Nickname: VRE

Morphology: Gram-positive cocci occurring in short chains.

Habitat: Lives in soil, water, plants, and animals; normal flora in the intestines of humans.

Disease or illness: Urinary tract infections, also causes wound infections, abscesses and infections of the lining of the heart.

Who is at risk: The elderly with a serious disease, hospitalized patients taking antibiotics, and persons with a weakened immune system.

Avoidance techniques: Hand washing and good personal hygiene especially after using the toilet.

“I’ll come down on you hard if you let down your guard.”