Search results
Jul 17, 2023 · Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus is an uncommon cause of central nervous system (CNS) infections. However, when it does occur, the majority are caused by E. faecium over E. faecalis. Infection usually is associated with neurosurgical intervention such as shunts.
- Matthew Levitus, Ayesan Rewane, Thomas B. Perera
- 2023/07/17
- 2021
- Overview
- Symptoms
- Causes
- How it’s transmitted
- How it’s diagnosed
- Treatment
- Prevention
- Outlook
- GeneratedCaptionsTabForHeroSec
Overview
VRE stands for vancomycin-resistant enterococcus. It’s an infection with bacteria that are resistant to the antibiotic called vancomycin.
Enterococcus is a type of bacteria that normally lives in the intestines and the female genital tract. It usually doesn’t make us sick. However, sometimes it can cause infections in the:
•bloodstream
•urinary tract
•brain
People who carry VRE in their intestines and genital tract often don’t show symptoms. If you get sick from VRE, you might have these symptoms:
•fever
•general sick feeling
•fast heart rate
•redness, swelling, or pain in your body
•chills
Most VRE infections happen in people who are in the hospital. People who are infected often have a serious illness or weakened immune system.
You’re more likely to become infected with VRE if you:
•were treated for a long period of time with vancomycin or other antibiotics, such as penicillin or gentamicin
•have a serious illness such as kidney disease or a blood disorder
•spent time in the hospital, especially if you received antibiotics while you were there
•have a weakened immune system
Most VRE infections are transmitted in hospitals. The bacteria often spread when a doctor or other healthcare worker touches an infected person, surface, or medical equipment and then doesn’t wash their hands properly before touching another patient.
VRE does not spread through the air like the flu and some other bacterial infections.
The doctor takes a sample of blood, urine, pus, or other fluid from the infected area. The sample is sent to a lab to be tested for VRE.
VRE doesn’t always need to be treated. If you have enterococci in your body but they’re not causing an active infection, you don’t need treatment.
Active VRE infections are treated with an antibiotic that’s not vancomycin. Your doctor can take a culture of the bacteria and have it tested in a laboratory to see which antibiotic might work best.
Healthcare workers can prevent VRE by keeping all surfaces and medical equipment sanitized. They should wash their hands with soap and water before working with each new patient. They should also wear disposable gloves. If your doctor or nurse doesn’t wash up or wear gloves, ask what hygiene measures they’ve taken to protect your health.
You can also prevent VRE by practicing good hygiene if someone in your home is infected. Follow these tips:
•Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially after you use the toilet and before you handle food. Also wash your hands every time you come into contact with the person who is infected.
•Disinfect surfaces such as countertops and sinks that may have been contaminated with VRE.
•Wash dishes and utensils in warm, soapy water. Put bed linens and towels in the washing machine on hot.
•If you have to come into contact with open wounds or bodily fluids, always wear gloves.
Your outlook depends on what type of infection you have and your health in general. VRE can be somewhat challenging to treat because it’s resistant to vancomycin. However, other antibiotics can treat the infection.
VRE stands for vancomycin-resistant enterococcus, a type of bacteria that can cause infections in various parts of the body. Learn how VRE is transmitted, diagnosed, and treated, and how to prevent it from spreading.
Vancomycin. Six different types of vancomycin resistance are shown by enterococcus: Van-A, Van-B, Van-C, Van-D, Van-E and Van-G. [4] The significance is that Van-A VRE is resistant to both vancomycin and teicoplanin, [5] Van-B VRE is resistant to vancomycin but susceptible to teicoplanin, [6] [7] and Van-C is only partly resistant to vancomycin.
Aug 25, 2022 · Enterococcal species can cause a variety of infections, including urinary tract infections, bacteremia, endocarditis, and meningitis. The antimicrobial agents available for treatment of enterococcal infection are reviewed here, followed by treatment approaches for clinical syndromes caused by enterococci. Other issues related to enterococci are ...
Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are becoming a major concern in medical practice. Their increased prevalence and their ability to transfer vancomycin resistance to other bacteria (including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) have made them a subject of close scrutiny and intense investigation. Colonization is usually acquired by susceptible hosts in an environment with a high ...
- Ali Zirakzadeh, Robin Patel
- 2006
Mar 6, 2023 · Learn about vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), a common and difficult-to-treat cause of hospital-acquired infection. Find out the definitions, mechanisms, and infection control measures for VRE and other resistant enterococci.
People also ask
What is vancomycin-resistant enterococci?
What is the mechanism of resistance to vancomycin in Enterococcus?
What are the different types of vancomycin resistance?
Does vancomycin kill enterococci?
May 6, 2024 · Learn about VRE, a bacteria that is resistant to vancomycin and can cause infection in the urinary tract, blood, or wound. Find out how to prevent the spread of VRE, what are the symptoms and treatment options, and when to seek medical help.
