibly other areas (e.g., urine, blood,
skin) may cause an infection and resist Vancomycin antibiotic (people
may carry the bacteria without having symptoms). Risk factors for VRE
acquisition include severity of underlying illness, presence of invasive
devices, prior colonization with VRE, antibiotic use and length of
hospital stay.
How does VRE spread?
The spread of VRE
occurs through contact. The bacteria can live on surfaces for five days
to weeks and on hands for several hours. The bacteria are relatively
easy to kill with disinfectants (provided the bacteria are in contact
with the disinfectant for a long enough period) and good hand hygiene. |
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