MRSA and Other Antibiotic Resistant Organisms

Multidrug-resistant organisms include bacteria and other microorganisms that have developed resistance to antibiotic drugs (microbes to which commonly used treatments are not effective anymore). Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE) are becoming increasingly common examples of multidrug-resistant organisms affecting individuals in both the hospital and in the community. Specifically, Community-Acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA) is becoming a concern among the public.

The following links are provided by ADPH to assist in preventing the spread of multidrug-resistant organisms in the hospital and community settings.

For Health Care Professionals

• Guidelines for Prevention and Control of Antibiotic-Resistant Organisms

For the Public

• Public Health Addresses Recent MRSA Concerns
• MRSA in the School Setting
• MRSA in Contact Sports
• Information for the Public About VRE

The best preventive measure for all members of the public is to practice good personal hygiene, such as washing hands with soap and hot water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers.

For more information on MRSA, visit Questions and Answers about MRSA in Schools.