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    MDRGN: Multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria

    A growing challenge for the healthcare system

    Multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) such as carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) and carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA) are resistant to several classes of antibiotics and can cause severe infections for which conventional therapies are no longer effective.

    They occur particularly in environments where antibiotics are frequently used and therefore pose an increasing challenge in treating hospital patients.

    Why are multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria so dangerous?

    Multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria (MDRGN) are among the greatest challenges in modern medicine. Because of their complex cell structure and pronounced adaptability, they have developed resistance to multiple classes of antimicrobial agents in recent years. In medicine, a distinction is made between the following classifications:

    • 3MDRGN: Resistance to three out of four classes of antimicrobial agents
    • 4MDRGN: Resistance to all four classes of antimicrobial agents

    It becomes especially critical when even reserve antibiotics-specialized agents used only for severe MDRO or MDRGN infections when other treatments have failed-lose their effectiveness because treatment then becomes very difficult or sometimes no longer possible.

    Global prevention and control are indispensable

    To counter new resistances, multi-barrier systems (i.e. a combination of various measures within a comprehensive infection prevention and control strategy) must be implemented. These measures include adhering to complex hygiene plans and guidelines and implementing preventive measures such as monitoring, surface disinfection, decolonization, and the use of Point-of-Use water filters. Because MDRGN and MDROs do not stop at national borders, coordinated international control measures and the use of surveillance programs such as the WHO GLASS model are required.

    All facts about MDRGN in our information sheet

    Each year, about 8.9 million people die from hard-to-treat bacterial infections often caused by multidrug-resistant pathogens. This makes bacterial infections one of the most common causes of death worldwide. Our information sheet provides a concise overview of multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria.

    Greater knowledge leads to greater safety. Download our information sheet on MDRGN and multidrug resistance and actively support the prevention of resistance and infections.

    Download the information sheet for free

    Evidence-based data from scientific sources

    Our information materials are based on recognized scientific studies, technical reports, and official recommendations from organizations such as the German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), and the World Health Organization (WHO). All underlying sources are transparently presented, clearly organized, readily understood, and regularly updated.

    Our sources at a glance