Bacterial resistance to antibiotics (antibiotic resistance)

Antibiotic resistance happens when an antibiotic can no longer slow the growth of or kill certain bacteria. While some bacteria are naturally resistant to some antibiotics, others may become resistant over time.

This global phenomenon also affects Québec. Any person or animal can be infected by a resistant bacteria, regardless of age.

Resistant bacteria can easily spread between humans, between animals or between animals and humans including through food. They can also end up in the environment and stay there.

Some bacteria are resistant to multiple classes of antibiotics. They are referred to as multidrug resistant bacteria or “superbugs”. An infection caused by multidrug resistant bacteria is problematic. The choice of antibiotics to treat it is very limited.

More and more, bacterial strains are resistant to one or more antibiotics. This situation can arise in both human and veterinary medicine.

Before taking or administering an antibiotic, it is important to consult a human or animal health professional. In general, it is preferable to focus on preventive measures to minimize the need for antibiotic use in humans and animals.

Several factors can contribute to the development and spread of antibiotic resistance:

• overuse and inappropriate use of antibiotics in humans and animals (e.g., prescribing an antibiotic for a viral infection or not following the instructions for their use);
• poor infection prevention and control practices (e.g., poor hand hygiene, vaccination not up to date, raw or inadequately cooked food, raw meat diet for animals, unprotected sex).

Increasing antibiotic resistance can make it harder to treat infections in humans and animals. This can cause:

• loss of effectiveness of antibiotics;
• extended length of illness;
• increased risk of the bacteria spreading;
• increased pain and suffering;
• suspension of other treatments, such as for cancer;
• hospital stays, sick leave, interruption of studies or daily activities;
• reduced quality of life;
• more expensive care;
• a higher risk of mortality.

In terms of bacterial resistance to antibiotics, humans and animals are inextricably linked by their environment, their proximity and the food habits of humans.

Resistant bacteria spread can occur in a variety of ways: direct contact with hands or secretions, indirect contact with contaminated food, water or objects.