What is Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus species (VRE)?
Vancomycin is an antibiotic often used to treat infections caused by Enterococci. Enterococci are bacteria often found in the environment and present in the human intestines and female genital tract. Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) are bacteria that are resistant to the drug vancomycin. Most VRE infections occur in hospitals, and can cause urinary tract infections, bloodstream infections, and infections caused by catheters or surgery. Risk factors for VRE include previous treatment with vancomycin or other antibiotics, hospitalization, weakened immune system, surgical procedures, and medical devices such as urinary and intravenous catheters.
Source: CDC