VANCOMYCIN-RESISTANT ENTEROCOCCUS

What is it

What causes it

What are the symptoms

How is it treated

What does "colonized" mean

1. VRE stands for Vancomycin Resistant Enterococcus.

2. Vancomycin resistance means that most antibiotics cannot kill this bacteria

1. A bacteria known as "Enterococcus" causes VRE.

2. Enterococcus is a type of bacteria normally found in everyone’s gastrointestinal tract (bowel) and sometimes in the vagina (birth canal) of females.

3. Everyone normally has many different bacteria on their skin and inside their bodies.

4. When bacteria are present and cause a disease this is called infected.

5. When bacteria are present and cannot cause a disease this is called colonization.

1. Increased or decreased temperature

2. Decreased or absent breathing (apnea)

3. Decreased heart rate (bradycardia)

4. Increased oxygen and/or repiratory support

5. Pale/gray color

6. Feeding residual (undigested milk left in the stomach from the last feeding)

7. Emesis (spitting)

1. Blood cultures are drawn and sent to the lab.

2. Your baby will be started on antibiotics (drugs).

3. As soon as the blood culture report is called to the NICU, the baby may be started on new (different) antibiotics.

4. Only patients infected with VRE  and have an infection or disease are treated. We may use a combination of several antibiotics.

5. Handwashing is very important!! Please be sure to follow the scrubbing directions posted at scrub sinks. You will need to scrub every time you visit your baby, even if you come several tines a day.

1. "Colonized" mean your baby has a bacteria or virus (germs) present somewhere in his body but he is not showing signs of being sick. There are no symptoms with VRE colonization.

2. We will continue to watch him closely.

3. VRE can colonize people for months to years. Sometimes VRE colonization can last indefinitely.

4. Patients colonized with VRE are not treated.

5. However, because colonized patients can spread VRE to other people, they may be placed on isolation.

6. If your baby is placed on isolation, the nurse will explain what precautions you need to take when you visit.

7. Remember that being "on isolation" will not change your time with your baby. Please continue to visit as usual.

8. Talk with your baby’s nurse or doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

1. Handwashing is the most important measure to prevent spreading VRE to others.

2. Everyone providing care to the baby, feeding and/or handling the baby’s diapers should wash their hands with warm, soapy water.

3. Disposable cloths and diapers should be tied in a plastic bag before placing in the trash.

4. Good household cleaning with a household disinfectant is adequate.

5. Laundry can be done according to manufacturer’s directions using standard detergent.

6. Add bleach to the laundry for clothing heavily soiled with urine, vomit, etc.

7. Dishes and eating utensils can be washed as usual.

Reviewed/Revised:

6/03, 9/07