Antibiotic resistances and microbiology
Incidence of NOE is rising within the UK and with an increasing elderly population with multiple comorbidities, this trend is expected to continue (2)(6). There is also an increase in MRSA causing NOE with an associated decrease in Pseudomonas infection; which has previously been the most common causative organism (7)(13). This changing pathology mandates a change in antibiotic and may require longer treatment (7). The global rise in antibiotic resistance may further complicate treatment of this condition (24), 14% of our cohort required change in antibiotic therapy as a result of microbiological advice. This worrying pattern may mean more prolonged, multi-course antibiotic treatment in the future.