GEMSTONE: sequencing of multi-drug resistant bacteria from nursing homes in Orange County, CA

Analysis of bacterial and fungal isolates from nursing homes to investigate the carriage, co-carriage, and infection patterns of six major multi-drug-resistant organisms (MDROs): methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE), extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producers (ESBLs), carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE), carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) and Candida auris. The study focuses on optimizing sampling strategies for detecting MDROs from body sites and environmental sources and identifying resident-, facility-, and community-level risk factors for carriage and subsequent infection. This data supports broader efforts to inform targeted, evidence-based infection control strategies in nursing homes.