{"id":4784,"date":"2024-04-05T10:16:44","date_gmt":"2024-04-05T14:16:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/haiar\/?page_id=4784"},"modified":"2025-12-17T12:23:16","modified_gmt":"2025-12-17T17:23:16","slug":"cro","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/haiar\/cro\/","title":{"rendered":"Carbapenem-Resistant Organisms (CRO)"},"content":{"rendered":"
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On this page<\/strong>: Background<\/a> | Educational Resources<\/a> | Setting-Specific Resources<\/a> | Data & Reporting<\/a> | Laboratory Testing<\/a> | Collaborations<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Background<\/h2>\n

Carbapenem-resistant organisms (CRO) are germs that antibiotics don\u2019t work well against. Examples include E. coli<\/em>, Klebsiella<\/em>, and Acinetobacter<\/em>. Carbapenems are strong antibiotics used for serious infections that don\u2019t respond to other medicines. These antibiotics include ertapenem, imipenem, and meropenem. CRO germs are usually spread by direct contact with infected people, especially through wounds or stool. They can cause infections if they enter the body, often through medical devices like ventilators, IVs, urinary catheters, or wounds from injuries or surgery. To prevent these infections, it\u2019s important to follow safety rules, use the right cleaning products, and make sure staff follow infection control practices.<\/p>\n

Public Health Response:<\/strong><\/p>\n

VDH works with healthcare facilities to slow the spread of these dangerous organisms. VDH follows the CDC Guidance for a Public Health Response to Contain Novel or Targeted MDROs<\/a>. Facilities should collaborate with their local health department<\/a> on response efforts.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Educational Resources<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
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