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(1) Background: In an area with a high prevalence of multi-drug resistant Gram-negative bacteria (MDR-GNB), we investigated the colonization of nursing home residents by such organisms. (2) Methods: A point prevalence study was performed in six nursing homes of the Heraklion area on the island of Crete. A rectal swab was taken and cultured from each participant, while additional risk factors such as recent hospitalization or antimicrobial usage were recorded and evaluated. (3) Results: A total of 137 nursing home residents were included in the study. Their mean age was 82.1 years and 19.7% were males. In total, cultures yielded 255 GNB; E. coli, K. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa were the most common. Among the microorganisms cultured, 17.6% had the extended-spectrum beta-lactamase phenotype, while 18% were MDR. A statistically significant association was found between recent antimicrobial use and colonization by MDR-GNB; (4) Conclusions: Colonization by MDR-GNB was found to be highly prevalent in nursing home residents. Recent antimicrobial use was associated with MDR-GNB carriage.

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Objective: Worldwide, there is a high level of ignorance about elevated blood pressure (BP), which contributes to the large percentage of underdiagnosed and untreated hypertensive subjects. May Measurement Month (MMM) is a global initiative aimed at raising awareness of high BP and acting as a stimulus to improving screening programs. Design and method: An opportunistic cross-sectional survey of volunteers aged = > 18 years was carried out in May 2019. Each adult individual underwent evaluation by 3 sitting BP measurements, a dedicated questionnaire regarding awareness of hypertension (HT) and control of it and other cardiovascular risk factors. Screenings sites in hospitals, shopping centres, workplaces, community centres, GP practices, and pharmacies were set up across the island of Crete as part of this initiative. HT was defined as SBP > 140mmHg and/or DBP > 90mmHg (average of 2nd and 3rd BP measurement) or previous HT diagnosis. BP control was defined as SBP/DBP < 140/90 mmHg in treated hypertensives. Results: During this survey, a total of 1612 participants [729 (45.2%) men] were screened for high BP and associated risk factors. Their median age was 57 (range: 18–93) years. The prevalence of HT was 49.9% (57.9% in men and 43.4% in women; p < 0.001). Only 584 out of 805 hypertensives (72.5%) were treated. Among those on anti-hypertensive medication 70.0% were controlled. Among hypertensive subjects, 13.7% did not have any other cardiovascular risk factor, 41.2% had dyslipidaemia, 25.8% were diabetics, 23.6% were smokers and 58.8% were obese. Conclusions: This study reveals that arterial hypertension prevalence continue to rise, with poor blood pressure control. There is an urgent need to conduct further national level screening campaigns to identify individuals with raised BP. This will ensure early detection and management of BP thereby reducing complications associated with it.