Drug resistant bacteria are an emerging infectious disease threat of the 21st century, with some people claiming that we are approaching the post-antibiotic era. Hospital acquired infections seem to lead community acquired infections in developing resistance. This is likely due to a combination of forces, such as the over-use of antibiotics in hospitals, the proximity of people, and the vulnerability of patients with numerous canuli and catheters, wounds and reduced immunity.
This work uses models to investigate the transmission of antibiotic resistant pathogens in hospitals and the likely impact of interventions.