Antibiotic-Resistant Organisms (ARO)
When you're in the hospital
What are antibiotic-resistant organisms (AROs)?
AROs are bacteria (germs) that are resistant to commonly used antibiotics. This means that some types of antibiotics can’t kill them.
- MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus): Staphylococcus or “staph” bacteria are germs that can live on your skin and in your nose. MRSA is a type of staph bacteria that can't be killed by some antibiotics, like methicillin.
- VRE (vancomycin-resistant enterococcus): Enterococcus bacteria are germs that live in the bowels. VRE are enterococcus bacteria that can't be killed by some antibiotics, like vancomycin.
How are AROs spread?
AROs can spread on unclean hands and surfaces touched by a person who is carrying or infected with an ARO.
AROs can live on hard surfaces (like countertops, toilets, and bed rails) for weeks.
How harmful are AROs?
When someone has an ARO they may be colonized or infected.
Colonization
Colonization means that an ARO lives on your skin but doesn’t cause health problems. Your immune system keeps the ARO under control.
Infection
Infection is when an ARO causes symptoms of infection such as pain and fever.
Some people may be at higher risk of an ARO infection. The infection can become serious, like an infected wound or pneumonia.
How are AROs treated?
People who are colonized with an ARO, also called carriers, are not usually treated with antibiotics. Colonization may go away without any treatment.
People infected with an ARO often get antibiotics.
What if I have an ARO infection?
If you’re in the hospital and have an ARO infection, your healthcare team may take additional precautions based on your symptoms so the ARO doesn’t spread.
If you’re on additional precautions, a sign on your door will describe what people need to do before entering your room.
How can I stop AROs from spreading in the hospital?
To stop AROs and other germs from spreading in the hospital, do these things every time you leave your hospital room:
- Clean your hands with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand rub (hand sanitizer). You don’t have to wear gloves.
- Wear a clean, fresh hospital robe over your pajamas or clothes.
- If you have wounds, ask your healthcare provider to cover them with a clean dressing or change your dressing if it’s dirty or falling off.
- Clean or ask for help to clean places that get touched a lot on your wheelchair, walker, cane, or IV pole.
If I have an ARO, is it safe for people to visit me in the hospital?
If you have an ARO, it’s safe for people to visit you in the hospital.
How can I stop AROs and other germs from spreading at home?
The best way to stop AROs and other germs from spreading is to clean your hands regularly with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub.
In addition to cleaning your hands, here are other things you can do to stop germs from spreading:
- Don’t share personal items like towels, clothing, bar soap, or razors.
- Clean your home regularly, especially the kitchen and bathroom.
- Wash clothing with regular laundry soap in the regular wash cycle.
- Clean shared items (like sports equipment) with a household disinfectant.
- Cover wounds that are draining (wounds that leak or drip liquid) with a clean, dry dressing.
- Always use safe food-handling procedures when you’re working with or near food.
- See your healthcare provider if you have any signs of infection, like fever or pain. Tell your healthcare provider if you have an ARO or have had one in the past.
To see this information online and learn more, visit MyHealth.Alberta.ca/health/pages/conditions.aspx?Hwid=custom.ab_antibioticresistantorganisms_inst.
Related to ARO
For 24/7 nurse advice and general health information call Health Link at 811.
Current as of: May 15, 2024
Author: Infection Prevention and Control, Alberta Health Services
This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an "as is", "where is" basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information. Alberta Health Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use.
