Quick read
Key points
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VRE (vancomycin-resistant enterococci) refers to a type of bacteria that has become resistant to the antibiotic vancomycin, one of the treatments normally used against enterococcal infections. Many people carry VRE in their gut without any symptoms, known as being 'colonised'.
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Topic-specific prevention and risk reduction will be added during the article-specific evidence audit.
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You've been told you're colonised with VRE and have questions about what this means
01 · Know
What is VRE?
VRE (vancomycin-resistant enterococci) refers to a type of bacteria that has become resistant to the antibiotic vancomycin, one of the treatments normally used against enterococcal infections. Many people carry VRE in their gut without any symptoms, known as being 'colonised'.
VRE can occasionally cause infections, particularly in people who are already unwell in hospital, such as urinary tract or wound infections. Good hygiene and infection control practices are key to preventing its spread, particularly in healthcare settings.
02 · Understand
Clinical context
Self-care advice
Ask your healthcare team to explain what VRE colonisation means for your specific situation and any precautions needed.
03 · Act
When to see a doctor
- 1You've been told you're colonised with VRE and have questions about what this means
- 2You develop signs of infection, such as fever or a worsening wound, while known to carry VRE
- 3You're due to be admitted to hospital and want to know about VRE screening
- 4You're a close contact of someone with a VRE infection
- 5You have ongoing concerns about VRE affecting your care
04 · Prevent & manage
Practical steps
Take these self-care steps
These measures can help ease symptoms, support recovery, and reduce the chance of things worsening — but they don't replace medical advice if symptoms are severe or persistent.
- 1Understand that colonisation isn't the same as infection.Carrying VRE without symptoms doesn't need treatment, though it's useful information for healthcare staff to know.
- 2Practise good hand hygiene.This is the most effective way to prevent VRE spreading to others, both at home and in healthcare settings.
- 3Follow infection control advice in hospital.If you're colonised, staff may use extra precautions, which helps protect other patients.
- 4Report new symptoms of infection promptly.Fever, wound changes, or urinary symptoms should be reported quickly so appropriate treatment can be considered.
Evidence
References
BarnMD Health Intelligence uses authoritative and clinically relevant sources appropriate to the topic. References are shown so readers can inspect the evidence directly.
- HSE: VRE ↗
Medical information notice
Health education, not individual medical advice
BarnMD Health Library provides general health education for public health literacy. Reading this article does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and this information is not a diagnosis, prescription, or personalised treatment plan. If you have symptoms or concerns about your health, seek appropriate advice from a qualified healthcare professional. If you develop emergency warning signs, seek urgent or emergency medical attention.
BarnMD Bottom Line
Being colonised with VRE usually causes no problems and doesn't need treatment, though good hygiene practices help prevent it spreading to others.
Most people who carry VRE never develop an infection because of it — the main focus is preventing spread through good hygiene.