Antibiotic resistance isn’t just a pharmaceutical problem

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).