Development of a provincial interactive antibiogram tool for Ontario.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant public health threat.
• Antibiograms are crucial for managing and preventing AMR.
• Developing a provincial antibiogram supports antimicrobial stewardship initiatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an Ontario antibiogram.
• To establish a benchmark for provincial antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
• To support a provincial initiative for antimicrobial stewardship.

Main Methods:

• A voluntary provincial online survey collected antibiogram data from 100 Ontario hospitals.
• Descriptive statistical analyses were used for weighted provincial and regional antibiotic susceptibilities.
• An interactive antibiogram spreadsheet was created.

Main Results:

• Significant regional variability in antimicrobial-resistant organisms was observed across Ontario.
• Provincial methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus prevalence was 24.6% (regional range 5.9%-43.7%).
• Provincial resistance rates for Escherichia coli to ceftriaxone and ciprofloxacin were 13.8% and 22.5%, respectively.

Conclusions:

• Integrating hospital AMR tracking into a provincial stewardship program is feasible.
• The provincial antibiogram provides a benchmark for current AMR levels.
• This initiative aids in managing and preventing AMR across Ontario.