What Is a VRE Infection?

Enterococci is a bacteria that occurs naturally in the intestines and female sexual occurs. While normal, this bacteria can sometimes cause infections. Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are strains that do not respond to antibiotics.

Significance

While most strains of enterococci are treated with vancomycin, strains are emerging that are resistant to the drug. In serious cases, a VRE infection can be fatal.

Geography

According the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most cases of VRE occur in hospitals because people there either have compromised immune systems or have been on antibiotics long enough for normal bacteria to develop a resistance. VRE infections are most common in the elderly.

Function

VRE is often transmitted by health care workers whose hands have been contaminated by the bacteria from touching contaminated fluids. While most healthy people can fight off the bacteria, people in a weakened state cannot.

Prevention/Solution

In many situations, an antibiotic different than vancomycin can kill off VRE. However, it is important for the doctor to identify VRE quickly so the proper medicine can be prescribed.

Washing Hands

The best way to prevent VRE is frequent hand washing with soap. While the bacteria can live on open surfaces for a long time, basic hot water and soap can kill it.

References

• CDC: Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE)