E.coli are a very common bacteria that normally live harmlessly in the gut and
are one of the most common bacteria causing infections in humans,
particularly urinary tract infections, or UTIs.
These infections can sometimes progress to cause more serious infections
such as kidney infections, or spread to the blood which can be life threatening.
ESBL producing strains are bacteria that produce an enzyme called
extended-spectrum beta lactamase, which makes them more resistant to many
commonly used antibiotics, and makes the infections harder to treat.
In many instances, only a very limited group of antibiotics remain
effective against ESBL producing E.coli.
Bacteria that are resistant to the effects of certain antibiotics
are more difficult to treat.
The bad news is that bacteria are becoming more resistant, not less.
So a microbe that is resistant to many drugs becomes difficult or
even impossible to treat.
Because antibiotic-resistant bacteria are more difficult to treat,
residents that become infected by one or
more bad bugs often do worse and are sicker for longer periods of time.
This is due in part to delays in detection and correct treatment, and the presence
of multiple medical conditions that are made worse by the infection.
Because nursing home residents live in close proximity to other persons, and
interact often,
antibiotic resistant bacteria can spread quickly among residents.
The quick spread may also be attributable to frequent contact with
potentially contaminated surfaces and persons.
Nursing home residents are frequently colonized with one or
more antibiotic resistant bacteria.
A majority of these are already colonized or infected when they are admitted.
This is a concern because the more residents colonized or
infected with antibiotic-resistant bacteria,
the more likely transmission between residents will occur.
>> Previously on gown and gloves, the MRSA outbreak continues to spread.
And rumors of improper standard precautions are spreading like wildfire.
Is it possible that someone isn't washing their hands
could the spread of MRSA have been stopped in it's tracks?
And how is Mrs. Houston going to like her new room in the MRSA contaminated wing?
Find out on Gowns and Gloves.
[MUSIC]
>> I'm ready, oh am I ready.
But you know what, I still can't believe we got Doctor Kennedy to admit me
a here after my hip surgery.
But you know what, we won't have long before they discharge me, so
we better act very quickly.
>> Mm.
It's fortunate that we're here.
I've arranged with the director of nurses to have Priscilla be our nurse for
the day, so we can get some one-on-one time with her.
>> You're kidding.
You gotta be- >> Good for,
you're gonna be great darling.
>> [SOUND] Hi, sorry to interrupt.
Mr. Houston, may I speak with you for a moment in the hallway?
>> Yes, what is it?
>> I need to tell you something important about your wife.
Remember a few days ago when I took that swab of her nose.
>> Yes.
>> Well, we were looking for bacteria called MRSA.
It turns out she has it.
