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.