Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance: Insights from Ontario’s Latest Hospital Pathogen Report

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant issue in Ontario, affecting patient safety and treatment effectiveness. A 2023 report by Public Health Ontario and the Institute for Quality Management in Healthcare reveals key trends and findings from laboratory and infection control surveys. MRSA remains a concern, with 15,119 new cases reported in 2023. Vancomycin-resistant enterococci rates remained stable, with 4,425 new cases reported. Gram-negative bacilli showed increasing resistance, with over one-third of hospitals reporting screening programs for extended-spectrum betalactamases. Carbapenemase-producing organism (CPO) colonization and infections are increasing, with the incidence rate nearly doubling between 2022 and 2023. Clostridioides difficile infections positivity rate decreased from 12.1% in 2022 to 10.1% in 2023. Candida auris incidence remains rare, with 61% of hospitals not having a screening program.