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antibiotic resistance isn’t just a pharmaceutical problem

experts at mcmaster’s symposium on antimicrobial resistance also pointed to economic and socio-political factors that spurred on the rise of superbugs.

by emma jones

oct 18 2022

3 minute read

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what causes antibiotic resistant superbugs?

over-prescribing antibiotics is typically seen as the primary culprit behind anti-microbial resistance. getty

researchers gathered at mcmaster university on friday to discuss the biological, societal and political contributions to antibiotic resistant bacteria, a concern the mcmaster university’s global nexus has dubbed “ the next pandemic .”

anti-microbial resistance ( amr ) occurs when infection-causing pathogens — like bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites — develop immunity or defences against medications that would otherwise kill them. this resistance allows the infection to spread at a rapid rate, as the medications clear out any competition from nonresistant strains. this phenomenon has led to the rise of “superbugs,” like mrsa (methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus).

while over-prescribing antibiotics is typically seen as the primary culprit behind amr, the symposium extended the responsibility of a rapidly developing problem.

“ addressing this challenge is only going to be made possible by our ability to develop holistic solutions that bridge the gaps between science, social practice, and policy,” marie elliot, a professor in the department of biology, said.

topics covered at the event included poor sanitary conditions in refugee camps and the economic incentives for pharmaceutical companies to produce broad-spectrum antibiotics rather than more targeted treatments. amr found in drinking water in indigenous communities in canada was also pointed to as a major cause of concern at home.

“the amr problem is a complicated one … it is closely linked to the lack of basic needs in society,” ayush kumar, university of manitoba professor of microbiology and medical microbiology, said. “until we address those basic needs, we won’t have long-term solutions to this problem.”

in 2019, 1.27 million deaths were attributed to amr, while a further 3.68 million deaths were associated with an amr infection, according to an analysis published in the lancet . the same analysis found 1.5 million deaths were due to or associated with amr in lower respiratory infections, making it the most concerning syndrome overall.

canada not immune to antibiotic resistance

in canada, more than 5,400 deaths every year are associated with amr infections, with an estimated $1.4 billion spent on managing these superbugs annually.

older adults living in senior living residences, as well as people experiencing homelessness and living in crowded facilities, are most at risk of developing amr infections, according to health canada. infants, seniors and the immunocompromised are most at risk of severe illness if they develop such an infection.

workplaces where infections can easily spread also put professionals at risk of developing amr infections. this includes health-care centres (physicians, nurses, et cetera), workplaces involving animals or animal byproducts ( veterinarians, slaughterhouse and meat processing plants workers, farmers), and daycare centres.

to help prevent the development of amr pathogens, canadians are advised to adopt good hygiene practices like sneezing and coughing into their sleeve or a tissue, thoroughly washing their hands throughout the day, practising safe sex and ensuring their vaccinations are up-to-date.

health canada has launched several surveillance systems to track and prevent amr, while university research centres like mcmaster’s global nexus centre and the mcgill antimicrobial resistance centre focus on developing better practices and developing new treatments for these infections.

canada makes contribution to global task force

infectious disease is increasingly being recognized as a global, rather than regional, issue.

on monday, the public health agency of canada announced a pledge of $300,000 for the development of secure, an initiative aimed at “accelerate[ing] access to a portfolio of essential antibiotics for countries in need and ensur[ing] their appropriate use.” the initiative is directed by the global antibiotic research & development partnership and the world health organization.

“the hard-learned lessons of covid-19 have demonstrated the importance of global readiness, collaboration, and equitable access to life-saving medicines for all,” jean-yves duclos, p.c., m.p., minister of health, wrote in a statement. “just like covid-19, amr requires a united and concerted action.”

emma jones is a multimedia editor with healthing. you can reach her at emjones@postmedia.com or on instagram and twitter @jonesyjourn .

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antibiotic resistance isn’t just a pharmaceutical problem

experts at mcmaster’s symposium on antimicrobial resistance also pointed to economic and socio-political factors that spurred on the rise of superbugs.

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antibiotic resistance isn’t just a pharmaceutical problem

experts at mcmaster’s symposium on antimicrobial resistance also pointed to economic and socio-political factors that spurred on the rise of superbugs.

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