Vancomycin Resistant Enterococcus (VRE)
Overview
VRE happens when normal gut bacteria become resistant to a strong antibiotic called vancomycin.
These bacteria normally live in:
- Human gut
- Female genital tract
- Environment (soil and water)
Causes
You're more likely to get VRE if you:
- Have taken long-term antibiotics
- Have been in hospital
- Had surgery
- Have medical devices inserted
- Have a weak immune system
It spreads through:
- Person-to-person contact
- Touching contaminated surfaces
- Not through air/coughing/sneezing
Signs & Symptoms
Most people carry VRE without any symptoms (colonisers)
Prevention
To prevent spread:
- Clean hands with soap and water or sanitizer
- Wash hands after using bathroom
- Clean hands before/after handling medical devices
- Clean hands before preparing food
- Clean home areas regularly, especially bathrooms
- Wear gloves when handling body fluids/wound dressings
- Always wash hands after removing gloves
Detection & Treatment
Testing:
- Laboratory tests
Treatment approach:
- Colonisers don't need treatment
- If infection develops, treated with different antibiotics
In hospital:
- Single room or VRE cohort
- Daily cleaning
- Special cleaning after discharge
- Healthcare staff wear protective equipment
- Healthcare staff wash hands before and after care
Care Management
Daily care:
- Tell healthcare providers about your VRE status
- Follow infection control measures
- Regular hand washing
For visitors:
- Follow visitor rules
- Wash hands before/after visits
In hospital:
- Special room arrangements
- Regular cleaning
- Staff use protective equipment
Specialties & Services
