Ticking Time Bomb: Limiting Antibiotic Resistance in Long Term Care

Multi-drug resistant organisms (MRDOs), such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), due to antibiotic use are of significant concern. Not only hospitals, but also long-term care facilities, are particularly susceptible to the impact of antibiotic resistance. Dr. Paul Drinka, clinical professor of internal medicine and geriatrics at University of Wisconsin-Madison and the Medical College of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, tells us that one evidence-based approach is to maintain a database of the MRDOs that will help identify clustering of a specific isolate and document a facility's resistance problem, which can then be addressed more precisely. What other specific steps might facilities take to prevent unnecessary use of antibiotics and therefore limit resistance? Dr. Eric Tangalos hosts.