ANTIBIOTIC-RESISTANCE - WHY IS IT INCREASING IN NURSING-HOMES

Causes of the apparent increase in antibiotic resistance in the bacter ial flora of nursing homes are multifactorial. Today's nursing home pa tients are older, in poorer health, and less able to function independ ently than has been true in the past. Infection and antibiotic use in this population may increase selective pressure for the emergence of r esistant strains. The efficient transfer to nursing homes of patient f rom acute-care settings also contributes to the increase in colonizati on or infection with highly resistant bacteria. Prudent restraint in t he use of antibiotics and better infection control in nursing homes ma y reduce or retard the increase or spread in resistant infections.