Clinical Considerations in the Approach to Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci: A Narrative Review

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DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5195/ijms.2022.1010

Keywords:

Vancomycin-resistant enterococci, Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium, Vancomycin resistance, Healthcare-associated infection, Nosocomial infection

Abstract

Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE) increasingly colonize and infect assorted patient populations throughout the world, maintaining a continual reservoir of opportunistic pathogens with varying antibiotic resistance. Here we present the current general epidemiology and classification of these pathogens within the scope of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Risk factors for colonization and conditions for subsequent infection are reviewed, along with infection characteristics. Current infection control protocols and their effectiveness, selected evidence-based medical therapies, and ongoing research into alternative therapies are summarized.

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Published

2022-04-25 — Updated on 2022-07-12

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How to Cite

Beale, J. W., & Durward-Diioia, M. (2022). Clinical Considerations in the Approach to Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci: A Narrative Review. International Journal of Medical Students, 10(2), 202–209. https://doi.org/10.5195/ijms.2022.1010 (Original work published June 30, 2022)