Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA): Fact sheet for Health Care Professionals
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Frequently answered questions on MRSA targeted at the health care professionals
Multidrug-resistant organisms (MRO)
Antimicrobial resistance amongst microorganisms that commonly cause infections in healthcare settings is a growing problem worldwide. A recently emerging example is outbreaks of healthcare associated infection with a yeast called Candida auris, which is resistant to many antifungal agents.
Infections with MROs are more difficult to treat and are associated with poorer outcomes for patients and increased costs to the health care system.
What causes antimicrobial resistance?
Antimicrobial resistance occurs as a direct result of antibiotic treatment, and is driven by the increasing consumption of antimicrobials as a result of several factors, such as:
- the increased use of invasive medical treatments
- the use of immune suppressive agents in the treatment of cancer
- more complex surgical procedures
- an ageing population with lowered immunity to infection
- consumption of antibiotics present in the food chain.
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria and health care facilities
The antibiotic-resistant bacteria that may affect patients in health care facilities include:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
- Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE)
- Linezolid-resistant enterococci (LRE) and Linezolid-resistant Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (LRVRE) are emerging MROs; transmission based precautions and clearance recommendations are the same as for VRE
- Multi-resistant Gram-negative bacilli (MRGN), including:
- Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (formerly known as Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae)
- Candida auris
Prevention
The minimisation of the risk and prevention and control of infection and/or colonisation with antimicrobial-resistant bacteria involves the simultaneous application of a number of strategies including:
- Implementation of standard and transmission based precautions
-
identification of carriage (screening of high risk patient groups) and appropriate inpatient placement, for example single room for patients that pose a high risk of transmission (PDF 225KB)
- diligent hand hygiene practices, including alcohol-based hand rubs at point of care
- application of personal protective equipment when performing patient care activities
- appropriate cleaning and disinfection of patient surroundings and medical equipment
- antimicrobial stewardship – making sure that antibiotics are prescribed appropriately.
Management
Recommended management of MROs includes caring for people with standard and transmission-based precautions.
A patient/resident's MRO status must not interfere with the provision of appropriate care. No person in South Australia should be refused admission to any healthcare or residential care facility, or have their health care compromised soley due to being colonised or infected with an MRO.
For the current best practice in the management of patients colonised and infected with MROs in the acute and non-acute care settings, refer to:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Clinical Guideline (PDF 767KB)
- Multi-resistant Gram-negative micro-organisms (MRGN): Infection Prevention and control Clinical Guideline (PDF 481KB)
- Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) Clinical Guideline (PDF 383KB)
- Bed management toolkit (PDF 223KB)
Further information
For further information on the management of MRO contact SA Health's Infection Control Service.