Multi Resistant Gram Negative Bacilli

Introduction

There are many bacteria that are found in hospitalised patients. Not all are resistant to antibiotics and not all will cause serious illness. Species of bacteria commonly seen include Escherichia coli (E. coli), Klebsiella, Proteus, Pseudomonas, Enterobacter and Acinetobacter spp. Collectively these bacteria are sometimes referred to as Gram-negative bacilli (GNBs). These bacteria, under certain circumstances can become resistant to antibiotics and may require infection control management.

(N.B. Acinetobacter is a common environmental bacterium that lives in water and damp conditions but can survive in dust. It has minimal growth requirements, is capable of surviving for long periods in the environment and is relatively resistant to usual cleaning methods and drying).

Purpose

The purpose of the policy is to ensure staff have an understanding of these organisms and understand how to manage these patients.

Policy Details

See also:

• Hand Hygiene Policy for Healthcare Workers Isolation Policy
• Standard Precautions Policy
• Admission / Transfer / Discharge Policy for the Infected Patient
• Carbapenemase Producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) Policy