For its versatility in eluding new antibiotics, it can be life-threatening. One of these "superbugs" is VRE, which is transmissible by direct hand contact or through surfaces and equipment by anyone, including the health care worker (Capriotti, 2007). VRE has recently spread to the community and the health care sector.
New antibiotics continue to be synthesized to cope with the rapid mutation of the VRE bacteria, but the organisms continue to overtake the drugs (Akins & Haase, 2005). A study conducted on a series of VRE outbreaks in Germany revealed that an estimate of 1 million Euros could be saved with adequate prevention and control of the infection. The use of newer antibiotics is not as cost-effective as prevention. These antibiotics have to be administered with precision and require complementary hygienic precautions on the part of the health care worker. The rising incidence of and serious threats posed by the spread of VRE, all settings are strongly encouraged to formulate prevention strategies for strict compliance by patients and their families, health care staff and visitors.
In the fulfillment of their role and goals, nurses must understand the risks and their importance before they can apply either common-sense or scientific practices. #
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Akins, R.L. And Haase, K.K. (2005). Gram-positive resistance: pathogens, implications and...
Pharmacotherapy: Pharmacotherapy Publications. Retrieved on September 15, 2009 from http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/507658
Capriotti, T. (2007). Resistant "Superbugs" create need for novel antibiotics.
Dermatology Nursing: Medscape. Retrieved on September 15, 2009 from http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/554935
Department of Health (2006). Fact sheet. New York State Department. Retrieved on September 15, 2009 from http://www.health.stats.ny.us/diseases/communicable/v_r_e/docs/facts_sheet.pdf
Sagel, U.; Heeg, P. And Borgman, S. (2008). Vancomycin-resistant enterococci outbreak, Germany and calculation of outbreak start. Emerging Infectious
Diseases: U.S. National Center for Infectious Diseases. Retrieved on September
15, 2009 from http://findarticles/com/p/articles/mi_mOGVk/is_2_14/ai_n24323557
Mattlow, a.G. And Morris, S.K. (2009). Control of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the office and clinic. Canadian Medical Journal: Canadian Medical Association.
Retrieved on September 15, 2009 from http://findarticle.com/p/article/mi_7490/is_200905/ai_n32206406
White, J. (2003). Infection control in today's world. Kansas Nurse: Kansas State Nurses
Association. Retrieved on September 24, 2009 from http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3940/is_200305/ai_n9297191
