Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Enterococcus faecium is particularly notable for its high level of resistance to vancomycin, a critical antibiotic used to treat serious infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria. The increase in vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE), especially strains of Enterococcus faecium, represents a significant concern in clinical settings because it limits treatment options for infections that these organisms cause.

Though other Enterococcus species can exhibit some level of resistance to vancomycin, Enterococcus faecium is the species most often associated with high levels of resistance, making infections difficult to treat. This is crucial for infection control and epidemiology, as the presence of VRE in healthcare facilities can lead to outbreaks, complicating patient management and increasing healthcare costs. Understanding which species exhibit this resistance is essential for implementing effective infection control measures and for selecting appropriate antibiotic therapy.