Download Vancomycin Resitant Enterococcus

VANCOMYCIN-RESISTANT ENTEROCOCCUS (VRE)
Vank-co-my-sin—Re-sis-tant Enter-O-cock-us
CONTENT
What is it
What causes it
What are the symptoms
How is it treated
What does “colonized” mean
WHAT IS IT
1. VRE stands for Vancomycin Resistant Enterococcus.
2. Vancomycin resistance means that most antibiotics cannot kill this bacteria.
WHAT CAUSES IT
1. A bacteria known as “Enterococcus” causes VRE.
2. Enterococcus is a type of bacteria normally found in everyone’s gastrointestinal tract
(bowel) and sometimes in the vagina (birth canal) of females.
3. Everyone normally has many different bacteria on their skin and inside their bodies.
4. When bacteria are present and cause a disease it is called an infection or being
infected.
5. When bacteria are present and cannot cause a disease this is called colonization.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS
1. Increased or decreased temperature.
2. Decreased or absent breathing (apnea).
3. Decreased heart rate (bradycardia).
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4. Increased oxygen and/or respiratory support.
5. Pale/gray color.
6. Feeding residuals (undigested milk lift in the stomach from the last feeding).
7. Emesis (spitting).
HOW IS IT TREATED
1. A sample of your baby’s blood is sent to the lab to look for infection (cultured).
2. Your baby will be started on antibiotics (drugs).
3. As soon as the blood culture report is called to the NICU, the baby may be started on
new (different) antibiotics. We may use a combination of several antibiotics.
4. Only patients infected with VRE and have an infection or disease are treated.
5. Handwashing is very important!! Please be sure to follow the scrubbing directions
posted at scrub sinks in the unit.
a. You will need to scrub every time you visit your baby, even if you come several
times a day.
WHAT DOES COLONIZATION MEAN
1. “Colonized” means your baby has a bacteria or virus (germs) present somewhere in
his/her body, but he/she is not showing signs of being sick. There are no symptoms
with VRE colonization.
a. If a baby in the NICU has a positive culture for VRE we will get a rectal swab of
the other babies. This is called a “surveillance” culture.
2. We will continue to watch your baby closely.
3. VRE can colonize people for months to years. Sometimes VRE colonization can last
indefinitely.
4. Patients colonized with VRE are not treated.
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5. However, because colonized patients can spread VRE to other people, they may be
placed on isolation.
6. If your baby is placed on isolation, the nurse will explain what precautions you need to
take when you visit.
7. Remember that being “on isolation” will not change your time with your baby. Please
continue to visit as usual.
8. Talk with your baby’s nurse or doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
WHAT PRECAUTIONS SHOULD BE FOLLOWED WHEN THE BABY GOES HOME
1. Handwashing is the most important measure to prevent spreading VRE to others.
2. Everyone providing care to the baby, feeding and/or handling the baby’s diapers
should wash their hands with warm, soapy water.
3. Disposable cloths and diapers should be tied in a plastic bag before placing them in
the trash.
4. Good household cleaning with a household disinfectant is adequate.
5. Laundry can be done according to manufacturer’s directions using standard detergent.
6. Add bleach to the laundry for clothing heavily soiled with urine, vomit, etc.
7. Dishes and eating utensils can be washed as usual.
Reviewed/Revised: 6/03…..06/13
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