Pathogens
Enterococcus faecium

Enterococcus faecium

Precautions

See 'Additional Information'

General Information

Gram positive cocci in short chains.

Commensal micro-organisms that act as opportunistic agents causing a variety of infections in humans.

Nosocomial (VRE), associated with prior antibiotics.

  • Bacteremia
  • Endocarditis (usually subacute)
  • Intra-abdominal or hepatobiliary infection
  • UTI

More likely to cause true infection in immunocompromised individuals or after selection pressure from antimicrobial administration has eliminated other organisms.

Contact precuations required for vancomycin resistant Enterococcus species.