Potential Hazard Exposure of employees to infections from multidrug resistant organisms such as "staph" and "strep" bacteria in the workplace. Employees can become infected or become carriers and spread infection to other health care workers and patients. To help stop the spread of MRSA in the workplace, see: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Provides links with general information, answers specific questions for employers and employees, and offers resources for a variety of workplace settings, including healthcare, school, athletic, and childcare. The following information is provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

• MRSA - Methicillin/oxacillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
  
  
• VRE - Vancomycin-resistant enterococci
  
  
• ESBLs - Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (which are resistant to cephalosporins and monobactams)
  
  
• PRSP - Penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae
  
  
• Multi-drug resistant Tuberculosis (MDR) TB is covered in HealthCare Wide Hazards Tuberculosis.

What is colonization and infection?

• Colonization means that the organism is present in or on the body but is not causing illness. A hospital employee who has been colonized can become a carrier and spread infection to other health care workers and patients.
  
  
• Infection means that the organism is present and is causing illness.

Risk factors for increasing the chance of both colonization and infection of these organisms include:

• Severity of illness
  
  
• Previous exposure to anti-microbial agents
  
  
• Underlying diseases or conditions, particularly:
  
  
  • Chronic renal disease
    
    
  • Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus
    
    
  • Peripheral vascular disease
    
    
  • Dermatitis or skin lesions
  
  
• Invasive procedures, such as:
  
  
  • Dialysis
    
    
  • Presence of invasive devices
    
    
  • Urinary catheterization
  
  
• Repeated contact with the health care system
  
  
• Previous colonization by a multi-drug-resistant organism
  
  
• Advanced age

• The CDC's recommendations for infection control in hospitals consist of Standard Precautions, which should be used for all patient care. In addition, the CDC recommends Contact Precautions in special cases, when the facility (based on national or local regulations) deems the multidrug-resistant microorganism to be of special clinical and epidemiologic significance. For more information about the CDC's standard precautions:
  
  
  • Guideline for Isolation Precautions: Preventing Transmission of Infectious Agents in Healthcare Settings 2007. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Guideline, (2007, June).

• National Nosocominal Infections Surveillance System (NNIS). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Reports and Publication.
• VISA / VRSA: Vancomycin-Intermediate/Resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
• Antibiotic / Antimicrobial Resistance. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).