Multiple Antibiotic–Resistant <EMPH TYPE="ITAL">Klebsiella</EMPH> and <EMPH TYPE="ITAL">Escherichia coli</EMPH> in Nursing Homes

Abstract

Nursing home patients may be an important reservoir of ESBL-containing multiple antibiotic-resistant E coli and K pneumoniae. Widespread dissemination of a predominant antibiotic resistance plasmid has occurred. Use of broad-spectrum oral antibiotics and probably poor infection control practices may facilitate spread of this plasmid-mediated resistance. Nursing homes should monitor and control antibiotic use and regularly survey antibiotic resistance patterns among pathogens.