The role of antibiotic policies in controlling VRE

Abstract

Antibiotic resistance is an emerging problem. Vancomycin resistant enterococci pose a significant problem in many areas of the world. The emergence of VRE has been linked to the use of glycopeptides both in environmental as well as clinical setting. Transmission of VRE between patients is associated with poor compliance with infection control policies. Antibiotic formulary intervention has shown to be of some benefit in reducing the rate of acquisition of VRE within the health care setting. This review focuses on the extent to which antibiotic policies help control the growing trend of VRE and suggests some interventions that could be potentially rewarding.