Download vancomycin resistant enterococcus (vre)

VANCOMYCIN RESISTANT
ENTEROCOCCUS (VRE)
What is it?
Vancomycin sensitive enterococcus is part of everyone’s normal bowel bacteria. This is normal and is
called colonization. Vancomycin resistant enterococcus (VRE) is a type of enterococcus that has
developed resistance to many commonly used antibiotics, especially an antibiotic called vancomycin.
How is it spread?
VRE is spread primarily by direct contact with unwashed hands or gloves after direct contact with
someone or the contaminated environment. VRE is very hardy and will easily survive in the
environment. Handling items such as doorknobs, bedpans, and toilet rims that have been
contaminated with VRE can also spread the germ. Bacteria can rapidly colonize the bowel of other
susceptible individuals after ingestion. Good handwashing and environmental cleaning are essential
to prevent the spread of VRE.
How is it treated?
People colonized with VRE generally do not receive treatment. People who are infected with VRE are
difficult to treat and require a careful selection of antibiotics. A concern is that the resistance pattern
of VRE can be transferred to other bacteria such as Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA); MRSA associated infections are normally treated with vancomycin. If MRSA becomes
resistant to vancomycin, it leaves limited options for treatment.
Are signs and symptoms of VRE always evident?
There are no signs or symptoms associated with colonization involving VRE. However, people who
are elderly, sick or immunodeficient may develop a VRE infection, such as in the blood, urine or
wounds, causing sepsis, urinary tract infections, and/or abscesses. People most at risk are those who
are very ill and are in the intensive care unit of a hospital.
over . . .
For more information
DURHAM REGION HEALTH DEPARTMENT
905-666-6241 1-800-841-2729 or durham.ca
If you require this information in an accessible format, contact 1-800-841-2729.
VRE
How can I protect myself?
Good handwashing and environmental cleaning can prevent the spread of VRE. The risk for healthy
people in the community is minimal. However, with inadequate handwashing health care workers can
acquire and spread VRE. Over days to months, the normal bowel bacteria eventually eliminate the
VRE without treatment. To prevent antibiotic resistance from developing, antibiotics should be used
carefully and taken as prescribed.
More information can be obtained from
Durham Region Health Department, Environmental Help Line
905-723-3818 or 1-888-777-9613
April 22, 2013
For more information
DURHAM REGION HEALTH DEPARTMENT
905-666-6241 1-800-841-2729 or durham.ca
If you require this information in an accessible format, contact 1-800-841-2729.