RESEARCHERS from Flinders University and SAHMRI are urging more careful antibiotic management in aged care facilities to protect residents from antibiotic-resistant bacteria, or superbugs.
A study in the Journal of Infection links frequent antibiotic use in aged care to a rise in resistant bacteria in the gut, which can be transmitted between residents.
"High rates of antibiotic prescriptions are likely to be contributing to the proliferation of these bugs, which can lead to longer hospital stays, higher medical costs and increased mortality," said the study's lead author Sophie Miller (pictured below).
"The trend not only compromises the effectiveness of antibiotics but also poses a significant risk of treatment failures in an already vulnerable community."
The study analysed stool samples from 164 residents in five South Australian aged care facilities, finding that a commonly prescribed antibiotic was linked to increased resistance to other antibiotics the patients hadn't been given.
"These findings suggest even certain antibiotics not usually associated with resistance can escalate it," commented Miller, calling for caution in prescribing practices to prevent further spread of resistant infections - learn more HERE.
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