Division of Infectious Diseases
Our clinical experts offer research, training and education in addition to personalized patient care using advanced diagnostics and treatments.
Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus (VRE)
Expert care for VRE infections
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About VRE Infections
If you become infected with vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE), Lahey Clinic has expert providers to care for you and get it treated quickly and successfully before it spreads.
What are Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci?
Enterococci are bacteria normally present in the intestines and in the female genital tract. They are often found in the environment. These bacteria sometimes cause infections.
Doctors sometimes use an antibiotic called vancomycin to treat infections caused by enterococci. In instances when enterococci are resistant to this drug, it’s called vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE). Most VRE infections occur in hospital settings.
Symptoms
VRE bacteria can live in the intestines and female genital tract without causing disease. Sometimes they cause urinary tract infections (UTIs), blood stream infections and wound infections.
Treatment
Most VRE infections can be treated with antibiotics other than vancomycin. We determine the best treatment for VRE through lab testing to see which antibiotics are effective.
For people who get VRE infections and have urinary catheters, removing the catheter when it is no longer needed can help rid the infection. People who are colonized (bacteria are present but have no symptoms of infection) with VRE usually do not need treatment.
VRE Infection Frequently Asked Questions
Who is at risk for VRE?
Certain categories of people are at higher risk of becoming infected with VRE. This includes people who:
- Have previously been treated with vancomycin or combinations of other antibiotics
- Are in hospital care units for:
- Have had surgical procedures, such as abdominal or chest surgery
- Have medical devices in the body for a long time, such as urinary catheters or central venous catheters
- Have weakened immune systems
Can an infection from VRE spread?
Yes. VRE is usually passed to others by contact with stool, urine or blood containing VRE. It also can be spread on contaminated hands, surfaces or equipment. VRE is usually not spread through casual contact such as touching or hugging. VRE is not spread through the air by coughing or sneezing.
What will happen if I have an infection with VRE?
If you have VRE and are in the hospital, you will notice staff taking special contact precautions against VRE transmission. These precautions help prevent the spread of VRE to others. Many of our patients are in a weakened state and are susceptible to infection.
Because VRE can be spread on the hands, your healthcare providers will clean their hands with either alcohol hand rub or soap and water before and after they care for you. Please feel free to ask your healthcare providers if they cleaned their hands and remind them to do so.
If I have VRE, may I leave my room?
You may leave your room, but you must take contact precautions for VRE. Wash your hands and put on a clean gown or a clean robe. When you are out of the room, please do not touch other patients or items in the environment.
Who needs to know that I have VRE?
Anyone providing care for you needs to know if you have VRE. This includes doctors, nurses and anyone providing care in your home. This helps to avoid VRE transmission, or spread, and to provide you with the best treatment.
May I have visitors? Will my visitors get sick?
Yes, you may have visitors at the hospital. Your visitors should wash their hands before leaving your room.
Hand hygiene is the best way to prevent VRE transmission. If your visitors take these precautions, it is very unlikely that they will get VRE. If you have concerns about whether someone should visit, please talk to your doctor or nurse.
What precautions do I need to take at home?
Once you return home, both you and your family members should wash your hands as part of routine hygiene. This is no different from the hand washing most people practice to stay healthy. For example, wash before and after eating and after using the toilet.
Wash your hands well with soap and water, rinse well and dry completely. Clean surfaces in bathrooms, kitchens and other areas on a regular basis using diluted household bleach.
If family members provide personal care to you while you have an infection with VRE, they should take precautions by wearing gloves and washing their hands often. If clothes or bedding become soiled, wash them in a washing machine with hot soapy water.
