MDRO (Multi-Drug Resistant Organism)
Issue: May 2024
Review: May 2026
Ref.: A-619/HD/Infection Control/Multi-Drug Resistant Organism (MDRO)
PDF Version: MDRO (Multi-Drug Resistant Organism).pdf [pdf] 165KB
What is a MDRO?
Multi-drug resistant organisms are bacteria that have become resistant to certain commonly used antibiotics. E. coli, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, Enterococci and Acinetobacter are examples of bacteria that can be multi-drug resistant. These bacteria can cause infections in the same body site as non-resistant bacteria, such as urine, chest, wound and blood stream infections. However, the difference is that if you develop an infection with a multi-drug resistant organism, the choice of antibiotic to treat your infection is more limited.
You may not need antibiotic treatment if you do not have an active infection but are ‘colonised’ with a multi-drug resistant organism. Colonisation means that the bacteria is present, perhaps in the bowel (gut) or on the skin but is not causing infection.
How did I get a MDRO?
Multidrug resistant bacteria can be picked up in the same way as other bacteria, so it is difficult to identify when or where you picked it up. These MDROs can be found in the gut or on skin, they also live in the environment on surfaces, in soil and in water. This means that they can be picked up through person-to-person contact, sharing personal items with someone with a MDRO, through contact with contaminated surfaces or as a result of wounds being contaminated.
Can I have visitors?
Your visitors will be asked to wash their hands before entering and leaving your room. Relatives, friends and other visitors who are feeling unwell should not visit. Children and babies are more prone to any type of infection and are advised not to visit.
What happens whilst I am in hospital?
We will routinely put isolation measures in place as a precaution every time you are admitted to hospital, usually in a single room, ideally with toilet facilities.
For some types of MDRO, or if you are at higher risk of having a MDRO, you may be asked to provide a number of samples to send to the laboratory to check if you are carrying (colonised) or have an infection with the bacteria. The samples might include swabs from any wounds, a rectal swab or a sample of faeces. Having a MDRO will not restrict you from receiving any medical care that you need.
It is important that you wash your hands frequently.
Your room will have dedicated equipment.
What about when I go home?
You do not need to do anything special at home other than washing your hands well with soap and water, especially after going to the toilet.
It is very important that you make sure you complete the course of antibiotics if these have been prescribed for you to take at home. Hospital staff will tell your GP about your result when you are discharged from hospital.
If a relative or friend is helping care for you at home, they need to wash their hands with soap and water before and after they give care to you.
If you are readmitted to hospital
If you are admitted back into hospital or go to hospital as an outpatient, it is important that you let the staff caring for you know that you are known to have had a MDRO.
Your General Practitioner will also be informed of the result.
Healthcare workers should be informed of the alert on your record as this will help with the choice of antibiotics if required.
This will make sure that you receive the best care, the correct antibiotics and to reduce the risk of you developing an infection.
A positive MDRO result will not hinder your care in any way.
Contact details
Infection Prevention and Management Team
01752 432115
