Antibiotic resistance patterns of bacteria causing urinary tract infections in the elderly living in nursing homes versus the elderly living at home: an observational study

Lower Urinary Tract Inflammation and Infection: Key Microbiological and Immunological Aspects

The urinary system, primarily responsible for the filtration of blood and waste, is affected by several infectious and inflammatory conditions. Focusing on the lower tract, this review outlines the physiological and immune landscape of the urethra and bladder, addressing key immunological and microbiological aspects of important infectious/inflammatory conditions. The conditions addressed include urethritis, interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome, urinary tract infections, and urosepsis. Key aspects of each condition are addressed, including epidemiology, pathophysiology, and clinical considerations. Finally, therapeutic options are outlined, highlighting gaps in the knowledge and novel therapeutic approaches.

Antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae urine isolates from a national sample of home-based primary care patients with dementia

Annual prevalences of antimicrobial resistance among urine isolates (3,913 Escherichia coli isolates and 1,736 Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates) from home-based primary care patients with dementia were high between 2014 and 2018 (ciprofloxacin, 18%-23% and 5%-7%, respectively; multidrug resistance, 9%-11% and 5%-6%, respectively). Multidrug resistance varied by region. Additional studies of antimicrobial resistance in home-care settings are needed.

Antibiotic resistance in elderly patients: Comparison of Enterobacterales causing urinary tract infections between community, nursing homes and hospital settings

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to compare the prevalence of antibiotic resistance of, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, and Klebsiella pneumoniae in elderly patients in, three sectors: community, nursing homes, and hospital settings.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This study was a retrospective observational study conducted in, Bourgogne Franche-Comté (France). We collected positive urine samples from, patients over 75 years of age from six private laboratories.

RESULTS

Antibiotic resistance rate for E. coli in nursing homes was close to that of the, ommunity setting. Conversely, resistance of K. pneumoniae in nursing homes was, close to hospital settings. No difference in resistance of P. mirabilis was observed, between the three healthcare sectors.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients living in nursing homes should not be considered more at risk of, infection by multi-drug resistant E. coli than patients living in community setting. Screening of multi-drug resistant K. pneumoniae could be of interest for nursing home, patients.

Reported Cases of Urinary Tract Infections and the Susceptibility of Uropathogens from Hospitals in Northern Ghana

As global studies report varying trends in antibiotic susceptibility of uropathogens, it is necessary to have current and constant information on the prevalence of urinary tract infections, the causative pathogens, and their susceptibility profiles, for effective management in specific geographical settings. This prospective cross-sectional study focused on the prevalence of urinary tract infections, etiological agents, and their antibiogram in a secondary and tertiary care hospital in Northern Ghana. Urine samples collected from 219 patients of all age groups were cultured on cysteine lactose electrolyte deficient agar. Pathogens were identified following standard microbiological methods, and their susceptibility to antibiotics was determined by the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Approximately 34% of the patients had significant bacteria, but the prevalence was slightly higher (P = .763) in the Tertiary care hospital (37.3%) than in the Secondary hospital (30.3%). Patients who were 60 years and above (27.0%) were commonly found with UTIs followed by the year group 20 to 29 years (20.3%). Although all the diagnoses had a positive relationship with urinary tract infection except Pyelonephritis, none of the underlying conditions was a significant (P > .05) predictor of urinary tract infection, with the odds ratio indicating that patients with hyperparathyroidism and dysuria had 2.606 times more likely increased risk or predictor of urinary tract infection. Ten different pathogens were identified, but Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus saprophyticus were frequently encountered. Gram-negative isolates generally showed more resistance. High resistance against ampicillin (100%), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (88.5%), chloramphenicol (84.6%), augmentin (69.2%), ceftriaxone (69.2%), and ciprofloxacin (61.5%) were recorded. Amikacin was relatively effective against isolated pathogens. The high records of resistance among uropathogens and the occurrence of multidrug resistance (92%) reiterate the urgent call for rigorous surveillance of antimicrobial resistance among infectious pathogens in Ghana.

High antimicrobial resistance in urinary tract infections in male outpatients in routine laboratory data, Germany, 2015 to 2020

Background

Evidence on the distribution of bacteria and therapy recommendations in male outpatients with urinary tract infections (UTI) remains insufficient.

Aim

We aimed to report frequency distributions and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) of bacteria causing UTI in men and to identify risk factors for resistance of Escherichia coli against trimethoprim (TMP) and ciprofloxacin (CIP).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective observational study using routinely collected midstream urine specimens from 102,736 adult male outpatients sent from 6,749 outpatient practices to nine collaborating laboratories from all major regions in Germany between 2015 and 2020. Resistance in E. coli was predicted using logistic regression.

Results

The three most frequent bacteria were E. coli (38.4%), Enterococcus faecalis (16.5%) and Proteus mirabilis (9.3%). Resistance of E. coli against amoxicillin (45.7%), TMP (26.6%) and CIP (19.8%) was common. Multiple drug resistance was high (22.9%). Resistance against fosfomycin (0.9%) and nitrofurantoin (1.9%) was low. Resistance of En. faecalis against CIP was high (29.3%). Isolates of P. mirabilis revealed high resistance against TMP (41.3%) and CIP (16.6%). The CIP and TMP resistance was significantly higher among bacteria derived from recurrent UTI (p < 0.05). Age ≥ 90 years, recurrent UTI and regions East and South were independently associated with AMR of E. coli against TMP and CIP (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The most frequent UTI-causing pathogens showed high resistance against TMP and CIP, empirical therapy is therefore likely to fail. Apart from intrinsically resistant pathogens, susceptibility to fosfomycin and nitrofurantoin remains sufficient. Therefore, they remain an additional option for empirical treatment of uncomplicated UTI in men.

Bacterial Profile, Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern, and Associated Factors of Community- and Hospital-Acquired Urinary Tract Infection at Dessie Referral Hospital, Dessie, Northeast Ethiopia

Background

Bacterial urinary tract infection is among the most common community and hospital-acquired infections. Therefore, to know the status of the community and hospital-acquired urinary tract infection, antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, and associated factors among urinary tract infection profiles are essential to physicians and health workers to implement appropriate intervention.

Methods

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 422 urinary tract infection suspected patients. All isolates were identified by standard microbiological techniques, and their antibiotic susceptibility was done by the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Data were entered using EpiData version 3.1 and analyzed by SPSS software version 20. P value < 0.05 at 95% CI was considered statistically significant.

Result

Of 422 urine samples processed, 100 (23.7%) yielded bacterial isolates. About 50(30.7%) and 50(19.3%) were bacterial isolates from the community and hospitalized patients, respectively. E. coli 44/103(42.7%) predominated across the two groups, followed by S. aureus 25/103(24.3%), CONs, 14/103(13.5%), Klebsiella spp. 7/103(6.78), Proteus spp. 3/103(2.91), and Enterococcus spp. 3/103 (2.91%). Pseudomonas spp. 3/103 (2.91), Citrobacter spp. 2/103(1.94%), and Acinetobacter spp. 1/103(0.999), which were isolated from only the hospitalized patients. Meropenem susceptibly was 100% in both study groups and Ampicillin resistance was documented as 83.3% to 100% and 76.9% to 100% in hospitalized and community-acquired samples, respectively.

Conclusion

This study found a high prevalence of bacterial urinary tract infection in the study area and a high rate of bacterial resistance was observed to most antimicrobial drugs tested. Meropenem and nitrofurantoin were the most active drugs for urinary tract infections. Therefore, expanding routine bacterial culture and identification with antimicrobial susceptibility testing and strengthening regular surveillance systems are essential for appropriate patient care.

Bloodstream infections in older population: epidemiology, outcome, and impact of multidrug resistance

Bloodstream infections (BSIs) among older patients are frequent with high rate of mortality. Infections with multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO) are associated with higher mortality than with susceptible microorganisms. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of MDRO infection during BSI in older population and the factors associated with unfavorable outcome. This study is a retrospective cohort of all BSI episodes occurring among older patients (> 65yo), from April 1, 2010, to December 31, 2016, in a French university hospital for geriatric medicine. A total of 255 BSI episodes were analyzed. Mean age was 86.3±6.5 years, and sex ratio (M/F) was 0.96. Main comorbidities were orthopedic device (26.7%), active neoplasia (24.3%), and diabetes mellitus (18.4%). Main primary sites of infection were urinary tract infections (56.9%), respiratory tract infections (10.6%), intra-abdominal infections (7.1%), and skin and soft tissue infections (4.7%). Main bacteria identified were Escherichia coli (45.1%), Staphylococcus aureus (14.1%), enterococci (10.7%), coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) (5.5%), and streptococci (5.1%). MDROs were involved in 17.2% of BSI (gram-negative bacilli: 9.0%; CoNS: 4.3%; and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA): 3.9%). The main factor associated with MDRO BSI was colonization with MDRO (OR=6.29; 95%CI=2.9-14.32). Total mortality was 18.4% and significantly higher in case of initial severity (OR=3.83; 95%CI=1.75-8.38), healthcare-associated infection (OR=5.29; 95%CI=1.11-25.30), and MRSA BSI (OR=9.16; 95%CI=1.67-50.16). BSI due to MDRO is frequent in older population and is strongly associated with carriage of MDRO. Healthcare-associated BSI, severe episodes, and BSI due to MRSA are associated with unfavorable outcome. In these cases, a broad-spectrum antibiotic should be promptly initiated.

Antibiotic-resistant pathogens associated with urinary tract infections in nursing homes: Summary of data reported to the National Healthcare Safety Network Long-Term Care Facility Component, 2013-2017

OBJECTIVE

Antibiotic resistance (AR) is a growing and highly prevalent problem in nursing homes. We describe selected AR phenotypes from pathogens causing urinary tract infections (UTIs) reported by nursing homes to the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN).

DESIGN

Pathogens and antibiotic susceptibility testing results for UTI events in nursing homes between January 2013 and December 2017 were analyzed. The pathogen distribution and pooled mean proportion of isolates that tested resistant to select antibiotic agents are reported.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

US nursing homes voluntarily participating in the Long-Term Care Facility component of the NHSN.

RESULTS

Overall, 243 nursing homes reported 1 or more UTIs: 121 (50%) were nonprofit facilities, median bed size was 91 (range: 9-801), and average occupancy was 87%. In total, 6,157 pathogens were reported for 5,485 UTI events. Moreover, 9 pathogens accounted for 90% of all reported UTIs; the 3 most frequently identified were Escherichia coli (41%), Proteus species (14%), and Klebsiella pneumoniae/oxytoca (13%). Among E. coli, fluoroquinolone, and extended-spectrum cephalosporin resistance were most prevalent (50% and 20%, respectively). Although Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecium represented <5% of pathogens reported, they had the highest rates of resistance (67% methicillin resistant and 60% vancomycin resistant, respectively). Multidrug resistance was most common in Pseudomonas aeruginosa (11%). For the resistant phenotypes we assessed, 36% of all UTIs reported were associated with a resistant pathogen.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first summary of AR among common pathogens causing UTIs reported to NHSN by nursing homes. Improved understanding of the resistance burden among common infections helps inform facility infection prevention and antibiotic stewardship efforts.

Gram-negative Organisms from Patients with Community-Acquired Urinary Tract Infections and Associated Risk Factors for Antimicrobial Resistance: A Single-Center Retrospective Observational Study in Japan

A specific antibiogram is necessary for the empiric antibiotic treatment of community-acquired urinary tract infections (UTI) because of the global spread of antimicrobial resistance. This study aimed to develop an antibiogram specific for community-acquired UTI and assess the risk factors associated with community-acquired UTI caused by antimicrobial-resistant organisms. This cross-sectional observational retrospective study included patients with community-acquired UTI caused by Gram-negative rods (GNR) who were admitted to the emergency department at a tertiary care hospital in Ibaraki, Japan, in 2017–2018. A total of 172 patients were enrolled (including 38 nursing home residents). Of the 181 GNR strains considered as causative agents, 135 (75%) were Escherichia coli, and 40 (22%) exhibited third-generation cephalosporin resistance. Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli accounted for 25/40 (63%) of resistant GNR. Overall susceptibility rate of Enterobacterales was 92%, 81%, 100%, 75%, and 89% for cefmetazole, ceftriaxone, meropenem, levofloxacin, and trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole, respectively. Residence in a nursing home (odds ratio (OR), 2.83; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.18–6.79) and recent antibiotic use (OR, 4.52; 95% CI, 1.02–19.97) were independent risk factors for UTI with resistant GNR. ESBL-producing E. coli was revealed to have a strong impact on antimicrobial resistance pattern. Therefore, an antibiotic strategy based on a disease-specific antibiogram is required.

Urinary tract infections in the elderly: a review of disease characteristics and current treatment options

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in the elderly, and cover a range of conditions from asymptomatic bacteriuria to urosepsis. Risk factors for developing symptomatic UTIs include immunosenescence, exposure to nosocomial pathogens, multiple comorbidities, and a history of UTIs. European guidelines on urological infections recommend antimicrobial treatment only for symptomatic UTIs. Non-antimicrobial options to treat and prevent UTIs include among others cranberry products, OM-89 Escherichia coli bacterial lysate vaccine, and estrogen therapy in postmenopausal women, although evidence for their efficacy is weak. Another non-antimicrobial option to control and prevent UTIs is a medical device (Utipro Plus^®) containing xyloglucan, gelatin, propolis, and extracts of Hibiscus sabdariffa. The device acts in the intestine as a mechanical barrier to protect against invasion by uropathogenic E. coli strains. A randomized controlled trial of Utipro Plus^® in patients with uncomplicated UTIs provided good-quality evidence of its efficacy compared with placebo. In an observational study of Utipro Plus^® in patients with recurrent UTIs, more than 80% women reported a return to their pre-UTI clinical status and about 30% transitioned from symptomatic UTIs to asymptomatic bacteriuria. New treatment strategies that offer a safe and effective non-antimicrobial means of managing UTIs could have an important role in the elderly.

Antibiotic resistance of Enterobacteriaceae causing urinary tract infections in elderly patients living in the community and in the nursing home: a retrospective observational study

OBJECTIVES

Although nursing homes are thought to be significant reservoirs of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, very few large population-based studies comparing antibiotic resistance prevalence in nursing homes and in the community have adjusted for patient characteristics. Our objective was to compare the prevalence of antibiotic resistance of Enterobacteriaceae cultured from urine samples of nursing home residents with that of community-dwelling adults, all aged 65 years or older.

METHODS

This study analysed around 20 000 positive urine samples sent to a large laboratory in north-eastern France from 2014 to 2017, collected from individuals aged 65 years or older. A multivariable logistic regression model adjusted for patient characteristics (gender, age, year of sampling, presence of urinary catheter and number of urine samples/year) compared the resistance of Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis and Klebsiella pneumoniae to amoxicillin/clavulanate, nitrofurantoin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, nalidixic acid, ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin and ceftriaxone, as well as their possible EBSL production, in nursing home residents and community-dwellers.

RESULTS

Nursing home residents had a higher adjusted OR (aOR) of Enterobacteriaceae (E. coli, P. mirabilis or K. pneumoniae) resistant to amoxicillin/clavulanate (aOR 1.38, 95% CI 1.27-1.50), ciprofloxacin (aOR 1.33, 95% CI 1.20-1.49) and ceftriaxone (aOR 1.37, 95% CI 1.15-1.63) or producing an ESBL (aOR 1.43, 95% CI 1.18-1.72), but did not differ in resistance to nitrofurantoin or trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole.

CONCLUSIONS

Elderly people in nursing homes had a risk around 40% higher than their community-dwelling peers of having antibiotic-resistant Enterobacteriaceae cultured from their urine samples. Antibiotic stewardship and infection prevention and control programmes should be implemented in nursing homes.

Palliative care and infection management at end of life in nursing homes: A descriptive survey

BACKGROUND

Infections are common occurrences at end of life that are associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality among frail elderly individuals. The problem of infections in nursing homes has led to a subsequent overuse and misuse of antibiotics in this already-frail population. Improving palliative care in nursing homes has been proposed as a key strategy to reduce the use of antibiotics.

AIM

The aim of this study was to describe the current status of how nursing homes integrates palliative care and infection management at end of life across the nation.

DESIGN

This is a cross-sectional survey of nationally representative US nursing homes.

SETTING/PARTICIPANTS

Between November 2017 and October 2018, a survey was conducted with a nationally representative random sample of nursing homes and 892 surveys were completed (49% response rate). The weighted study sample represented 15,381 nursing homes across the nation.

RESULTS

Most nursing homes engaged in care plan documentation on what is important to residents (90.43%) and discussed spiritual needs of terminally ill residents (89.50%). In the event of aspiration pneumonia in terminally ill residents, 59.43% of nursing homes responded that resident would be transferred to the hospital. In suspected urinary tract infection among terminally ill residents, 66.62% of nursing homes responded that the resident will be treated with antibiotics.

CONCLUSION

The study found wide variations in nursing home palliative care practices, particularly for timing of end-of-life care discussions, and suboptimal care reported for antibiotic usage. Further education for nursing home staff on appropriate antibiotic usage and best practices to integrate infection management in palliative care at the end of life is needed.

A cost-minimization analysis of treatment options for postmenopausal women with dysuria

BACKGROUND

Empiric therapy for urinary tract infection is difficult in postmenopausal women because of the higher rates of confounding lower urinary tract symptoms and differential resistance profiles of uropathogens in this population.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to determine the least costly strategy for treatment of postmenopausal women with the primary complaint of dysuria.

STUDY DESIGN

We performed a cost minimization analysis modeling the following clinical options: (1) empiric antibiotic therapy followed by urine culture, (2) urinalysis with empiric antibiotic therapy only if positive nitrites and leukocyte esterase, or (3) waiting for culture prior to initiating antibiotics. For all strategies we included nitrofurantoin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, fosfomycin, ciprofloxacin, or cephalexin. Pathogens included Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Klebsiella pneumonaie, or Proteus mirabalis. Pathogens, resistance, treatment success, and medication side effects were specific to postmenopausal women.

RESULTS

Cost minimization modeling with TreeAge Pro assumed 73.4% of urinary tract infections were caused by Escherichia coli with 24.4% resistance to nitrofurantoin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. With our assumptions, empiric antibiotics with nitrofurantoin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole was the least costly approach ($89.64/patient), followed by waiting for urine culture ($97.04/patient). Except for empiric antibiotics with fosfomcyin, empiric antibiotics was always less costly than using urinalysis to discriminate antibiotic use. This is due to the cost of urinalysis ($38.23), high rate of both urinary tract infection (91%), and positive urinalysis (69.3%) with dysuria in postmenopausal women and resultant high rate of antibiotic use with or without urinalysis. Options with fosfomycin were the most expensive because of the highest drug costs ($98/dose), and tornado analyses showed fosfomycin cost was the most impactful variable for model outcomes. Sensitivity analyses showed empiric fosfomycin became the least costly option if drug costs were $25.80, a price still more costly than almost all modeled baseline drug costs. This outcome was largely predicated on low resistance to fosfomycin. Conversely, ciprofloxacin was never the least costly option because of higher resistance and side effect cost, even if the drug cost was $0. We modeled 91% positive urine culture rate in postmenopausal women with dysuria; waiting for the urine culture prior to treatment would be the least costly strategy in a population with a predicted positive culture rate of <65%.

CONCLUSION

The least costly strategy was empiric antibiotics with nitrofurantoin and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, followed by waiting on culture results. Local resistance patterns will have an impact on cost minimization strategies. Empiric fosfomycin would be least costly with reduced drug costs, even at a level at which drug costs were higher than almost all other antibiotics. In a population with high posttest probability of positive urine culture, urinalysis adds unnecessary cost. Antibiotic stewardship programs should continue efforts to decrease fluoroquinolone use because of high resistance, side effects, and increased cost.

Trends and impact of antimicrobial resistance on older inpatients with urinary tract infections (UTIs): A national retrospective observational study

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common infections in older people and are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. UTIs are also associated with increased risk of antimicrobial resistance (AR). This study examined changes in AR among older inpatients with a primary diagnosis of UTIs in the United States over an 8-year period and the impact of AR on clinical outcomes and hospital costs. Data were obtained from the longitudinal hospital HCUP-NIS database from 2009 to 2016 for inpatient episodes that involved those aged 65+ years. The ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes were used to identify episodes with a primary diagnosis of UTIs, comorbidities, AR status and age-adjusted Deyo-Charlson comorbidity index (ACCI) for the patient concerned. Weighted multivariable regression was used to examine the impact of AR on all-cause inpatient mortality, discharge destination, length of stay and hospital expenditures, adjusted for socio-demographic and clinical covariates. The proportion of admissions with AR increased, from 3.64% in 2009 to 6.88% in 2016 (p<0.001), with distinct patterns for different types of resistance. The likelihood of AR was higher in admissions with high ACCI scores and admissions to hospitals in urban areas. Admissions with AR were more likely to be discharged to healthcare facilities (e.g. care homes) compared to routine discharge (OR 1.81; 95%CI, 1.75–1.86), had increased length of stay (1.12 days; 95%CI, 1.06–1.18) and hospital costs (1259 USD; 95%CI, 1178–1340). Resistance due to MRSA was specifically associated with increased hospital mortality (OR 1.33; 95%CI, 1.15–1.53). Our findings suggest that the prevalence of AR has increased among older inpatients with UTIs in the USA. The study highlights the impact of AR among older inpatients with a primary diagnosis of UTIs on clinical outcomes and hospital costs. These relationships and their implications for the care homes to which patients are frequently discharged warrant further research.

Prescription of antibiotics for urinary tract infection in general practice in Denmark

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to describe and characterize the prescription of antibiotics for urinary tract infection (UTI) in general practice in Denmark and to evaluate compliance with current recommendations.

DESIGN

National registry-based study Setting: Danish general practice Patients: 267.539 patients who redeemed a prescription for antibiotics with the clinical indication UTI at community pharmacies between July 1^st 2012 and June 31^st 2013.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Antibiotics prescribed for 1) acute lower UTI, 2) acute upper UTI and 3) recurrent UTI presented as amount of prescriptions, number of treatments per 1000 inhabitants per day (TID) and defined daily doses per 1000 inhabitants per day (DID).

RESULTS

A total of 507.532 prescriptions were issued to 267.539 patients during the one year study period, representing 2.35 DID. Acute lower UTI was the most common reason for prescription of antibiotics (89.5%) followed by recurrent UTI (8.4%). The majority of the prescriptions were issued to people above 60 year old (57.6%). Pivmecillinam was the most commonly prescribed antibiotic in acute lower (45.8%) and acute upper (63.3%) UTI. Trimethroprim was the most commonly prescribed antibiotic in recurrent UTI (45.9%). Prescription of quinolones increased with increasing patient-age (p = <.0001).

CONCLUSION

Compliance with current Danish recommendations was moderately high. Pivmecillinam is the first line antibiotic for the management of acute lower and upper UTI, and trimethroprim is the first line option of recurrent UTI. A high proportion of the antibiotic prescriptions were issued in the elderly population including a relatively high prescription rate of quinolones. Key points Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common cause for prescription of antibiotics in general practice Poor compliance in general practice with recommendations for first-line treatment of UTI may increase antibiotic resistance Danish general practitioners are generally compliant with national and regional guidelines for antibiotic treatment of UTI There is high use of antibiotics in the elderly population including a worrisome high use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, such as Quinolones.

Who Comes to the Emergency Room with an Infection from a Long-term Care Hospital? A Retrospective Study Based on a Medical Record Review

PURPOSE

Health care-associated infections increase disease prevalence and mortality and are the main reason for the hospitalization of the elderly. However, the management of underlying infections in patients hospitalized in long-term care hospitals (LTCHs) is insufficient, and the transfer of these poorly managed patients to the emergency room (ER) of an acute care hospital can lead to rapid spread of infection. This study investigated the risk factors associated with an ER visit due to infections that developed in LTCHs.

METHODS

The electronic medical records of patients who were transferred to the ER of a university hospital in South Korea were used. Infection prevalence, causative infectious agent, and antibiotic sensitivity were assessed. The associations between patient characteristics and hospital-associated infections were examined using multiple logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

Among the 483 patients transferred to the ER during the study period, the number of infection cases was 197, and 171 individuals (35.4%) had one or more infections, with pneumonia being the most common (52.8%), followed by urinary tract (21.3%) and bloodstream (17.8%) infections. Patients with bedsores, fever, an indwelling catheter, and a higher nursing need were more likely to be seen in the ER because of infectious disease from an LTCH.

CONCLUSION

Both an intensive care system and surveillance support should be established to prevent infections, particularly in high-risk patients at LTCHs.

Antimicrobial Resistance of Uropathogenic Escherichia coli from Elderly Patients at a General Hospital, Argentina

Background:

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in older adults.

Objective:

To investigate antimicrobial resistance of uropathogenicEscherichia colifrom elderly patients in a General Hospital, Argentina.

Method:

During the period July 2011-July 2015, patients over 70 years old with urinary tract infections, without urinary catheters and with no antimicrobial therapy the previous week before sampling, were included. Phenotypic characterization was carried out.In vitroqualitative and quantitative antimicrobial resistances were investigated. Antimicrobials assayed: ampicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanate, cefazolin, cefuroxime, cefoxitin, cefotaxime, ceftazidime, cefepime, imipenem, ertapenem, gentamicin, nalidixic acid, ciprofloxacin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMS) and nitrofurantoin. Patients’ medical records were produced, and risk factors were analyzed by multivariate analysis.

Results:

768 bacterial isolates were identified asE. coli. Resistances to ampicillin (80.5%), nalidixic acid (61.7%), ciprofloxacin (42.8%), TMS (37.6%), amoxicillin-clavulanate (28.6%), cefazolin (21.6%), cefuroxime (20.7%), gentamicin (13.8%), cefotaxime (9.7%), ceftazidime (9.7%), cefepime (8.4%), cefoxitin (3.1%) and nitrofurantoin (2.3%) were observed. Resistance to carbapenems was not expressed. Production of extended spectrum β-lactamases was detected (7.6%) in community acquired (96%) and healthcare associated (4%) isolates. The independent risk factors for urinary infections produced by multi-resistantE. coliwere: diabetes mellitus, recurrent infections, hospitalization during the last year and exposure to β-lactams in the last 3 months.

Conclusion:

A high prevalence of resistance to β-lactams and to other antimicrobials was observed. Detection of antimicrobial multi-resistant isolates highlights the need of antimicrobial resistance surveillance in elderly patients with urinary tract infections.

Comparative characteristic of antimicrobial resistance in geriatric hospital: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

To examine antimicrobial resistance of commonly isolated pathogens in elderly hospitalized patients.

METHODS

Data regarding all clinically significant isolates from blood and urine cultures of patients admitted to a multilevel geriatric hospital during March 2015 to April 2016 were collected. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed according to Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute guidelines.

RESULTS

Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, and Klebsiella pneumoniae were the most common isolates, with proportions of extended spectrum beta-lactamase positivity of 60, 40, and 61% respectively. Adjusted logistic regression models indicated that resistance of Escherichia coli to ceftriaxone [odds ratio (OR) 2.8, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.5-5.1], ceftazidime (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.5-5.1), ciprofloxacin (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.2-4.0), amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.2-4.3), and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.4-4.3) was significantly higher in skilled nursing wards than in acute geriatric wards. Resistance of Proteus mirabilis to ceftriaxone (OR 3.1, 95% CI 1.5-6.4) and Klebsiella pneumoniae to ciprofloxacin (OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.3-7.9) was significantly higher in skilled nursing wards than in acute wards.

CONCLUSIONS AND DISCUSSION

Antimicrobial resistance was found to be high in a multilevel geriatric hospital, especially in skilled nursing wards. These findings call for rethinking of the empirical antimicrobial therapy and of the efforts for prevention of nosocomial infection.

Acid-Suppressive Therapy and Risk of Infections: Pros and Cons

This narrative review summarises the benefits, risks and appropriate use of acid-suppressing drugs (ASDs), proton pump inhibitors and histamine-2 receptor antagonists, advocating a rationale balanced and individualised approach aimed to minimise any serious adverse consequences. It focuses on current controversies on the potential of ASDs to contribute to infections-bacterial, parasitic, fungal, protozoan and viral, particularly in the elderly, comprehensively and critically discusses the growing body of observational literature linking ASD use to a variety of enteric, respiratory, skin and systemic infectious diseases and complications (Clostridium difficile diarrhoea, pneumonia, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, septicaemia and other). The proposed pathogenic mechanisms of ASD-associated infections (related and unrelated to the inhibition of gastric acid secretion, alterations of the gut microbiome and immunity), and drug-drug interactions are also described. Both probiotics use and correcting vitamin D status may have a significant protective effect decreasing the incidence of ASD-associated infections, especially in the elderly. Despite the limitations of the existing data, the importance of individualised therapy and caution in long-term ASD use considering the balance of benefits and potential harms, factors that may predispose to and actions that may prevent/attenuate adverse effects is evident. A six-step practical algorithm for ASD therapy based on the best available evidence is presented.

Prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility of Uropathogens from cases of urinary tract infections (UTI) in Shashemene referral hospital, Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Urinary tract infection (UTI) remains to be one of the most common infectious diseases diagnosed in developing countries. And a widespread use of antibiotics against uropathogens has led to the emergence of antibiotic resistant species. A laboratory based cross-sectional survey was conducted in Shashemene referral hospital to determine the prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility of uropathogens.

METHODS

We have collected 384 clean catch mid-stream urine samples from all suspected UTI outpatients using sterile screw capped container. The urine samples were cultured and processed for subsequent uropathogens isolation. The isolated pure cultures were grown on BiOLOG Universal Growth agar (BUG) and identified using GEN III OmniLog® Plus ID System identification protocols. The identified species were then exposed to selected antibiotics to test for their susceptibility.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of urinary tract infection in the area was 90.1%. Most frequently isolated uropathogen in our study was Escherichia coli (39.3%). While, Staphylococcus species (20.2%), Leuconostoc species (11.4%), Raoultella terrigena/Klebsiella spp./ (8.4%), Salmonella typhimurium (6.3%), Dermacoccus nishinomiyaensis (6.3%), Citerobacter freundii (5.2%) and Issatchenkia orientalis/Candida krusei/ (2.7%) were the other isolates. We find that the relationship between uropathogens and some of UTI risk factors was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Gentamicin was the most effective drug against most of the isolates followed by chloramphenicol and nitrofurantoin. In contrast, amoxicillin, vancomycin and cephalexin were the antibiotics to which most of the isolates developed resistance.

CONCLUSION

Urinary tract infection was highly prevalent in the study area and all uropathogens isolated developed a resistance against mostly used antibiotics.

Impact of long-term care facility residence on the antibiotic resistance of urinary tract Escherichia coli and Klebsiella

Background

Long-term care facilities (LTCFs) are thought to be important reservoirs of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria; however, there is no routine surveillance of resistance in LTCF residents, or large population-based studies comparing AMR in LTCFs with the community, so the relative burden of AMR in LTCFs remains unknown.

Objectives

To compare the frequency of antibiotic resistance of urinary tract bacteria from residents of LTCFs for the elderly and adults aged 70 years or older living in the community.

Methods

Positive urine specimens reported to any diagnostic microbiology laboratory in the West Midlands region (England) from 1 April 2010 to 31 March 2014 collected from individuals aged 70 years or older were analysed. The resistance of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella to trimethoprim, nitrofurantoin, third-generation cephalosporins and ciprofloxacin and the rate of laboratory-confirmed E. coli and Klebsiella urinary tract infection (UTI) were assessed in LTCF residents and in the community.

Results

LTCF residents had a laboratory-confirmed E. coli and Klebsiella UTI rate of 21 per 100 person years compared with 8 per 100 person years in the elderly living in the community [rate ratio (RR)=2.66, 95% CI = 2.58-2.73] and a higher rate of developing E. coli and Klebsiella UTIs caused by bacteria resistant to trimethoprim (RR = 4.41, 95% CI = 4.25-4.57), nitrofurantoin (RR = 4.38, 95% CI = 3.98-4.83), ciprofloxacin (RR = 5.18, 95% CI = 4.82-5.57) and third-generation cephalosporins (RR = 4.49, 95% CI = 4.08-4.94).

Conclusions

Residents of LTCFs for the elderly had more than double the rate of E. coli and Klebsiella UTI and more than four times the rate of E. coli and Klebsiella UTI caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria compared with those living in the community.

Bacterial epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance profiles of urinary specimens of the elderly

OBJECTIVE

Although urinary tract infections are the second leading cause of infections among patients aged above 65 years, data on bacterial epidemiology of urinary specimens in these patients is scarce. Our aim was to describe the main bacterial species found at significant levels in urine specimens of the elderly and to determine their antimicrobial resistance profiles.

METHODS

From October 2012 to October 2015, all urinary specimens (catheter-related or not) received at the laboratory of microbiology of the university hospital of Caen (France) were retrospectively studied. Results were compared to those of urinary specimens of patients aged 18-64 years. Bacterial identification was performed using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed as per CA-SFM guidelines.

RESULTS

Out of 33,302 urine cytobacteriological examinations (UCBE) performed in patients aged above 65 years, 13,450 microorganisms were identified. Escherichia coli was the most frequent species (41.8%) followed by Enterococcus faecalis (9.7%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (5.7%), Proteus mirabilis (4.6%), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (4.2%). Around 9% of E. coli isolates were resistant to third-generation cephalosporins, including 8.2% by production of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL). This prevalence was significantly higher than that observed in urinary specimens of patients aged 18-74 years (4.9%, P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

The bacterial epidemiology of urines collected from the elderly is diverse and significantly different from that of urine specimens of younger patients, with a higher proportion of multidrug-resistant bacteria (particularly ESBL-producing E. coli).

Antibiotic use and infections in nursing homes

BACKGROUND

Residents in nursing homes have a higher risk of developing infections that require antibiotic treatment than elderly people living at home. Use of antibiotics may cause adverse effects and result in the development of antimicrobial resistance.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Data on healthcare-associated infections and antibiotic use in 540 Norwegian nursing homes were retrieved from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health’s point prevalence survey in the spring of 2016. Based on information on drug, dosage and indication, we assessed whether the use of antibiotics for the treatment of UTIs was in accordance with the National Guidelines for the Use of Antibiotics in Primary Care.

RESULTS

UTI was the most commonly occurring type of infection, with a prevalence of 2.7 %. Prescription of first-line antibiotics accounted for approximately 60 % of the prescriptions for treatment of this illness. Choice of drug, dosage and microbiological testing when treating lower UTIs was not always in accordance with the national guidelines. The study showed widespread use of methenamine in Norwegian nursing homes.

INTERPRETATION

The survey indicates that compliance with the national guidelines when treating lower UTIs could be improved with regard to the choice of drug, dosage and microbiological testing. Norwegian nursing home doctors should also consider whether their use of methenamine is in accordance with national and international recommendations.

Sepsis and Other Infectious Disease Emergencies in the Elderly

Waning immunity and declining anatomic and physiologic defenses render the elder vulnerable to a wide range of infectious diseases. Clinical presentations are often atypical and muted, favoring global changes in mental status and function over febrile responses or localizing symptoms. This review encompasses early recognition, evaluation, and appropriate management of these common infections specifically in the context of elders presenting to the emergency department. With enhanced understanding and appreciation of the unique aspects of infections in the elderly, emergency physicians can play an integral part in reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with these often debilitating and life-threatening diseases.