On World Hand Hygiene Day, a new ECDC survey reveals that 3.1% of the residents in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) had at least one healthcare-associated infection (HAI) at the time of the study. While some HAIs can be treated easily, others can have a serious impact on the health of those affected. The survey, conducted in 2023 and 2024 points to serious gaps in infection prevention and control (IPC) measures, as well as antimicrobial stewardship, in facilities that care for some of Europe’s most vulnerable citizens, the elderly.
The most common infections reported in LTFCs were urinary tract infections (UTIs), respiratory tract infections (RTIs), and skin infections. Among the confirmed infections, Escherichia coli was the most frequently identified microorganism, followed by SARS-CoV-2, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus. However, only one in five HAIs were microbiologically confirmed, raising concerns about underdiagnosis and treatment without definitive evidence.
More than 4% of residents were receiving at least one antimicrobial at the time of the survey, with nearly one third of these prescriptions given for prophylactic purposes. UTIs were the main indication for both treatment and prophylactic use.