Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE)

What are Enterococci? 

Enterococci are a type of bacteria that live harmlessly in the bowel (gut) of most humans and many animals. This is known as colonisation, the term colonisation refers to the bacteria being present without causing infection. Very occasionally these bacteria can cause infection if they spread to sites outside of the bowel e.g. bladder or wounds. 

What is Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE)? 

Enterococci that have become resistant to the antibiotic Vancomycin are known as Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE). 

How do I know I have VRE?

VRE is detected by a laboratory test. All patients admitted to haematology will be screened for VRE. This is as this group of patients are more likely to carry VRE or develop a VRE infection. Patient will be regularly tested for VRE; this involves a swab of the throat and rectum. 

What happens is if get VRE? 

The infection prevention and control nurse (IPCN) will advise doctors and nurses caring for you. If an infection is suspected, the doctors will assess if any antibiotics are required.         

What are the signs of VRE? 

Most positive results show that the patient is colonised with VRE and these patients will not show any signs of a VRE infection.

However the signs and symptoms of an infection are no different from any other infection e.g. raised temperature, soreness at the site of a wound and possibly swelling. 

Treatment of VRE infections 

People who are carrying VRE or colonised do not require treatment. Due to their resistance it is important that antibiotics are not given when there is no clinical sign of infection, as this may lead to further resistance developing. 

If an infection is suspected, the doctors will assess if any antibiotics are required.

How is VRE transmitted? 

VRE can be spread either directly from person to person, or indirectly through contaminated hands. Shared equipment can also spread the bacteria if not decontaminated between uses.

How is the spread of VRE prevented? 

The most effective way of preventing the spread of VRE, is through hand washing with soap and water. 

Staff will wear gloves and aprons when caring for patients with VRE to prevent passing it to others.

Cleaning or decontamination of shared equipment between use e.g. blood pressure machines.  

Can I have visitors?

Yes you can. Your visitors will need to wash their hands with soap and water when entering and leaving your room. 

They are not required to wear an apron or gloves unless helping you with your care needs.

Laundry

Patients’ laundry can be taken home and washed as normal.

If your own clothing does become soiled it will be placed in a plastic bag in the locker to be taken by relatives and laundered. 

Wash these clothes separately on the hottest wash suitable for the garment. Remember to wash your hands after handling soiled linen.

What should I do when I am discharged home?

Wash your hands with soap and water often, particularly after using the toilet and when preparing food.

No special measures are required with household cleaning and laundry.

Once you are discharged home there is no reason why you should not continue to join in any activity that you enjoyed before coming into hospital. 

For further information contact the Infection Prevention and Control Team on 07387546017.

This information has been reviewed by Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Voices to check it is easy to understand. Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Voices is a panel of cancer patients who volunteer to read NHS information to make sure it makes sense to people. They have been brought together by Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Alliance.