Multidrug resistant organisms - MDRO

What is a multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO)?

A multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) is a germ that can cause an infection. This germ is hard to get rid of. Often, these germs are not harmful to your child. They can make other children sick, though.

Antibiotics are medicines used to get rid of germs that cause infections. Most antibiotics do not work for MDROs. They will not get rid of all these germs. This is called “resistant to antibiotics”. This makes infections caused by MDROs hard to treat and cure.

What causes MDROs?

Germs are normally found on a person’s skin or in their intestines. These germs may become MDROs after taking antibiotics. This can happen if antibiotics are taken for a long time or when they are not needed.

How do we know who has an MDRO?

• A test is done to tell if the germ in or on your child’s body is an MDRO.
• If your child has an MDRO, their medical chart will have a message. This message will tell your child’s care team how to care for them.
• For most types of MDROs, there is no test to check and see if the germ is no longer in or on your child’s body.

Other important information:

•  A MDRO germ can live on or in your child’s body without making them sick.
• Sometimes the MDRO germ might move to another part of the body. When this happens, it can make your child sick.
• A MDRO germ that does not make your child sick can make other children sick. This happens when it is passed from one person to another. MDRO germs can pass from person to person by touching hands, objects, and surfaces.

How are MDROs treated?

MDROs are hard to treat. This is because many antibiotics don’t work on them. There are a few antibiotics that may work. If treatment is needed, the doctor will decide which antibiotic to use.

How can we prevent the spread of MDROs in the hospital and clinics?

• It is important to not spread germs in the hospital and clinics.
• Wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer.
• Staff will wear gowns and gloves when caring for your child. This is to help stop the spread of the germs to other patients.
• Families do not need to use gowns or gloves. This is because you are not caring for other patients.
• Because there is no way to test to see if the MDRO germ is gone, workers will always wear gowns and gloves when caring for your child.

Other teaching sheets that may be helpful: 1306 Isolation: For parents and visitors

For more health and wellness information check out this resource:
https://kidshealth.org/ChildrensWi/en/parents