Bacterial surveillance cultures in a geriatric ward

A study was carried out to examine the prevalence of oropharyngeal and urinary tract colonization and to compare the colonizing bacteria with the strains causing nosocomial infections during patients' stays in a geriatric ward. Colonization with Gram-negative rods was not uncommon. Nosocomial infections frequently occurred, although colonization seldom resulted in infection. Ampicillin and co-trimoxazole resistance was common in Gram-negative rods. There was little resistance to tobramycin, temocillin and quinolones in strains isolated in patients admitted from home or a nursing home. Isolates resistant to these antibiotics were found in patients admitted from other departments of the hospital, especially from the intensive care unit or during prolonged stay in the ward. Routine cultures for colonization were not predictive for subsequent infection. However, continuous monitoring of Gram-negative rods in colonization and infection remains an important instrument for a preventive policy and to guide antibiotic treatment.