Silent Threat: Canada Grapples with Growing Antimicrobial Resistance Crisis

TORONTO, ON – November 20, 2025

The growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) took centre stage this week following a symposium hosted by bioMérieux in Toronto. Bringing together over 300 clinicians, researchers, and policymakers, the event underscored the urgent need for a coordinated national response to combat infections increasingly immune to existing treatments. Experts warn that inaction could lead to a public health crisis, with devastating consequences for Canadians.

The Rising Tide of Resistance

Antimicrobial resistance occurs when microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, evolve and no longer respond to the medications designed to kill them. This phenomenon, accelerated by the overuse and misuse of antibiotics, poses a significant threat to modern medicine, rendering common infections potentially life-threatening. While AMR is a global challenge, Canada is not immune. Estimates suggest that AMR contributes to over 5,400 deaths annually and carries a hefty economic burden.

“We’re seeing a concerning trend of increasing resistance across multiple pathogens,” explains one infectious disease specialist who attended the symposium. “Simple infections that were once easily treated are becoming more difficult, requiring longer hospital stays, more expensive treatments, and, in some cases, leading to fatal outcomes.”

Recent data confirms this worrying trend. A comprehensive analysis indicates that approximately 25% of outpatient antibiotic prescriptions in Canada are unnecessary. High rates of inappropriate prescribing for conditions like acute bronchitis and sinusitis – where antibiotics are ineffective – contribute significantly to the problem. Some provinces, including Ontario, have alarmingly high rates of unnecessary antibiotic use, with over 48% of cases of acute bronchitis and sinusitis receiving prescriptions despite being viral infections.

Diagnostics as a Key Defense

The symposium emphasized the crucial role of rapid and accurate diagnostics in tackling AMR. Traditional laboratory testing can take days to identify the causative agent of an infection, delaying appropriate treatment and contributing to the spread of resistance. Advanced diagnostic technologies, such as molecular tests like PCR, can deliver results within hours, enabling clinicians to make informed decisions about antibiotic use.

bioMérieux, a global leader in in vitro diagnostics, showcased its portfolio of solutions designed to address this critical need. The company’s rapid diagnostic platforms, including the BIOFIRE® system, enable the simultaneous detection of multiple pathogens, providing clinicians with a comprehensive picture of the infection. These tools are essential in guiding antibiotic stewardship programs, which aim to optimize antibiotic use and minimize the development of resistance.

“The ability to quickly identify the specific pathogen causing an infection is paramount,” says another attendee involved in antimicrobial stewardship. “It allows us to move away from broad-spectrum antibiotics and target the infection with the most effective treatment, reducing the selective pressure that drives resistance.”

Beyond the Hospital Walls: A One Health Approach

While hospitals and healthcare facilities play a vital role in combating AMR, experts at the symposium stressed the importance of a broader “One Health” approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. The overuse of antibiotics in agriculture and livestock production is a major driver of AMR, contributing to the spread of resistant bacteria in the food chain and the environment.

“We need to address AMR across all sectors,” explains a public health official. “This means promoting responsible antibiotic use in agriculture, improving infection prevention and control measures in long-term care facilities, and raising public awareness about the importance of antibiotic stewardship.”

The federal government has responded with the Pan-Canadian Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (2023-2027), which outlines a multi-faceted strategy to combat AMR. The plan emphasizes surveillance, research, stewardship, and infection prevention and control, with a focus on a One Health approach. While the plan is a positive step, some experts caution that more robust funding and accountability mechanisms are needed to ensure its effective implementation. Canada’s commitment to the Antimicrobial Economic Incentives Pilot Project, aimed at stimulating innovation in antimicrobial drug development, is seen as a promising step.

The rising cost of treating AMR infections is also a major concern. Projections indicate that healthcare costs associated with AMR could reach $7.6 billion annually by 2050, with an overall economic impact significantly higher. Addressing this challenge requires not only reducing the spread of resistance but also investing in new diagnostic tools, treatments, and preventative measures. The pandemic highlighted the vulnerability of our healthcare systems, and AMR represents another significant threat that demands urgent attention.