Healthcare-associated Infections

Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus (VRE) Infection

Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci are specific types of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria that are resistant to vancomycin, the drug often used to treat infections caused by enterococci. Enteroccocci 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. Most vancomycin-resistant Enterococci infections occur in hospitals. [Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci is also called VRE]

Resources for Patients and Healthcare Providers

Frequently Asked Questions about VRE
October 2008 Supplement of Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology (Volume 29, Number S1)

FAQ's about Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus

8.5" by 11" flyer is available in the following formats:

Prevention

Siegel JD, Rhinehart E, Jackson M, et al. the Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC). Guideline for Isolation Precautions: Preventing Transmission of Infectious Agents in Healthcare Settings, 2007
Management of Multidrug-Resistant Organisms In Healthcare Settings, 2006
Guideline for Environmental Infection Control in Health-Care Facilities, 2003 [PDF - 1.4 MB]
Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings, 2002

Prevention Resources for State Health Departments

Collaboration Primer: Establishing HAI Prevention Collaboratives using ARRA Funds
Collaboration Primer [PPT - 920 KB] available in PowerPoint format.

Monitoring VRE

CDC’s National Healthcare Safety Network Patient Safety Component includes surveillance methods to identify and track device-associated infections, such as central-line associated bloodstream infections. [More…]