Transferring Multidrug-Resistant Organisms

• Hospital-associated infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality, especially among the critically ill.
• Worldwide, the emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria has caused significant problems.
• A recent study from the University of Maryland examined the impact of environmental contamination on the rate of transfer of MDR bacteria to healthcare workers clothing.
• Two important findings from this study of ICU patients were:
  • Up to 8% of healthcare workers entered a patient's room with MDR bacteria on their hands
  • Almost 5% of healthcare workers had MDR bacteria (most notably Acinetobacter) on their hands upon exiting the room despite using gloves and a gown
• Take Home Point: Be sure to use hand hygiene upon entering and exiting a patient's room who is colonized with MDR bacteria!

References

Morgan DJ, et al. Transfer of multidrug-resistant bacteria to healthcare workers' gloves and gowns after patient contact increases with environmental contamination. Crit Care Med 2012; 40:1045-1051.