Antimicrobial Use and Resistance

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) refers to changes in infectious organisms (viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites) so that they can no longer be controlled or treated effectively by standard drugs such as antibiotics, antivirals and antifungals.

AMR is an increasingly serious threat to public health and NCCID is working with partners across the country to provide evidence and resources on AMR surveillance and antimicrobial use (AMU).

Antibiotic Awareness Week

Unnecessary use and misuse of antibiotics and other antimicrobials is increasing the serious problem of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Canada and around the world. Resistant microbes make infections much harder or impossible to treat. Antimicrobial Awareness Week (formerly Antibiotic Awareness Week), held November 18 – 24 every year, promotes informed, careful use of these life-saving medicines to help keep them working for future generations.

What’s New

Resources

Viral Prescription Pads

Provides information about symptomatic relief for infections and indicates when patients should consider a return visit. To be used with patients (adults and children) who have a suspected viral infection.

Download below or order free copies of prescription pads, here.

Download

Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance and Antimicrobial Utilization in Canada

REPORT

There have been important expansions within existing national surveillance programs (Canadian Nosocomial Infection Surveillance Program and the Canadian Integrated Program for AMR Surveillance), with new data integration and reporting by the Canadian AMR Surveillance System. However, important gaps in the AMR/AMU surveillance “patchwork” in Canada must be addressed to make it a comprehensive, integrated, One Health program.

Our review highlights 3 crucial areas for action:

  1. development of a complete, integrated AMR/AMU surveillance program that builds on current success;
  2. changes in federal-provincial-territorial policies to compel standardized AMR/AMU reporting; and
  3. investment in AMR/AMU surveillance resources (dedicated personnel, funding, and enabling structures and policy).

Notable Publications

Events