VRE

Enterococci 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. Vancomycin is an antibiotic that is often used to treat infections caused by enterococci. In some instances, enterococci have become resistant to this drug and thus are called vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE).

Enterococci bacteria in lower intestine and/or possibly other areas (e.g., urine, blood, skin) may cause an infection and resist Vancomycin antibiotic. Risk factors for VRE acquisition include severity of underlying illness, presence of invasive devices, prior colonization with VRE, antibiotic use and length of hospital stay.

The spread of VRE occurs through contact. VRE can survive for hours on hands and can survive for weeks on inanimate objects such as toilet seats, taps, door handles, bedrails, furniture and bedpans. VRE is easy to kill with the proper use of disinfectants and good hand hygiene.

The patient’s family and visitors should not assist other patients with their personal care, as this may cause the germ to spread. They are also required to wear a gown and gloves while in the patient’s room. Before leaving the room, visitors must remove the gown and gloves and dispose of them in the garbage container and linen hamper. They must then clean their hands.

Good hand washing by everyone (healthcare staff, physicians, patients and visitors) is the single-most effective way to prevent the spread of infectious diseases like MRSA and VRE.

All staff and the Infection Control Department of HHHS are committed to the safety of our patients. Good 'Hand Hygiene' practices are an essential part of our day-to-day routine, and we look for continuous improvement in this endeavour.

Counts between 1 - 4 will be posted as < 5, as specified by the MOHLTC reporting guidelines.

VRE rate at HHHS is 1/1000 patient days.