Antibiotic-resistant Germs Linger in Nursing Homes

Scientists called for regular evaluations of infection control procedures in nursing homes after a new study revealed two common types of antibiotic-resistant bacteria linger in resident rooms.

The study, published in the journal Antimicrobial Stewardship & Healthcare Epidemiology (ASHE), found evidence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) on high-touch surfaces, even after resident rooms had been cleaned.

Investigators screened nine single-occupancy rooms in one nursing home over 34 weeks. They swabbed high-touch surfaces three times weekly. They also swabbed the hands and nostrils of nursing home residents who agreed to participate in the study.

After analyzing more than 4,600 swab results at the end of the 34 weeks, scientists found that all the rooms had been contaminated with VRE at least once, and eight of the nine rooms has been contaminated with MRSA. As the swabs revealed diverse strains of MRSA and VRE, the investigators determined the pathogens were introduced to the facility multiple times, rather than introduced once then spread.

Interestingly, investigators found the pathogens remained in the rooms during occupancy changes, even though the rooms were cleaned between residents. The scientists concluded the study results reveal the necessity of active pathogen surveillance and regular evaluation of cleaning procedures.