It’s prevalent in senior homes.
A new study reveals that senior residential care facilities are becoming significant sources of antibiotic-resistant bacteria due to the overprescription of antibiotics. Published in the Journal of Infection, the research found that stool samples from residents in Australian senior homes contained a diverse array of antibiotic resistance genes.
The study’s lead researcher, Sophie Miller from Flinders University in Australia, noted that the frequent use of antibiotics in elderly individuals leads to an increase in resistant bacteria in their guts. These “superbugs” can reduce the effectiveness of other crucial antibiotics, complicating treatment for various infections.
Researchers analyzed stool samples from 164 residents across five long-term care facilities in South Australia. They discovered that 61% of the participants had received antibiotics at least once in the previous year. The analysis identified over 1,100 unique resistance genes across 38 antibiotic classes, including 20 genes of high clinical concern. Doxycycline, a commonly prescribed antibiotic, was found to significantly contribute to antibiotic resistance, increasing resistance gene levels by nearly 15 times.
The study also highlighted that most residents carried these resistant genes without showing symptoms of infection. This finding suggests that even antibiotics not typically associated with major changes in gut bacteria can significantly elevate resistance gene levels.
Senior researcher Geraint Rogers emphasized the need for more judicious use of antibiotics in senior care facilities. He urged a holistic approach to antibiotic management to address the rising problem of antibiotic resistance as the aging population grows. The study underscores the importance of careful prescribing practices to prevent the spread of resistant infections among older adults.
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