Prevalence of Antibiotic Resistance of the Commensal Flora in Dutch Nursing Homes

The prevalence of antibiotic-resistant E. coli and S. aureus in nursing homes was considerably high in this study, although no MRSA was found. This may lead to failing of empiric therapy of infections in patients in nursing homes. In particular, the high resistance to ciprofloxacin may make empiric quinolone therapy unreliable. Antibiotic use was associated with antibiotic resistance of E. coli. Therefore, antibiotic use should be restricted as much as possible. Analysis of risk factors for antibiotic resistance should be extended to be able to prevent further development of antibiotic resistance in nursing homes.