TranslateVRE - Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci
What is VRE?
Enterococci are a common germ found in the bowel. Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE) is a type of enterococci that is resistant to an important antibiotic called vancomycin which is used to treat infections caused by enterococci.
VRE can live in our bowel without causing any harm. This is called colonisation. VRE can cause harm when it enters other parts of the body causing infection, for example, the urinary tract or a surgical wound.
Antibiotics may be needed to treat a VRE infection, however these infections can be harder to treat due to VRE being resistant to vancomycin.
Where did I get VRE?
You may have got VRE in the community or while in hospital.
Risk factors for developing VRE include:
- long term antibiotic use in hospital
- a weakened immune system, such as people who have been receiving chemotherapy
- surgical procedures
- long term medical devices, such as a urinary catheter.
Why was I tested for VRE?
You may have been tested for VRE when you arrived at hospital because you were transferred from another hospital or nursing home, had been in an interstate or overseas hospital, you are on a ward where patients are at high risk of getting an infection (i.e. patients are immunocompromised), or you have shared a room or bathroom with someone who has VRE. This kind of testing is called screening.
You may also have been tested if your doctor suspected a VRE infection.
How is VRE diagnosed and treated?
For screening, a sample of your poo will need to be collected for testing. This will either be done by collecting a sample of your poo, either by swab or sample.
If a doctor suspects you have a VRE infection, specimens may be taken from other places, such as a urine sample or a swab of a wound.
If you have a VRE infection, you may require a course of antibiotics. If you are colonised with VRE, it is unlikely you will receive any treatment.
Can I spread VRE to other people?
Yes, if you are colonised or have a VRE infection, you can spread the germ to other people.
VRE can be spread on the hands of a person who is infected/colonised if they do not wash their hands after going to the toilet and then touch another person or touch things in their environment.
VRE needs to be ingested to be spread, it cannot be spread in the air or through coughing. For example, a person needs to touch a contaminated surface then place their hand in their mouth.
VRE can also be spread on the hands of a healthcare worker who has not washed their hands or shared equipment that has not been cleaned. Never be afraid to ask a healthcare worker if they have washed their hands or equipment before touching you!
Will having VRE affect my hospital stay?
If you have VRE, it’s important for staff to stop it spreading to other patients.
They do this by:
- usually, caring for you in a single room or in a shared room with somebody else who has VRE
- cleaning their hands after touching you or your surroundings
- wearing gloves and gowns/aprons when they come into your room and removing them when they leave your room.
- cleaning your room regularly
What can I do to stop the spread of VRE?
The most simple and effective way you can help stop VRE spreading, is to wash your hands with soap and water, or use alcohol-based hand rub:
- before handling food or drinks
- after going to the toilet
- after handling your dirty washing
- when leaving your room.
You should also follow any instructions from your nurse or doctor.
Can I have visitors while I am in hospital?
There are usually no restrictions on visitors but please check with the nursing staff if you or your visitors have any concerns.
Visitors may be asked to take extra precautions including:
- washing hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub before and after they visit you
- wearing personal protective equipment, such as a gown and gloves, as advised by nursing or medical staff, before entering your room.
What about when I go home?
It is also important to keep your environment clean to prevent the spread to others in your home, especially your bathroom.
Continue to clean household items such as utensils, crockery, linen, towels and clothing as you would normally.
Further questions?
Please ask your doctor or nurse if you have any more questions about VRE.
