VRE Prevalence 18.4% in Hematologic Malignancy Patients, Pooled Meta-Analysis FindsVancomycin-resistant Enterococcus is common in patients with certain blood cancers
Frontiers in MedicinePublished October 15, 2026DOI ↗Editorial oversight: Dr. Sofia Müller, MD · Lifespan & Whole-Person Care
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Key Takeaway
Recognize that VRE prevalence in hematologic malignancy patients is estimated at 18.4%, but heterogeneity is high.
This meta-analysis pooled data from 120 studies to estimate the prevalence of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) in patients with hematological malignancies, including leukemia, lymphoma, neutropenia, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The pooled prevalence of VRE was 18.4% (95% CI: 15.5 to 21.6%).
The authors report substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 97.56%), which limits the precision and generalizability of the pooled estimate. No comparator, follow-up duration, or safety outcomes were reported. The analysis is based on observational data, so the results represent prevalence, not causation.
Gaps include the absence of data on practice relevance, funding, and conflicts of interest. The high heterogeneity suggests that prevalence varies widely across settings and populations, and the pooled figure should be interpreted with caution.
Clinically, these findings underscore the importance of local surveillance for VRE in hematological malignancy patients, but they do not support specific interventions or changes in empiric therapy. The evidence is insufficient to guide practice beyond awareness of the estimated burden.
How this fits prior evidence
This meta-analysis provides a pooled prevalence estimate for VRE in hematological malignancy patients, a population at risk for resistant infections. Prior coverage has addressed vancomycin-related adverse events, including rare immune hemolytic anemia, and the limited impact of intrawound vancomycin on surgical site infections in spinal fusion. The current findings extend those concerns by quantifying VRE prevalence in a highly immunosuppressed group, though the observational nature and high heterogeneity preclude causal inferences. No prior item directly addressed VRE prevalence in this population.
Living with blood cancers like leukemia or lymphoma often means facing a weakened immune system. When these patients are also exposed to vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE), it creates a significant challenge for medical teams trying to keep patients safe from infections.
Researchers looked at 120 different studies to see how common this specific resistant bacteria is among patients with blood cancers and those undergoing stem cell transplants. They found that the prevalence of VRE is about 18.4 percent. This means that a significant number of patients in these high-risk groups are carrying this resistant strain.
While the data shows a clear pattern of how often this bacteria appears, the researchers noted that the studies they looked at were very different from one another. Because of this variety, the results should be viewed as a snapshot of how common the bacteria is, rather than a direct cause of specific outcomes. Talk to your doctor about how these risks apply to your specific treatment plan.
What this means for you:
About 18.4% of patients with leukemia, lymphoma, or other blood cancers carry vancomycin-resistant bacteria.
Common questions
How common is vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus in blood cancer patients?
The study found that the prevalence of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) is 18.4 percent among patients with blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma. This means that roughly 1 in 5 patients in these groups are found to have this specific resistant strain of bacteria.
Who is affected by these findings regarding VRE?
These findings specifically involve patients with hematological malignancies. This includes people with leukemia, lymphoma, and neutropenia, as well as patients who have undergone hematopoietic stem cell transplant procedures.
BackgroundThis systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the global prevalence of vancomycin-resistant enterococci among patients with hematological malignancies, particularly vulnerable immunocompromised populations including leukemia, lymphoma, neutropenia, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation patients.MethodsA systematic literature search of PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar was conducted for studies published up to March 2026. Eligible observational studies reporting the prevalence of VRE in patients with hematological malignancies were included. Study quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist and PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Random-effects meta-analysis using logit-transformed proportions was performed in OpenMetaAnalyst and Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software. Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran’s Q and I2 statistics. Subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis, publication bias assessment, and meta-regression were conducted to identify potential sources of heterogeneity.ResultsA total of 120 studies involving patients with hematological malignancies were included. The pooled prevalence of VRE was 18.4% (95% CI: 15.5–21.6%), with substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 97.56%, p
