HEALTH ASSOCIATED INFECTIONS

WHAT IS VRE?

• It's a bacteria found in the human intestines and the female genital tract

SYMPTOMS

• Infection of the urinary tract
• Infection of the blood stream
• Infection of wounds associated with catheters or surgery

WHO IS AT RISK?

• People who have been on the vancomycin antibiotic or others for a long time
• People who are hospitalized and have received antibiotic treatment
• People with weakened immune system (icu or cancer patient safety)
• People who have had abdominal or chest surgery
• People with medical devices that stay in for a while
• People who have been around VRE

HOW CAN VRE SPREAD?

• Direct contact
• Indirect contact
• Cannot be spread through the air

HOW IT SPREADS IN THE HOSPITAL

• It can be spread by health care workers who have come in contact with types of patients

HOW TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF VRE

• Always keep hands clean
• Frequently clean the surroundings
• Wear gloves if dealing with VRE contaminated body fluid
• Tell a healthcare worker

HOW TO TREAT VRE

• People don't need treatment they just need to take another antibiotic other than vancomycin
• Lab testing can determine which antibiotic will work

FINANCIAL/SOCIAL OUTCOME

• The cost is $12,800
• No social outcome found

CITATIONS

• http://www.cdc.gov/HAI/organisms/vre/vre.html
• http://www.medscape.org/viewarticle/418774