13/01/2026
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has released new guidance for adult social care (ASC) settings to help staff and managers prevent the spread of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs). This guidance was published 5 January 2026.
Why does this matter?
MDROs are pathogens that don’t respond to common treatments like antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, or antiparasitics. This means infections can be harder to treat, increasing the risk of severe illness or even death.
What are MDROs?
They include bacteria and fungi that have developed resistance to multiple medicines. Some examples you might recognise:
• MRSA (Meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) Can cause skin infections, pneumonia, and blood infections.
• VRE (Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci) Lives in the gut and may cause wound, bloodstream, and urinary tract infections.
• CPE (Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales) Resistant strains of common bacteria like E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae that can cause serious infections.
• Candidozyma auris (C. auris) A yeast resistant to many antifungal treatments, linked to bloodstream and wound infections.
What’s in the guidance?
• Practical steps to prevent the spread of MDROs in ASC settings.
• Clear infection prevention and control principles for staff and managers.
• Advice on recognising and managing infections caused by MDROs.
Take action today: Read the full guidance and ensure that you are prepared to keep those in your care safe.
Guidance webpage - Infection prevention and control for multidrug-resistant organisms in adult social care settings - GOV.UK
