Session 1: Understanding Multi-drug Resistant Organisms (MDROs), introducing VRE
Host:
Some bacteria are so fierce that we cannot solely rely on hand hygiene. We need a stronger strategy.
Under the microscope, we will see many organisms that are invisible to the naked eye.
Among all, we should never underestimate the multi-drug resistant organisms.
Drug resistance means that the organisms have mutated and the antibiotics that worked previously are no longer effective to kill them.
When the bacteria develop resistance against most of the antibiotics, they become multi-drug resistant organisms.
Host:
There are various types of multi-drug resistant organisms.
The well-known ones include Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, and Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus, or VRE, which has become a concern recently.
Host:
Common communicable diseases have three main modes of transmission:
Airborne transmission, such as pulmonary tuberculosis and chickenpox;
Droplet transmission: such as influenza;
Contact transmission: such as scabies and Staphylococcus aureus.
We have different preventive measures according to different modes of transmission, and hand hygiene is indispensable.
Host:
MRSA and VRE are transmitted primarily through contact, such as direct body contact with the infected person’s excreta, wounds or secretions.
They can also be transmitted through indirect contact with contaminated objects or surfaces.
Poor personal and environmental hygiene will cause the transmission of VRE and other multi-drug resistant organisms.
Bacterium:
Are you talking about me? Let me introduce myself!
Host: Oh?
Bacterium:
I am Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus, or VRE, usually present inside the intestines.
As I am resistant to the antibiotic Vancomycin, so they call me Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus.
Where to find me? Ha ha, I am usually present in the faeces, skin, urine or wounds.
My pals and I usually colonise human bodies and these people normally will not show any symptoms. They are called the carriers.
I am powerful! I can cause some serious damages, such as urinary tract infection, pneumonia and bacteraemia.
Host:
Get out! Get out immediately!
If we happen to be infected with VRE, it can be difficult to treat. The alternative antibiotics can be used but may cause more side effects. So we have to stay alert all the time!
Host:
Infections caused by multi-drug resistant organisms can lead to pneumonia, urinary tract infection, wound infection or even bacteraemia.
The high risk groups are more prone to infections and may lead to serious symptoms or even death.
The biggest issue is that there are limited treatment options. Please remember, multi-drug resistant organisms may be carried by carriers who display no symptoms. So we may be infected if we are inattentive.
Host:
The following high risk groups are prone to infection:
People with indwelling catheters.
People with damaged skin:
People with weakened immunity, restricted mobility or other personal issues.