Understanding the Risks of MROs
What is an MRO?
Multi-drug resistant organisms (MRO/MDRO)s are common bacteria that have developed resistance to multiple types of antibiotics. MROs can cause illness and avoidable deaths in residents.
Reservoirs for MRO/MDROs include residents, occasionally healthcare workers who are colonised or infected, and contaminated objects or surfaces in the environment.
Multi-drug resistant organisms are becoming more common in residential aged care settings, with colonised or infected people more frequently transferred to aged care facilities.
Factors that have contributed to increased rates of MRO/MDROs include
Excessive and inappropriate use of antibiotics
Poor compliance with hand hygiene
Healthcare worker cross-infection
Increased use of indwelling devices and medical interventions that breach the resident's normal body defences
A higher proportion of vulnerable persons
Compliance with standards and processes
In order to prevent infections and limit the transmission of MRO/MDROs, it is essential to follow protocols for the use of antibiotics, cleaning activities, and health care interventions.
For further information, refer to Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) or the aged care facility's policy and procedure manual.