Infectious Disease Outbreaks in Nursing Homes: An Unappreciated Hazard for Frail Elderly Persons

Abstract

The common occurrence and dire consequences of infectious disease outbreaks in nursing homes often go unrecognized and unappreciated. Nevertheless, these facilities provide an ideal environment for acquisition and spread of infection: susceptible residents who share sources of air, food, water, and health care in a crowded institutional setting. Moreover, visitors, staff, and residents constantly come and go, bringing in pathogens from both the hospital and the community. Outbreaks of respiratory and gastrointestinal infection predominate in this setting, but outbreaks of skin and soft-tissue infection and infections caused by antimicrobial-resistant bacteria also occur with some frequency.

Taking stock of infections and antibiotic resistance in the elderly and long-term care facilities: A survey of existingand upcoming challenges

“…Moreover, this value is projected to increase to 22% in 2050 [3]. Because aging and functional limitations increase with each ensuing decade, more than 40% of the elderly will spend at least some time in a nursing home or long-term care facility, LTCF [4][5][6][7][8]. Nearly half of the 2.2 million people in the US who turned 65 years old in 1990 will enter an LTCF at least once before they die [2].…”

Herausforderungen durch Infektionen und mehrfach-resistente Bakterien bei alten Menschen in Heimen

“…Nicht selten zeichnen sie sich durch hohe Attack-Raten der Erreger und hohe Mortalitätsraten aus [18]. Bei den epidemisch auftretenden Infektionen überwiegen solche des Respirations-und Gastrointestinaltrakts bei Weitem.…”

Unusual Laboratory Findings in a Case of Norwegian Scabies Provided a Clue to Diagnosis

“…Scabies is a common ectoparasitic infestation among residents of long-term-care facilities, and outbreaks in nursing homes, day care centers, hospitals, or other institutions are not uncommon (13). It is also one of the commonest hospitalacquired ectoparasitic infestations which affect both healthcare workers and patients.…”