Vancomycin-resistant enterococci

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

References

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_vre.html

References

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_VRE_publicFAQ.html

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/eid/vol3no3/mcdonald.htm

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/eid/vol4no2/huycke.htm

References

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_VRE_publicFAQ.html

References

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_lab_vre.html

References

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_VRE_publicFAQ.html

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/eid/vol3no3/mcdonald.htm

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/eid/vol4no2/huycke.htm

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_lab_vre.html

References

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_lab_vre.html

Treatment

Most VRE infections can be treated with antibiotics other than vancomycin. The treatment of VRE is determined by laboratory testing to determine which antibiotics are effective. For persons who get VRE infections and have urinary catheters, removal of the catheter when it is no longer needed can help getting rid of the infection. People who are colonized (bacteria are present, but have no symptoms of an infection) with VRE do not usually need treatment.

Acute Pharmacotherapies

References

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_VRE_publicFAQ.html

Primary Prevention

If you or someone in your household has VRE, the following are some measures to prevent spread of VRE:

• Always wash your hands thoroughly after using the bathroom and before preparing food. Clean your hands after close contact with persons who have VRE. Wash with soap and water (particularly when visibly soiled) or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner.
• Frequently clean areas of your home such as your bathroom that may become contaminated with VRE. Use a household disinfectant or a mixture of one-fourth cup bleach and one quart of water to clean those areas and surfaces that are touched frequently.
• Wear gloves if you may come in contact with body fluids that may contain VRE, such as stool. Always wash your hands after removing gloves.
• Be sure to tell any healthcare providers that you have VRE so that they are aware of your infection.

References

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_VRE_publicFAQ.html

Acknowledgements

The content on this page was first contributed by: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D.