Which prevailing issue in healthcare is linked to long-term antibiotic use?

Long-term antibiotic use is closely associated with an increased risk of Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) infections. When antibiotics are used excessively or over a prolonged period, they can disrupt the normal microbiota of the body, leading to an imbalance that allows resistant organisms like VRE to thrive. This is particularly critical in healthcare settings, where the use of antibiotics is prevalent among patients, especially those with weakened immune systems or those undergoing invasive procedures.

VRE can cause significant problems, as it is resistant to many commonly used antibiotics, making infections harder to treat and resulting in poorer patient outcomes. Therefore, the connection between extended antibiotic use and the risk of developing VRE underscores the need for careful antibiotic stewardship in clinical practice to minimize resistance and ensure effective treatment options remain available.