What term describes pathogens resistant to multiple antimicrobial agents?

The term that describes pathogens resistant to multiple antimicrobial agents is "Multidrug-resistant organisms" or MDROs. These organisms have developed resistance to several classes of antibiotics, making infections caused by them more difficult to treat and manage. This resistance often emerges from inappropriate use of antimicrobial medications and can lead to higher morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs.

In contrast, antibiotic-susceptible organisms are those that can be effectively treated with standard antibiotics, making them less of a concern in terms of treatment challenges. Virulent pathogens are not specifically defined by their resistance but rather by their ability to cause disease or damage in a host. Invasive organisms refer to pathogens that have penetrated bodily defenses but do not inherently imply resistance to antimicrobial agents. Thus, "Multidrug-resistant organisms" is the most accurate term to describe pathogens that exhibit resistance to multiple antimicrobials, highlighting the critical issue of antibiotic resistance in the healthcare setting.