Incidence of health care-associated extended-spectrum β-lactamase-positive patients before and after discontinuation of contact precautions.

Background: Isolation of patients with multidrug-resistant organisms has been recommended in several guidelines. Recent evidence has suggested potential negative effects of isolation on patient well-being and facility throughput. Published literature shows a difference in transmission risk of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing organisms, suggesting that contact precautions may not be necessary for all ESBL-positive organisms.