Preventing MDRO Transmission

Preventing MDRO Transmission

Indiana Health Alert Network Notification:
Recommendations for Prevention of Transmission of Multidrug-Resistant Organisms (MDRO) in Ambulatory Care Settings 

Recent reports of emerging antibiotic resistance genes in common pathogens highlight the importance of implementing and maintaining appropriate infection control measures for all patients who access healthcare. The information below provides guidance about appropriate infection control practices to prevent transmission of MDRO in ambulatory care settings. 

Although some patients have higher risk for CRE/MDRO colonization/infection, these pathogens are becoming more widespread, so it is critical to apply appropriate precautions universally in your practice. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests the following guidelines for ambulatory care providers: 

  • Outpatient providers should focus on reducing opportunities for transmission of MDROs, known and unknown, in their care settings for ALL patients. 

  • Having additional information about a patient’s colonization status should be welcomed and used to inform and strengthen current practices. 

  • Basic infection prevention practices are effective at preventing transmission in outpatient settings: 

o Hand hygiene before and after every patient encounter 

o Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) use based on potential exposure to blood or bodily fluids (e.g., clean gloves worn before handling indwelling devices) 

o Cleaning/disinfecting shared patient care equipment and patient care surfaces between patients 

For questions, please contact Tina Feaster, ISDH Antibiotic Resistance Epidemiologist, at 317-233-7825 or cfeaster@isdh.IN.gov