Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 26, 2026

Author Spotlight: Advancing Pathogen Detection and Disease Assessment in Real-Time Using M-ROSE
Published on: March 1, 2024
Patient Hand Colonization With MDROs Is Associated with Environmental Contamination in Post-Acute Care
Payal K Patel1, Julia Mantey1, Lona Mody1
11University of Michigan Medical School,Ann Arbor,Michigan.
Abstract:
We assessed multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) patient hand colonization in relation to the environment in post-acute care to determine risk factors for MDRO hand colonization. Patient hand colonization was significantly associated with environmental contamination. Risk factors for hand colonization included disability, urinary catheter, recent antibiotic use, and prolonged hospital stay. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2017;38:1110-1113.
Insights
Environmental contamination is linked to multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) hand colonization in post-acute care. Key risk factors include disability, urinary catheters, recent antibiotic use, and extended hospital stays.
Area of Science:
- Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology
- Microbiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) pose a significant threat in healthcare settings.
- Understanding transmission routes is crucial for preventing infections.
- Post-acute care facilities require specific infection control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between environmental contamination and MDRO patient hand colonization.
- To identify risk factors associated with MDRO hand colonization in post-acute care.
Main Methods:
- Assessment of MDRO patient hand colonization.
- Evaluation of the healthcare environment for contamination.
- Statistical analysis to determine associations and risk factors.
Main Results:
- Patient hand colonization with MDROs was significantly associated with environmental contamination.
- Identified risk factors for hand colonization include patient disability, presence of a urinary catheter, recent antibiotic use, and prolonged hospital stay.
Conclusions:
- Environmental contamination is a critical factor in MDRO hand colonization in post-acute care.
- Targeting identified risk factors may help reduce MDRO transmission.
Related Concept Videos
Hand hygiene
Hand washing...
Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
Healthcare Associated Infections I: Iatrogenic, Exogenic and Endogenic
HAIs significantly increase the cost of health care. Extended stays in healthcare institutions, increased disability, increased costs of medications, including specialized antibiotics, and prolonged recovery times add to the patient's expenses and the healthcare institution and funding bodies.
Transmission-based Precautions I: Contact, Enteric, and Droplets
Contact Precautions:
Contact precautions are the measures taken to prevent the transmission of infectious agents, especially epidemiologically important microorganisms such as MRSA or influenza, primarily transmitted through direct or indirect contact with an...
Standard Precaution
Hand hygiene is the most crucial means to prevent the transmission of disease. Employers are legally required to provide their workers with personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize exposure or contact with...
Infection
The chain begins with pathogens: bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions, or parasites such as protozoa helminths. These can be present on the skin as transient or resident flora, or they can be acquired from the environment. Identifying and treating the type of infection and...

