Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE)
This leaflet has been written to provide information about VRE. We hope it answers some of the questions or concerns you may have. It is not intended to replace discussion with medical or nursing staff.
What is VRE?
Enterococci are bacteria or germs that are commonly found in the bowels of most people. There are many different species of enterococci, but only a few have the potential to cause infection. When they do cause an infection they are often treated with an antibiotic called vancomycin but sometimes the enterococci become resistant to vancomycin, in other words the vancomycin would not work against them. We call these vancomycin resistant enterococci or VRE.
How is VRE diagnosed?
People who are carriers of VRE do not look or feel any different. Generally, most people with VRE are only colonised or carriers so the bacteria is present without causing any symptoms. VRE is only found by taking swabs and growing the bacteria in a laboratory
We routinely screen patients on the Intensive Care Unit and also some patients who are transferred from other hospitals for VRE. As it is very rare to find VRE in urine, blood or from wound swabs, we take a sample from the rectum (back passage) using a small swab.
How is VRE spread?
There are two main ways to contract VRE infections:
- VRE that live harmlessly in a person’s bowel but can be transferred to other areas of the body, for example, into wounds.
- Directly from person-to-person on the hands, or indirectly from contaminated equipment that has not been cleaned appropriately.
What happens if I am diagnosed with VRE?
If you are found to be carrying VRE you may be transferred to a single room to minimise the risk of spread to other patients on the ward.
Patients in hospital have a greater risk of contracting infections because of their health conditions. Patients who have devices in place, such as urinary catheters and drips, are more at risk.
If you are a carrier no specific treatment is needed. If you have an infection your doctor will discuss the most appropriate treatment with you. Although VRE is resistant to most common antibiotics, there are antibiotics available that are effective against this germ.
How can the spread of VRE be prevented?
Accommodating you in a single room helps to prevent spread of the bacteria. Healthcare workers should clean their hands regularly using soap and water or a hand sanitiser.They will use gloves and aprons when caring for you.
The most important measure for you to take is to wash your hands well with soap and water, especially after going to the toilet. You should avoid touching medical devices (if you have any) such as your urinary catheter tube and your intravenous drip, particularly at the point where it is inserted into the body or skin.
Visitors will be asked to wash their hands on entering and leaving the room.
Will VRE delay my discharge home?
No, it will not. If the medical team feel you are clinically well enough and it is safe for you to go home, you will be discharged from hospital. No special measures are required. You should carry on as normal, maintaining good hand hygiene, especially after using the toilet or preparing food.
VRE can be removed from surfaces using normal household disinfectants and disposable cloths.
Who can I contact with any queries or concerns I may have?
If you have any concerns or require further information regarding VRE or any other infection, please call the Infection Prevention and Control Team on:
0151 600 1326 or 0151 600 1057
The UK Health Security Agency website is another source of information.