title: Advances in prevention and treatment of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus infection.
abstract: This article reviews data, particularly from the last 2 years, addressing the prevention and treatment of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE). We focus on infection control, particularly active screening, use of contact precautions as well as pharmacologic options for therapy. This is timely given the evolving priorities in efforts towards the prevention and treatment of multidrug-resistant organisms globally.
  
  
  
  Key findings include new data regarding the impact of contact precautions on the incidence of VRE colonization and bloodstream infection, new laboratory screening methods, and novel decolonization strategies and treatments.
  
  
  
  Additional and specific measures beyond standard precautions for infection prevention of VRE remain controversial. Horizontal measures such as chlorhexidine bathing appear beneficial, as are nontouch environmental cleaning methods. Treatment options for invasive disease have improved considerably in the last decade. Decolonization strategies require further research. Overall, the threat of VRE seems exaggerated.
authors: aDivision of Infectious Diseases, University Medicine Cluster, National University Hospital, Singapore bYong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
authors: Heather
authors: H
authors: Isenman
authors: Dale
authors: D
authors: Fisher
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003428:Cross Infection; D024901:Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial; D016983:Enterococcus / Q000187:drug effects*; D016908:Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000379:methods; D014640:Vancomycin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D020713:Vancomycin Resistance
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D014640:Vancomycin