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Multidrug-Resistant Organisms

CPOs and C.auris Prevention

Multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) are a growing problem globally, and an emerging threat in Oregon. Carbapenemase-producing organisms (CPO) are an epidemiologically important group of multidrug-resistant pathogens classified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as an urgent threat to public health. Infections caused by CPO are difficult to treat and associated with high mortality. 

Another focus is Candida auris (C. auris), a fungus that can colonize the skin, cause invasive infections, and has demonstrated resistance to common antifungal drugs. Some strains are resistant to all available classes of antifungals. It can spread readily among patients in healthcare facilities and persists for long periods of time in the environment or on contaminated medical equipment, causing numerous outbreaks that have been difficult to control. 

Early detection and implementation of infection prevention and control strategies are imperative to prevent further spread of CPOs and C. auris. 

Our Comprehensive Approach:

  • Surveillance and Assessment: We collaborate closely with healthcare facilities in Oregon to conduct regular point prevalence surveys and infection control assessments. 
  • Targeted Screening: We work with facilities to implement screening procedures for patients who are at elevated risk of carrying CPOs and C. auris. 
  • Containment and Response: In the event that a patient with an MDRO, CPO, or C. auris is detected, we support healthcare facilities to rapidly implement containment and response measures. 
Our goal is to safeguard public health by mitigating the spread of these resistant germs. Through our collaborative efforts, we can reduce their impact on patient well-being and health care safety. 

DROP-CRE Network

Drug Resistant Organism Prevention and Coordinated Regional Epidemiology (DROP-CRE) is a unique public-academic partnership goal is to detect and contrain multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) in Oregon.

Goals

  • Monitor Oregon antimicrobial resistant (AR) organism epidemiology
  • Assess the needs and capabilities for response
  • Coordinate statewide education about AR organisms
  • Develop laboratory capacity for rapid detection of AR organisms, and
  • Provide outbreak assistance.

Members

  • Oregon Health and Science University
  • Portland Veteran’s Administration (VA)
  • Oregon Health Authority’s Public Health Division
  • Regional laboratories and hospitals
  • Oregon Association for Professionals in Infection Control (APIC).

Activities

The network was first established in 2012 and developed the first Oregon Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) toolkit. It has conducted surveys of laboratories, infection preventionists, and long-term care facilities and has provided education through presentations, webinars, and guidance documents. The network provides assistance with prevention and response to important MDROs in our state, including carbapenem-resistant and carbapenemase-producing organisms and Candida auris.

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