U.K.: Antibiotics 'Often Do More Harm Than Good for Elderly'

DUNDEE (The Scotsman), August 9, 2006: Antibiotics do more harm than good for many older people who are treated with them, experts warned yesterday. New advice developed by the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network said the unnecessary use of antibiotics was increasing the danger of resistant infections such as MRSA. Older people in hospitals and nursing homes are routinely tested for the presence of bacteria in the urine and treated with antibiotics even though they have not developed any problems, Professor Peter Davey, of Dundee University, said. The guidelines say antibiotics should only be used to treat urinary tract infections when there was clear evidence that the bacteria had invaded the tissues. The exception was pregnant women, who are routinely screened for urine bacteria and are treated before any symptoms develop. ©2006 Scotsman.com