The standard regimen consists of ampicillin and gentamicin. Thus, they have acquired resistance to antimicrobial agents such as tetracyclines, macrolides, and fluoroquinolones used to treat infections due to other pathogens. Thus, we now have E. faecium strains that display high-level resistance to ampicillin, aminoglycosides, and vancomycin enterococci possess efficient mechanisms for the exchange of resistance traits not only among themselves but also with other species. The VRE isolates at University of Rochester Medical Center have so far all been E. faecium. Both colonized and infected patients represent sources for nosocomial infection.
Widespread contamination is more likely to occur in the rooms of patients having diarrhea.
Enterococci are hardy organisms, resistant to desiccation and extreme temperatures and can survive for weeks on environmental surfaces. Proximity to VRE-infected patients. Critical illness or severe underlying disease requiring prolonged hospitalization. Particularly vulnerable are immunosuppressed patients such as transplant recipients. Major surgical procedures and the presence of indwelling urinary or intravascular catheters.