Vancomycin-resistant Entercocci - Essay Example

The infection usually occurs after an introduction of the bacteria into a preciously sterile environment. A procedure such as in-dwelling catheters, cardiothoracic surgery, transplants and extended stays in ICU wards increases the risk of acquiring VRE. One method of transfer was discovered in the use of a suction device that removes oral and nasal secretions common in the ICU and Yankauer Catheters. (Kayyali 2006 para 1)VRE also spreads easily by computer keyboards with or without covers. Since most health care documentation is done electronically, this is a serious concern in all areas of the hospital, but in particular, critical care units.

  Long Term Care facility (LTC) patients are also at risk. VRE and Methacillin Resistant Staphyloccos Aureus (MRSA) have been shown to survive on keyboards for an hour and on covers for five minutes. Bare hands transferred the bacteria at a considerably higher percentage than gloved hands. (Computer Bugs)As a bio-terrorist weapon VRE is attractive due to easy access and the ease of transmission, especially in hospital settings and LTC facilities where patients come into contact with outsider visitors.

  Hospital and LTC facility patients carry a higher risk of contracting VRE infections due to conditions that inhibit their immune systems.The disturbing fact that VRE has been shown in one laboratory case to spread genetic mutation to MRSA, makes VRE an excellent weapon choice for bio-terrorists. If MRSA were to become resistant to Vancomycin.. Long Term Care facility (LTC) patients are also at risk. VRE and Methacillin Resistant Staphyloccos Aureus (MRSA) have been shown to survive on keyboards for an hour and on covers for five minutes.

Bare hands transferred the bacteria at a considerably higher percentage than gloved hands. (Computer Bugs, 2005 pg 1)As a bio-terrorist weapon VRE is attractive due to easy access and the ease of transmission, especially in hospital settings and LTC facilities where patients come into contact with outsider visitors. Hospital and LTC facility patients carry a higher risk of contracting VRE infections due to conditions that inhibit their immune systems.The disturbing fact that VRE has been shown in one laboratory case to spread genetic mutation to MRSA, makes VRE an excellent weapon choice for bio-terrorists.

If MRSA were to become resistant to Vancomycin it would be untreatable. (CHA 1996 pg 2)In the United States acquisition and transference of VRE outside hospital settings is not supported by data. Colonization nearly always precedes the majority of infections in European studies, which indicates that colonization occurs in the community. European reports also show that,"VRE exists in animal feces and in human foods originating in animals." (McDonald, 1997 para 3). This implies a relationship between the community and nosocomical infections.

The most common form of Entercocci is E. faecalis, responsible for 80% of colonizational human infections. As a possible weapon Entercocci are ideal in that they are an extremely resilient bacteria able to withstand wide temperature ranges, hypertonic, hypotonic, acidic and alkaline environment. Entercocci grow under reduced or oxygenated conditions and can tolerate solutions of bile salts that kill