Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE)
What is VRE?
Enterococci are bacteria that are normally present in the human gut and in the female genital tract, and are often found in the environment, like in soil and water. Enterococci bacteria are constantly finding new ways to avoid the effects of the antibiotics used to treat the infections they cause. If these germs develop resistance to vancomycin (an antibiotic that is used to treat some drug-resistant infections) they become Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE).
Who are at risk?
• People who have been previously treated with antibiotics, including vancomycin, for long periods of time
• People who are hospitalised, have undergone surgical procedures, or have medical devices inserted in their bodies
• People with weakened immune systems
How is it spread?
VRE can spread from person to person or through contact with contaminated surfaces. It is not spread through the air by coughing or sneezing.
How are VRE infections treated? Most people will carry VRE in their body— also known as being colonised— without it causing symptoms. People who are colonised do not require treatment.
If VRE infection does develop, the patient is generally treated with antibiotics other than vancomycin.
How can you avoid getting an infection?
If you or someone in your household has VRE, you can protect yourself by:
• Keeping your hands clean by washing your hands with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitiser, particularly:
» after using the bathroom
» before and after handling medical devices or caring for wounds
» before preparing food
• Frequently cleaning areas of the home, such as the bathrooms
• Wearing gloves if your hands come in contact with body fluids such as stool or bandages from infected wounds. Always wash your hands after removing gloves
• Informing healthcare providers if you or someone you care for has VRE so that appropriate precautions can be taken by the provider
How does the hospital manage patients with VRE?
• Patients with VRE will be admitted to a single room or with other patients with VRE
• Appropriate cleaning will be carried out daily and upon the patient’s discharge. Healthcare staff will wear the necessary protective equipment such as gowns and gloves when interacting with the patient
• Visitors will be allowed as per the prevailing visitor management rule
• Visitors are advised to wash their hands before and after visitation and when appropriate
• Visitors will be advised to wear the appropriate protective equipment if they need to carry out certain procedure for the patient
Yishun Health is a network of medical institutions and health facilities of the National Healthcare Group in the north of Singapore. It comprises Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Yishun Community Hospital and community extensions such as Admiralty Medical Centre and Wellness Kampung. Khoo Teck Puat Hospital • (65) 6555 8000 • www.ktph.com.sg Yishun Community Hospital • (65) 6807 8800 • www.yishuncommunityhospital.com.sg