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Enterococcus
The Enterococcus bacteria is responsible for a variety of illnesses, including meningitis (which affects the brain), and infections of urinary tract, the bloodstream and heart valves. It is resistant to many antibiotics, one strain (VRE) is also resistant to Vancomycin, which is often used as a powerful last chance drug to fight infection. Unfortunately Enterococcus poses the additional threat of passing this resistance to other, more dangerous bacteria.
How does it spread?
VRE can be carried by healthy individuals without any illness, but they may pass on the germs through person to person contact. Carriers themselves may too become ill, when their own immune system is weakened through old age or illness. Enterococcus is also a foodborne infection, so you can catch it through contaminated food or surfaces.
Symptoms
The symptoms of VRE infection will vary, depending on the site of infection and whether it has spread. The symptom that usually accompanies all these infections is a fever. Wounds or any break in the skin may become reddened and tender and those with a urinary tract infections often feel pain or burning when they urinate.
People most at risk
VRE cannot be controlled by antibiotics. People with weakened immune systems may not be able to fight the infection and it can become fatal. Patients in hospitals are at a very high risk because of their weakened immune systems and as the VRE strain of Enterococcus tends to originate in hospitals. It can be transferred from surfaces and door handles by staff, patients and visitors.
Best prevention
- Wash your hands thoroughly and regularly and use a hand sanitiser. Take care after contact with an infected person, after using the toilet and before handling food.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces, chopping boards and utensils after using them.
- Hygienically clean frequently touched surfaces, especially in the kitchen, bathroom and around the toilet, paying attention to handles and switches.