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Updated: Jul 31, 2026
12:18
Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
Published on: February 9, 2011
Undetected vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus in surgical intensive care unit patients
R A Zuckerman1, L Steele, R A Venezia
1Albany Medical Center, Albany Medical College, New York, USA.
Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology
|October 26, 1999
Summary
Active surveillance detected 70% more vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) cases in high-risk patients than routine cultures. Further study is needed to confirm if the costs of VRE surveillance are justified by reduced transmission.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) poses a significant threat in healthcare settings.
- Identifying VRE colonization is crucial for infection control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively investigate VRE colonization rates in a high-risk population.
- To calculate the costs associated with active surveillance for VRE.
Main Methods:
- Prospective investigation using active surveillance for VRE.
- Cost analysis of the active surveillance program over 5 weeks.
Main Results:
- VRE was detected in 10 patients.
- Active surveillance identified 70% more VRE-colonized patients compared to routine cultures.
- The total cost for 5 weeks of active surveillance was $2,234.
Conclusions:
- Active surveillance significantly increases the detection of VRE colonization in high-risk populations.
- The cost-effectiveness and impact on transmission reduction require further investigation.
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