Antibiotic resistance: why is it increasing in nursing homes?

Causes of the apparent increase in antibiotic resistance in the bacterial flora of nursing homes are multifactorial. Today's nursing home patients are older, in poorer health, and less able to function independently than has been true in the past. Infection and antibiotic use in this population may increase selective pressure for the emergence of resistant strains. The efficient transfer to nursing homes of patients from acute-care settings also contributes to the increase in colonization or infection with highly resistant bacteria. Prudent restraint in the use of antibiotics and better infection control in nursing homes may reduce or retard the increase or spread in resistant infections.