Cefotaxime-resistant bacteria colonizing older people admitted to an acute care hospital

J Am Geriatr Soc. 2003 Apr;51(4):519-22. doi: 10.1046/j.1532-5415.2003.51161.x.

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the frequency of fecal colonization by cefotaxime-resistant gram-negative bacilli in older patients living in the community and in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) admitted to an acute care hospital.

Design: Case-control, point prevalence study.

Setting: Hospital.

Participants: One hundred forty-three patients aged 65 and older.

Measurements: Rectal swab cultures, antibiotic drug sensitivity, beta lactamase isolation, and clonal identity.

Results: Of the 190 surveillance cultures obtained from 143 patients, 26 cefotaxime-resistant gram-negative isolates from 22 patients were recovered. The prevalence rate of cefotaxime-resistant isolates on admission was 13.3% (19/143). A logistic regression model using cefotaxime colonization as the dependent variable found that multiple comorbidities, admission to a surgical service, and having a diagnosis of infection on presentation and a transfusion history were factors associated with the presence of colonization. These four clinical items accurately classified 74% of patients colonized. Antibiotic use and nursing home residence were not associated with the presence of colonization by cefotaxime-resistant organisms. Twelve of the cefotaxime-resistant isolates (46%) were identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and 14 (54%) were other gram-negative bacilli. In six of the 14 isolates that were not P. aeruginosa (36%), it was possible to demonstrate the presence of an AmpC beta-lactamase related to the CMY-2 beta-lactamase, a plasmid-borne cephalosporinase.

Conclusion: These data raise awareness that there are community- and LTCF-dwelling older patients colonized with gram-negative enteric bacilli resistant to third-generation cephalosporins on admission to the hospital. The "reservoir of resistant bacteria" in older people is no longer confined to LTCFs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Cefotaxime / pharmacology*
  • Drug Resistance, Bacterial
  • Female
  • Gram-Negative Bacteria / drug effects*
  • Gram-Negative Bacteria / isolation & purification
  • Homes for the Aged*
  • Hospitalization*
  • Humans
  • Logistic Models
  • Long-Term Care
  • Male
  • Nursing Homes

Substances

  • Cefotaxime