Preventing healthcare-related infections among older adults: a focus on cross-transmission of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Older individuals suffer a high burden of illness related to antimicrobial resistant infections. Individuals with chronic illnesses, frailty, and residents of nursing homes are at highest risk. Clinical trials have shown that antimicrobial stewardship interventions may reduce antibiotic use in nursing homes without compromising safety. Antimicrobial resistant bacteria are prevalent among nursing home residents, and bundled infection prevention and control interventions can reduce their transmission. Transmission of antimicrobial resistant bacteria occurs among older adults across hospital and institutional settings, which may further spread to the community. The burden of infections in older adults is expected to increase in the coming years and represents a healthcare and research priority.