Final answer:
D) Indirect contact with surfaces. VRE is mainly spread in healthcare environments through indirect contact with contaminated surfaces, not by airborne transmission, direct contact with body fluids, or food ingestion.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student is asking about the mode of transmission for a specific type of drug-resistant bacteria known as Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE). VRE is commonly found in the human intestines and female genital tract and can be spread in healthcare settings from person to person, especially through contact with contaminated surfaces or medical equipment. Consequently, the correct answer to the question is:
Transmission can occur when individuals touch surfaces or objects contaminated with VRE, such as bedrails, bathroom fixtures, or medical instruments, and then touch their mouth, nose, or an open wound. This mode of transmission is known as indirect contact. It is important to maintain strict hygiene and sterilization protocols in healthcare settings to prevent the spread of VRE and protect patients and healthcare workers from infection.
It is important to note that VRE transmission is not typically airborne and is not spread through food ingestion or direct contact with saliva or respiratory droplets of an infected person. Understanding these transmission pathways is crucial for implementing effective infection control measures.