Regional differences in vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus colonization rates in critically ill veterans

Am J Infect Control. 2014 Nov;42(11):1226-8. doi: 10.1016/j.ajic.2014.07.030. Epub 2014 Oct 30.

Abstract

Screening for vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) has not been universally implemented within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). A prospective study was conducted to identify the admission prevalence rate of VRE in patients admitted to the intensive care unit in 2 VA facilities. Significant regional differences were found between the 2 facilities. Further studies are needed to account for regional differences in VRE admission prevalence, to optimize infection control interventions.

Keywords: Antibiotic-resistant organism; Health care-associated infection.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Carrier State / epidemiology*
  • Carrier State / microbiology*
  • Critical Illness*
  • Cross Infection / epidemiology
  • Cross Infection / microbiology
  • Geography
  • Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections / epidemiology*
  • Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections / microbiology*
  • Humans
  • Prevalence
  • Prospective Studies
  • Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci / isolation & purification*
  • Veterans*