Silent Threat in Europe’s Elder Care: Infections Surge Amid Poor Hygiene and Antibiotic Misuse
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. (Source: Fotor AI)
A new European survey reveals rising risks from healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in long-term care facilities (LTCFs), spotlighting critical weaknesses in infection prevention protocols and antimicrobial stewardship across the continent.
According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), 3.1% of LTCF residents had at least one HAI at the time of the 2023–2024 survey, with urinary tract infections, respiratory tract infections, and skin infections among the most prevalent. Escherichia coli, SARS-CoV-2, and Klebsiella pneumoniae were the most commonly identified pathogens.
Yet only 20% of HAIs were microbiologically confirmed, raising concerns over diagnostic gaps and the overuse of antibiotics without clear evidence. More than 4% of residents were on antimicrobial medication, with nearly one-third of prescriptions used preventively rather than curatively, primarily for UTIs.
Key Gaps Highlighted
1 in 5 LTCFs lacked trained infection prevention and control (IPC) staff
Less than 50% had a functioning IPC committee
Nearly 40% had no antimicrobial stewardship program in place
Fewer than 10% of facilities provided antibiotic prescribing training
Alcohol-based hand rubs were the primary hygiene method in 80% of facilities, yet 30% lacked regular hygiene monitoring systems
Why This Matters: Aging Populations and Rising Risks
As Europe and other global regions continue to age, LTCFs are becoming high-stakes environments for infection control. Frail and immunocompromised older adults are particularly susceptible to antibiotic-resistant infections, increasing hospitalization rates and long-term healthcare costs.
From a market and operational standpoint, the ECDC report calls for immediate investments in workforce training, hygiene monitoring technologies, and evidence-based prescribing systems. It also highlights a growing demand for infection control consulting, digital surveillance solutions, and staff education services—key growth areas in the senior care sector.
Strategic Call to Action
ECDC is urging national health systems and LTCF operators to:
Strengthen infection prevention through proper staffing and training
Standardize the use of alcohol-based hand disinfection as the primary hygiene protocol
Implement structured antimicrobial stewardship and rationalize prophylactic antibiotic use
Enhance real-time monitoring and feedback systems for hand hygiene compliance
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