Current rapid screening methods for gastrointestinal colonization of vancomycin-resistant enterococci

Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are known to cause hospital-acquired infections that can be associated with high morbidity and mortality. An active surveillance program that includes screening for gastrointestinal colonization of VRE in patients admitted to the hospital is able to reduce patient-to-patient transmission by introducing effective infection control strategies that aid in the decrease of infections caused by VRE. This article summarizes the laboratory methods available for the detection of gastrointestinal colonization of VRE of hospitalized patients as part of an active surveillance program.