What is the significance of multidrug-resistant organisms in antimicrobial stewardship?

Multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) are significant in antimicrobial stewardship primarily because they complicate treatment and increase healthcare costs. When pathogens develop resistance to multiple classes of antibiotics, it limits the options available for effective treatment. This can result in longer hospital stays, the need for more complex treatment regimens, and a higher likelihood of treatment failures, which all contribute to increased healthcare expenditures.

The presence of MDROs often necessitates the use of more expensive or more toxic antibiotics, leading to further strain on healthcare resources. Additionally, they pose a significant challenge in infection control and prevention, exacerbating the burden on healthcare systems.

In contrast, other options such as enhancing the effectiveness of standard treatments or reducing the need for monitoring antibiotic use do not align with the realities of antimicrobial resistance. New antibiotic development is undoubtedly important; however, it is a longer-term solution that does not address the immediate complications and cost implications of existing MDROs in healthcare settings.