Abstract
To evaluate an isolation policy for patients colonised with vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), we instituted active surveillance for transmission to uncolonised patients. Surveillance rectal swabs were taken and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis was performed on positive isolates. VRE transmission with an identical genotype occurred in 5 patients, giving a transmission rate of 3.7 per 1000 patient days, or 1 patient per ward each week. The present study provides a baseline for assessment of VRE transmission and will be useful in evaluation of the effectiveness of infection control interventions.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 510-512 |
Number of pages | 3 |
Journal | Internal Medicine Journal |
Volume | 34 |
Issue number | 8 |
Publication status | Published - 2004 |