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A Comparison of Multifaceted Versus Clostridium difficile-Focused VRE Surveillance Strategies in a Low-Prevalence Setting

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2015

Kevin C. Kate ,
Michael A. Gardam ,
JoAnne Burt  and
John M. Conly
Kevin C. Kate
Affiliation:
Infection Prevention and Control Unit, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Michael A. Gardam
Affiliation:
Infection Prevention and Control Unit, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
JoAnne Burt
Affiliation:
Infection Prevention and Control Unit, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
John M. Conly*
Affiliation:
Infection Prevention and Control Unit, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
*
Infection Prevention and Control Unit, University Health Network, NU 13-118, Toronto General Hospital, 585 University Ave, Toronto ON M5G 2C4, Canada
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Abstract

We compared our current screening strategy for vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) with a focused strategy that screens all stool samples sent for Clostridium difficile toxin assay but limits rectal swab screening to wards with new VRE cases detected via C difficile samples. The proposed strategy detects 72.7% of new VRE cases, with substantial cost savings.

Type
Concise Communication
Information
Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology , Volume 22 , Issue 4 , April 2001 , pp. 219 - 221
Copyright
Copyright © The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America 2001

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