Community-Acquired Antimicrobial Resistance

Infections caused by organisms that are resistant to antimicrobial compounds are of increasing concern in public health.  Initially, resistant organisms were identified in hospital settings.  However, in recent years, resistant organisms have also caused infections in patients with no history of hospitalization.

The epidemiology of community-acquired antimicrobial resistance (caAMR) is poorly understood.  Antimicrobial-resistant organisms are of particular concern in community settings where infections are more common, more severe, or more easily transmitted.  A wide variety of organisms are capable of developing resistance, and the associated infections can range in severity from asymptomatic to life-threatening disease.

With the assistance of an expert advisory group, NCCID is working on a number of projects to help reduce the burden of community-acquired antimicrobial resistance.  For example:

• Comprehensive Reviews: Following a lengthy selection process, three proposals were selected to complete comprehensive reviews on population-level interventions to reduce the development and/or transmission of caAMR.  Download executive summaries of the reviews (PDF):
• Antimicrobial Use and Resistance in Pigs and Chickens: A review of the science, policy & control practices from farm to slaughter
• A Review of Alternative Practices to Antimicrobial Use for Disease Control in the Commercial Feedlot
• Strategies to Control Community-Associated Antimicrobial Resistance Among Enteric Bacteric and MRSA in Canada: A comprehensive review

• Expert Consultation: On February 10 and 11, 2010, the NCCID hosted a consultation with 50 Canadian and international experts in human, animal, and environmental health. The objectives of the consultation were to expand the understanding of the complex nature of AMR and develop an action plan for caAMR in Canada. One important outcome was the establishment of the caAMR Working Group to coordinate activities related to the action plan. Details are available in the Consultation Notes.
  
  • Related links: news release, agenda and presentations

• CCAR Final Report: NCCID participated in the Canadian Committee on Antibiotic Resistance’s national stakeholder consultations in 2009.  The final report, summarizing gaps and priorities for AMR in Canada, can be downloaded here.