What it means
Enterococci are bacteria that normally live in the bowel. Some strains have become resistant to vancomycin, a strong antibiotic, and these are called VRE. They can cause urinary tract, wound and bloodstream infections, mostly in clients who are in hospital a long time, have catheters, or have had many antibiotics. VRE spreads on hands, equipment and surfaces.
For the nurse
Use contact precautions as your facility directs: gown and gloves, a private room, and equipment kept in the room. Clean hands every time, and clean shared surfaces well. Teach visitors how to protect themselves.
In a chart
"Urine culture positive for VRE; client moved to a private room on contact precautions."
At a glance
| Also written | vancomycin-resistant enterococci, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus |
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Related terms
MRSA
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, a staph bacterium that many common antibiotics cannot kill.
antibiotic
A drug that kills bacteria or stops them from growing.
bacterial infection
An infection caused by bacteria growing in the body.