Page 24 - MCMcKinney Digest Guide

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MDRO Common MDRO:
Multi-drug-resistant organisms (MDRO) are common bacteria (germs) that have become resistant (not killed by) to multiple types of antibiotics.
For most healthy people, these bacteria don’t cause a problem.
Antibiotic resistance can happen as a result of:
• Frequent antibiotic use or frequent exposure to a healthcare setting
• The person has a weak immune system
• There is an open wound in the skin
MRSA
METHICILLIN RESISTANT STAPHLYCOCCUS AUREUS is carried on the skin or in the noses
of healthy people and is a common cause of minor skin infections. MRSA can also cause surgical wound infections, bloodstream infections and pneumonia.
VRE
VANCOMYCIN RESISTANT ENTEROCOCCUS is normally
found in the intestines and in the female genital tract. Vancomycin
is an antibiotic that is often used to treat infections caused by enterococci. When enterococci become resistant
to vancomycin (not killed by it) it is called VRE, which can cause infections of wounds, the urinary tract or the bloodstream.
• There is an IV, catheter or other invasive device in place
Prevention:
If you are the caretaker for an infected person, prevent the spread of MDRO by following these steps at home:
• After contact with infected person, before leaving home, WASH
YOUR HANDS
with plenty of lather for 15 to 20 seconds and dry hands completely.
• WEAR disposable gloves when exposed to patient’s bodily uids.
• USE hand towels only ONCE.
• CHANGE and WASH LINENS (towels, wash cloths, bed sheets) regularly.
• TELL healthcare providers about patient’s MDRO.
MULTI-DRUG-RESISTANT ORGANISMS