I. What are multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO)?

Multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO) generally refers to the bacteria having resistance to one or multiple antibiotics. In fact, such bacteria have developed resistance to many antibiotics, and only one or two existing antibiotics are effective. Common pathogenic bacteria include Staphylococcus aureus (SA), Acinetobacter baumannii), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus, Escherichia coli, and other bacteria.

II. Why are patients diagnosed with multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO)?

Due to weak immune system, long-term hospitalization or staying in ICU could cause bacteria colonization in patients and even trigger infection.

III. Can the family and visitors get infected while taking care of or visiting the patient?

No, because people with normal immunity will be protected by autoimmunity and will not get infected easily by touching the patients diagnosed with MDRO patients. Therefore, people do not need to worry about getting infection if they truly comply with standard protection measures.

VI. The following protective measures and instructions must be adopted to prevent the spread of hospital-acquired infection in patients, staff, and even visitors:

• (1) During hospitalization
• Comply with “contact and isolation precautions”: Wash the hands thoroughly, put on gloves, and put on the isolation gown to prevent carrying drug-resistant organisms to other patients.
• If necessary, cooperate with hospital policy to move the bed, separately or collectively, in designate ward for centralized care.
• Except for medical requirement, reduce activities outside the wards during the isolation period to prevent cross-infection.
• Do not share any item with other people.
• Please sort wastes and dispose in the waste bins inside the ward. Do not take the wastes out of the ward.
• Isolation gowns should not be used repeatedly. Do not shake the bed sheet and clothing of patients after replacement. All bed sheets and clothing should be disposed in the “infectious dirty laundry basket” inside the ward. Do not dispose in the dirty laundry room.

• (2) After the patients return home
• The patient still needs to conduct self-health management after getting discharged and returning home. However, such patient does not require isolation precautions.
• If the patient needs to check into a long-term care institution after returning home, notify the long-term care institution voluntarily to conduct “contact and isolation precautions” and help the patient settle down properly.

• (3) Company and visitors
• Avoid any unnecessary visit and company. Please do not visit patients with weaker immunity (elderly or children).
• Before and after visiting or taking care of the patient or after taking off the isolation gown and gloves, wash hands thoroughly. Avoid touching the bed rails and door knobs to prevent environmental re-contamination.