Please note: This publication was rescinded on 24 March 2005
Following several outbreaks of VRE in Australian hospitals, between October 1994 and October 1996, the NHMRC's Working Party on Antibiotics were asked to investigate the issue of VRE in Australia.
Synopsis
The emergency of vancomycin resistant enterococci (VRE) in hospitals patients is a significant international concern. It threatens to compromise effective treatment of infections caused by multi-resistant gram-positive bacteria, particularly in seriously ill hospitalised patients, who may need treatment with vancomycin where other antibiotics have failed.
Following several outbreaks of VRE in Australian hospitals, between October 1994 and October 1996, the NHMRC's Working Party on Antibiotics were asked to investigate the issue of VRE in Australia.
The Working Party considered local and international evidence and formulated a set of recommendations that aim to:
- increase awareness and understanding of VRE; and
- combat the spread of VRE in Australia.
