Infection control measures for multidrug-resistant organisms
Dec 03, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Li Feng
Introduction
Infection control measures for multidrug-resistant organisms primarily include strict contact isolation, enhanced hand hygiene management, rational use of antimicrobial agents, thorough environmental cleaning and disinfection, dedicated equipment, and proper waste disposal. Comprehensive implementation of these measures can effectively interrupt transmission. Individuals with suspected infection symptoms or a history of high-risk exposure should seek timely medical evaluation. Patients with confirmed or suspected infection or colonization should be placed in single-room isolation.
Multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) infection control measures primarily include strict contact isolation, enhanced hand hygiene management, rational use of antimicrobial agents, thorough environmental cleaning and disinfection, dedicated equipment use, and proper waste handling. Comprehensive implementation of these measures can effectively interrupt transmission. If suspected infection symptoms occur or there is a history of high-risk exposure, prompt medical evaluation is recommended.
1. Strict Contact Isolation: Patients with infection or colonization should be placed in single-room isolation whenever possible. If single rooms are unavailable, patients with the same pathogen may be grouped together. Clear signage must be posted, patient movement restricted, and unnecessary contact minimized to reduce the risk of cross-transmission.
2. Enhanced Hand Hygiene Management: Healthcare workers must perform hand hygiene—using soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub—before and after patient contact and before and after procedures. Adequate handwashing facilities should be provided to improve compliance and interrupt hand-mediated transmission.
3. Rational Use of Antimicrobial Agents: Antibiotics should be selected based on antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Unnecessary use and misuse must be avoided. Treatment should follow the principles of adequate dosage and duration, with individualized regimens designed to minimize drug-driven development of resistance.
4. Enhanced Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection: High-touch surfaces in patient rooms—such as bed rails, bedside tables, and call buttons—should be thoroughly cleaned. Dedicated cleaning tools should be used, and regular environmental sampling and monitoring should be conducted to ensure effective disinfection.
5. Dedicated Equipment and Proper Waste Management: Patient care equipment should be assigned to individual patients. Reusable instruments must undergo strict sterilization. Medical waste should be segregated and disposed of in double-layered yellow waste bags, following standardized procedures to prevent transmission via equipment or waste.
Healthcare personnel should receive regular training on infection prevention to strengthen awareness and technical competence. Patients and their families should cooperate with isolation protocols and hygiene requirements, maintain well-ventilated and dry environments, and adhere to personal protective practices, collectively reinforcing the defense against MDRO transmission.
