VRE stands for Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus, which refers to a strain of bacteria that has developed resistance to the antibiotic vancomycin. Enterococcus is a genus of bacteria that is commonly found in the intestines of humans and other animals, as well as in various environmental sources.
Vancomycin is an antibiotic medication used to treat serious infections caused by certain bacteria, including Enterococcus. However, over time, some strains of Enterococcus have acquired genetic mutations or acquired resistance genes that enable them to survive and grow in the presence of vancomycin, rendering the antibiotic ineffective against them. Consequently, these bacteria are classified as vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE).
Infections caused by VRE can be challenging to treat as vancomycin is often considered the drug of last resort for many bacterial infections. VRE infections are most commonly acquired in healthcare settings, such as hospitals or long-term care facilities, where patients with weakened immune systems or undergoing invasive procedures are at higher risk. The transmission of VRE can occur through direct contact with contaminated surfaces, healthcare workers, or through the exchange of bodily fluids.
To prevent the spread of VRE, infection control protocols are crucial, including proper hand hygiene, regular cleaning and disinfection of surfaces, and the appropriate use of antibiotics to avoid the development of antibiotic resistance. Other antibiotics, such as linezolid and daptomycin, are often used as alternative treatments for VRE infections. Vaccines and new antimicrobial strategies are also being researched to combat the challenges posed by VRE.
