What are vancomycin-resistant enterococci or VRE?
Enterococci are resistant to many antibiotics. Enterococci that are resistant to vancomycin are referred to as vancomycin-resistant enterococci or VRE. What is the difference between colonization and infection? Colonization means that bacteria are present on or in the body but cause no signs and symptoms. For example, VRE may be present in the intestine or on the skin without causing signs and symptoms. Infection is the result of the bacteria causing an illness. The signs and symptoms of infection would depend on where the infection is. For example, a patient who has a urinary tract infection caused by VRE may have signs and symptoms such as frequency and burning pain with urination How are VRE spread? VRE are spread on hands and from surfaces contaminated with the patient s body secretions or wound drainage. What precautions are needed in the hospital/health facility to prevent the spread of VRE? Precautions are needed to prevent the spread of VRE to other patients. Procedures may var
