Multi-Drug-Resistant Organisms (MDRO)
Date issued: June 2026
Review date: June 2029
Leaflet section: Infection prevention and management
PDF: Multi-Drug-Resistant Organisms (MDRO).pdf [pdf] 178KB
Infection Prevention and Management Team
What is MDRO?
Multi-drug-resistant organisms are types of bacteria that are resistant to some commonly used antibiotics.
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E. coli, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas
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Enterococci, Acinetobacter
These bacteria can cause infections such as:
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Urine ( urinary tract infections)
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Chest infections
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Wound infections
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Bloodstream infections
The difference is that fewer antibiotics are effective against these bacteria
You may carry an MDRO without feeling unwell.
This is called colonisation, which means:
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The bacteria re present ( for example in your gut or on your skin)
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But they are not causing an infection
You may not need treatment if you are only colonised
How did I get a MDRO?
It is not always possible to know where or when you picked up an MDRO.
MDRO bacteria are found:
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On the skin or in the gut
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On surfaces in the environment
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In soil and water
They can spread through:
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Close contact with other people
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Touching contaminated surfaces
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Sharing personal items
What happens while you are in hospital?
To reduce the risk of spread:
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You may be cared for in a single room, ideally with your own toilet
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We may take samples (such as swabs or stool samples) to chek for MDRO
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Staff may use protective clothing such as apron, gloves or mask
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Equipment used for your care may be dedicated to you
Having an MDRO will not affect your access to treatment or care
What can you do to help?
You can prevent the spread of infection by:
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Washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water
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After using the toilet
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Before eating and drinking
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Follow all advice given by staff
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Encourage visitors to clean their hands
Frequent hand hygiene is very important
Can I have visitors?
Yes, visitors are usually allowed
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Visitors should wash their hands before and after visiting
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Anyone who is unwell should not visit
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Young children and babies are more vulnerable to infection and may be advised not to visit
What happens when you go home?
In most cases, you do not need to take special precautions at home.
However:
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Maintain good hand hygiene
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Complete any prescribed antibiotics
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Carers should wash their hands before and after providing care
Your GP will be informed of your result
If you are readmitted to hospital
If you return to hospital or attend as an outpatient:
If you return to hospital or attend as an outpatient:
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Tell staff you have previously had an MDRO
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This helps ensure you receive the most appropriate care and antibiotics
This information will already be recorded in your healthcare records
Other formats
If you need this leaflet in another format such as Braille, large print, high contrast, British Sign Language or translated into another language, contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS):
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01752 439694
