PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE
5
Using Data to Fight Superbugs
With thousands of microbiology tests
coming through our labs every day, we
have the unique opportunity to harness
data to help healthcare providers pick
the most effective treatment options for
illnesses requiring antibiotics.
The rise of antibiotic-resistant
“superbugs” has been a concern of
public health officials for years. Over-
use of antibiotics or using the wrong
antibiotics to treat an illness has greatly
contributed to this problem. Bacterial
strains that develop or acquire resistance
to antibiotics have a big impact, often
resulting in a more severe illness, delayed
recovery, or, in the worst cases, an
untreatable and deadly infection. The
active and purposeful monitoring of
antibiotic use will make a difference in
sustaining the effectiveness of this first
line of defense.
“In our eight microbiology labs, we
complete thousands of antibiotic
susceptibility tests every day and
voluntarily track efficacy data. We
also share a summary of our findings
as an antibiogram, which shows the
responsiveness of the bacteria or
organism to different antibiotics,” says Dr.
Romina Reyes.
It takes collaboration across the health
care system to build a healthier Canada.
Since 2005, we’ve been publishing
annual antibiogram reports and openly
sharing this critical information with
hospitals and community physicians so
that all Canadians can benefit from our
research. We have also partnered with
the BC Center for Disease Control, who
has used our data to create a dynamic
online dashboard for physicians and
healthcare practitioners to stay current
on trends in antimicrobial resistance.
Our leadership and innovation helps
to ensure patients receive the right
treatment to fight their infections and
builds the foundations for better health
outcomes for all Canadians, while also
helping to address the critical issue of
antibiotic resistant bacteria.
“We can help
physicians and
healthcare
practitioners to
better prescribe
the right
antibiotic, for the
right bacterial
strain, for the
right patient.”
Dr. Romina Reyes,
Clinical Director of Medical
Microbiology, B.C.
