About this topic
Multidrug resistant organisms may also be called MDROs. These are germs that may not respond to the treatment methods used most of the time. The drugs most often used to treat these germs or infections do not work. The MDRO are germs that have developed a resistance to some kinds of antibiotics. These germs may be bacteria, viruses, parasites, or a fungus. Sometimes they cause an illness and other times the germs just live in the body without hurting it. ‚
Germs are all around. They can be easily passed from one person to others in many ways. Some germs can be spread when you share things that may have the germs on them. Touching things like remote controls, bedside rails, IV poles, and objects in the hospital can easily spread germs. You may also get an infection if you touch body fluids of a person with an infection. Poor handwashing also causes the spread of germs. ‚
Not all germs are MDROs. Most of the time, germs are sensitive to the drugs used to treat the infection. But when you have an infection with a MDRO, if you take a drug commonly used your infection will not get better. This also means you are more likely to pass the infection on to others. ‚
What are the causes?
MDROs develop for a few reasons like: ‚
- When you take antibiotics that are not really needed
- When you do not take antibiotics the right way or do not take the full course of antibiotics
- Antibiotics are given to animals that we eat, like chickens or cows.
Each of these can expose the germs to the drugs. If a few of the germs survive treatment, they start to develop resistance to the drugs. This means the drugs do not work to fight the germ. If those germs multiply and the same drug is used to treat the infection, the drug is not likely to work or it will not work as well. The more often the drugs are used, the more likely it is that the germs will become resistant to their treatment. ‚
What can make this more likely to happen?
You are at a higher risk for having a MDRO if you: ‚
- Take antibiotics often
- Have a serious illness like kidney problems, diabetes, or peripheral vascular disease
- Have problems with your skin
- Are in the hospital often
- Are an older adult
- Have been colonized before with a MDRO. This means the resistant germs are living inside of you, but are not making you sick at this time.
- Have a suppressed immune system
What are the main signs?
Some people who have a MDRO may have no signs at all. The germ may be in your body but not causing you to be sick. This is known as colonization. When you are colonized with a MDRO, you can spread the germs to others. ‚
If you have an infection with a MDRO, you can also spread the germs to others. You may have signs like a fever, chills, or a wound that will not heal. You may have other problems with a wound like swelling, redness, or warmth around the wound. You may have a painful area or have drainage or a foul smell coming from your wound. ‚
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will ask you questions about your illness and do an exam. The doctor may order: ‚
- Lab tests
- Ultrasounds
- X-rays
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
Your doctor will carefully assess your condition to decide if you need drugs to treat your illness. Your doctor may wait to see test results to know which drugs will work against your exact germ. ‚
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- If you are in the hospital, you will be placed on isolation. This means you will only be allowed to leave your room for some tests or procedures. You will also need to take special precautions when you leave your room. You may need to wear a gown, gloves, or mask when you leave your room. The staff who care for you will take extra care to prevent the spread of infection.
- All people, including visitors, should wash their hands when they come in and when they leave your room.
- Outside of the hospital, handwashing is the best way to stop the spread of MDRO to others. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 15 seconds, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol based hand sanitizers also work to kill germs.
- Avoid sharing your towels, washcloths, or soap with anyone. Clean commonly handled things often, like door handles, remotes, toys, and phones. Wipe them with a disinfectant.
Where can I learn more?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/about.html ‚
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases ‚
http://www.niaid.nih.gov/topics/antimicrobialresistance/understanding/Pages/default.aspx ‚
Last Reviewed Date
2015-12-09 ‚
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Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care provider 's advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2016 Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved. ‚