VRE was not reported in U.S. hospitals until 1989. Data reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention during 2004 showed that VRE caused about 1 of every 3 infections in hospital intensive care units.

Most VRE infections can be treated with antibiotics other than vancomycin. The treatment of VRE is determined by laboratory testing to determine which antibiotics are effective. For persons who get VRE infections and have urinary catheters, removal of the catheter when it is no longer needed can help getting rid of the infection. People who are colonized (bacteria are present, but have no symptoms of an infection) with VRE do not usually need treatment. See similar questions...

VRE is usually passed to others by direct contact with stool, urine or blood containing VRE. It can also be spread indirectly via the hands of healthcare providers or on contaminated environmental surfaces. VRE usually is not spread through casual contact such as touching or hugging. VRE is not spread through the air by coughing or sneezing. See similar questions...

VRE stands for Virtual Real Estate. More specifically, a VRE is an internet business that conducts sales activities through a website. See similar questions...

Enteroccocci are bacteria that are normally present in the human intestines and in the female genital tract and are often found in the environment. These bacteria can sometimes cause infections. Vancomycin is an antibiotic that is often used to treat infections caused by enterococci. In some instances, enterococci have become resistant to this drug and thus are called vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE). Most VRE infections occur in hospitals. See similar questions...

If you or someone in your household has VRE, the following are some measures to prevent spread of VRE: Always wash your hands thoroughly after using the bathroom and before preparing food. Clean your hands after close contact with persons who have VRE. Wash with soap and water (particularly when visibly soiled) or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner. Frequently clean areas of your home such as your bathroom that may become contaminated with VRE. See similar questions...

Enterococci are resistant to many antibiotics. Enterococci that are resistant to vancomycin are referred to as vancomycin-resistant enterococci or VRE. See similar questions...

VRE can live in the human intestines and female genital tract without causing disease. However, sometimes, it can be the cause of urinary track infections, blood stream infections and wound infections. See similar questions...

Persons who have been previously treated with vancomycin and combinations of other antibiotics such as penicillin and gentamicin Persons who are hospitalized, particularly when they receive antibiotic treatment for long periods of time Persons with weakened immune systems such as patients in Intensive Care Units, or in cancer or transplant wards Persons with medical devices that stay in for some time such as urinary catheters or central intravenous catheters. See similar questions...

Precautions are needed to prevent the spread of VRE to other patients. Procedures may vary from one facility to another, but these usually include the following: The VRE-positive patient is placed in a private room. If a private room is not available and appropriate criteria are met, a VRE-positive patient may share a room with another VRE-positive patient. Signs/information are placed on the door of the patient’s room to alert caregivers and visitors about the necessary precautions. See similar questions...

Before the patient leaves the hospital or other health facility, be sure to ask the nurse or doctor about what precautions should be taken at home. You may also contact the local or state health department to find out if they have additional information. Wash hands for 10 to 15 seconds with soap and water after giving care to the patient, removing gloves, handling soiled or contaminated items (e.g., dressings, clothing, bedding, tissues), or skin contact with blood or body fluids. See similar questions...

This document has been prepared for educational purposes by Maxine Armstrong, RN, BASc. Should you have questions regarding individual health concerns or health care practices, please consult your physician or health care provider directly. See similar questions...

Vancomycin resistant enterococcus or VRE for short. Enterococcus is a germ that normally lives in most peoples’ bowels. VRE is the same bacteria, but it is a strain that has developed resistance to many commonly used antibiotics, specifically an antibiotic called Vancomycin. See similar questions...

The problem is over-pronation: therefore the patient should be fitted with custom orthotics and proper footwear. Recovery can be expected to occur over a period of months. Orthotics will not cause the physical deformity to regress, but will arrest any further progression and likely stop the pain. It is important to note that when the bunion is severe and requires surgery, the bunion can be corrected, but will re-develop unless the root cause of over-pronation is corrected. See similar questions...

many as 1 in 150 children are autistic, according to the Centers for Disease Control. That adds up to almost 1.5 million people in the United States. Also, government statistics suggest the rate of autism is rising 10-17 percent annually. Unfortunately, the numbers appear to be continuing their upward climb. See similar questions...

Very common. One in six New Zealanders will experience depression at some time in their lives. It is most common in 16-24 year olds, but can happen at any age. See similar questions...

The most common allergens include dust mites, molds, pollens, animal dander, cockroaches, peanuts, milk, eggs, latex, and penicillin. The dust mite is the most common cause of allergies. See similar questions...

STDs are very common in the United States. With more than 12 million people in the U.S. infected each year, at least 1 person in 4 will be infected with a STD at some point in his or her life. In the United States, there is approximately 4 million new chlamydia infections a year, over 40 million people have herpes and 30 million have genital warts. See similar questions...