Colonization of Skilled‐Care Facility Residents with Antimicrobial‐Resistant Pathogens

Abstract

A large unrecognized reservoir of skilled-care-unit residents was colonized by antimicrobial-resistant pathogens, and co-colonization by more than one target species was common. To prevent transmission of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens in long-term care facilities in which residents have high rates of colonization, infection-control strategies may need to be modified. Potential modifications include enhanced infection-control strategies, such as universal gloving for all or high-risk residents, or screening of high-risk residents, such as those with total dependence on HCWs for ADLs or recent antimicrobial receipt, and initiation of contact-isolation precautions for colonized residents.