Colonization with multidrug-resistant germs, in particular methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing bacteria (ESBL), is an emerging threat in early neurological rehabilitation. This study examined whether colonization with ESBL bacteria had deteriorating effects on neurological rehabilitation patients because of contact precautions (CP) 2 (20.2) vs. 140.2 (18.7) min/day, n.s.), but the overall sum was significantly larger in the ESBL group due to longer LOS (p < 0.001). Mortality of both groups was comparable (3.8% vs. 4.1%). 54.3% of ESBL negative patients were discharged to home, but only 34.5% of ESBL colonized. 48% of ESBL positive patients were discharged to a nursing home, but only 25.1% of the ESBL free patients. Functional recovery of ESBL carriers undergoing neurological early rehabilitation is worse than that of patients without multidrug-resistant germs. Poorer outcome is not resulting from less therapy due to CP, but from functional status and higher morbidity on admission..