Article Archive | Back To Current Issue

Summer 2000 - Article 4

Disinfectant Update
VRE (Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci) Information

Enterococci are found in the intestines of nearly all animals, including humans. This bacterium is readily recovered from vegetation and surface water, most likely because of contamination from animal waste or untreated sewage. Enterococci are very hardy since they tolerate large temperature swings (50-115° F) and acidic or alkaline environments.

Because of our overuse and/or improper use of antibiotics, MRSA - Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (see Spring 2000 Essentially Speaking issue) can only be effectively treated with a very powerful antibiotic called, Vancomycin. However, in 1998, a bacterium began appearing in hospitals which is resistant to Vancomycin. This is Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE) which are extremely contagious and have a 40% mortality rate.

Most alarming are recent studies that show VRE can transfer Vancomycin resistance capabilities to other gram-positive bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus. This is a major concern because a Vancomycin-resistant strain of MRSA would be untreatable.

Outbreaks of infectious Enterococci, including VRE, have shown up in patient-to-patient contact. Transmission of the microorganisms can occur either through direct contact or indirect contact via: a) hands of personnel, b) contaminated patient-care equipment, or c) environmental (hard) surfaces.

If your customers inquire as to which disinfectant to use, Essential Industries has three disinfectants with the VRE claim: Neutral Germicidal Cleaner (#702), Readiquat (#733) and Quat 256 (#256).