Regional differences in vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus colonization rates in critically ill veterans.

Screening for vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) has not been universally implemented within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). A prospective study was conducted to identify the admission prevalence rate of VRE in patients admitted to the intensive care unit in 2 VA facilities. Significant regional differences were found between the 2 facilities. Further studies are needed to account for regional differences in VRE admission prevalence, to optimize infection control interventions.