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Antimicrobial resistance: the threat to health and health care

K Granitto1

  • 1Chelsey Park Nursing Home, Streetville, Ontario, Canada.

International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance Incorporating Leadership in Health Services
|May 26, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Antimicrobial resistance is a growing global threat, exacerbated by antibiotic overuse in healthcare settings. This study examines causes, consequences, and international strategies to combat resistant organisms, particularly in Canadian facilities.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant threat to individual and public health.
  • Increasing emergence of drug-resistant pathogens like pneumococcus and novel diseases worldwide.
  • Overuse of antibiotics in long-term care facilities is a key driver of AMR.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the history and causes of the global surge in antimicrobial resistance.
  • To review international strategies for controlling infectious diseases.
  • To analyze the prevalence, causes, and consequences of antibiotic-resistant organisms in Canadian healthcare settings.

Main Methods:

  • Global review of AMR history and causes.
  • Analysis of international strategies from organizations like the World Health Organization.
  • Specific examination of AMR in Canadian long-term care facilities and hospitals.

Main Results:

  • Identified overuse of antibiotics in long-term care as a major cause of AMR.
  • Highlighted the global increase in antimicrobial-resistant diseases.
  • Detailed the prevalence and impact of antibiotic-resistant organisms in Canadian healthcare.

Conclusions:

  • Antimicrobial resistance requires urgent global attention and coordinated strategies.
  • Effective control measures are needed, especially in long-term care and hospital environments.
  • Recommendations are provided to mitigate the threat of antibiotic resistance in Canada.

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