Multi-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (MRAB)

MRAB are bacteria (germs) that live in soil, water and on skin. This bacteria does not make you sick if you are in good health. As the name implies, the bacteria is resistant to, and cannot be destroyed by, a range of common antibiotic treatments.

Last updated: 01 August 2005

What is Multi-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii?

MRAB are bacteria (germs) that live in soil, water and on skin. This bacteria does not make you sick if you are in good health. As the name implies, the bacteria is resistant to, and cannot be destroyed by, a range of common antibiotic treatments.

How can you tell if you have MRAB?

The only way you can tell if you have MRAB is if your doctor orders a laboratory test of your blood, saliva or wound discharge.

What is the difference between infection and colonisation?

MRAB can cause infection or colonisation.

Infection means that bacteria are in, or on, the body and are making you sick.

Colonisation means you carry the bacteria in, or on, your body but you are not sick because of it and your hospital stay should not be increased. Colonised patients are sometimes given treatment to prevent infection developing.

Occasionally, people who are colonised with MRAB may have their surgery postponed. This is because both colonised and infected people can spread the bacteria to other patients.

Am I likely to get a MRAB infection?

MRAB infections are rare.

People most at risk of developing a MRAB infection are those who:

• have been in hospital a long time
• have low immunity
• are dialysis, cardiac, surgical or intensive care patients.

How is MRAB spread between patients?

Touching the skin of an infected or colonised person can spread MRAB. Touching a surface that has the bacteria on it can also spread MRAB.

These surfaces could include hospital beds, tables and other items surrounding a MRAB patient.

How can you prevent MRAB from spreading?

Regular and thorough hand washing is one of the most successful ways to help stop the spread of MRAB.

People with MRAB should wash their hands regularly, particularly after going to the toilet.

Health workers treating you should wash their hands each time they enter and leave your room. This will kill the bacteria and stop it spreading to other patients. You should not hesitate to discuss the importance of good hand cleaning with any of the staff caring for you.

Health workers may also take further steps to help stop the spread of MRAB between patients by:

• moving you to a single room in the hospital;
• wearing a gown, or apron, and gloves if they are providing direct care.

Cleaning by housekeeping staff removes many bacteria that live on surfaces in your hospital room.

How is an MRAB infection treated?

MRAB is often resistant to commonly prescribed antibiotics. Patients with an MRAB infection may need to be cared for by a specialist doctor so they get the right treatment and antibiotics.

Your doctor may order regular laboratory tests to check if you continue to have MRAB during and after treatment.

How can I protect my family and friends from infection?

The staff will give your visitors advice about strict hand washing with water and liquid soap when they enter and leave your room. It is also important that they do not have any contact with your wounds or soiled bandages.

Exposure to someone with MRAB should not harm healthy people, including pregnant women, children and babies.

What happens when I get home?

Thorough hand washing is essential for you and everyone else in the home. Normal household cleaning practices are sufficient.

Towels, clothes, bed sheets and other items that might have pus or MRAB on them can be washed in a domestic washing machine. No special washing temperature is recommended. All eating utensils and dishes can be washed as normal.

When seeing new doctors or if you return to hospital it is important to tell health workers about any previous or current MRAB infections or colonisations.

Where can I get further information?

Talk to your doctor or the nurses caring for you.