Enterococcus is a bacteria normally found in the intestines. VRE is a strain of enterococcus not treatable with Vancomycin. It is frequently also resistant to other antibiotics used to treat it. VRE can cause infection at various sites of the body such as lungs, bladder, wounds or bloodstream. People may also be carriers of VRE, which means they have the bacteria, but it doesn't make them sick.
Carriers usually have the bacteria in their stool.
VRE can be found in people who have been on antibiotics. The bacteria develops resistance to the antibiotic in an attempt to survive. VRE can also be spread from person to person through direct contact with the affected person. VRE can survive on hands and hard surfaces without proper handwashing and surface disinfection. When handling stool use disposable gloves and wash your hands after removing gloves.