Antibiotic resistant bacteria

Recent media reports about a new type of antibiotic resistant bacteria have generated some concern amongst Albertans. 

The reports are related to a medical journal article (Lancet Infectious Diseases, Aug. 11/10) that describes an emerging form of antibiotic resistance found in some common bacteria. Though this new form of resistance makes these bacteria harder to treat, it is not uncommon to see ordinary bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics over time. 

Dr. Predy (AHS Senior Medical Officer of Health) and Dr. Joffe (AHS Senior Medical Director of Infection Prevention and Control) recently addressed questions related to this new research, and provided some simple tips for preventing illness:

Q. Who is at risk of contracting antibiotic resistant bacteria?
A. We know that individuals who receive medical treatment in foreign countries are at higher risk of being exposed to, and being infected by, antibiotic resistant bacteria. This most recent article found that individuals who received medical treatment in the Indian Subcontinent were much more likely to contract this new form of antibiotic resistant illness. 

Q. If I’ve been travelling in the Indian Subcontinent, should I see a doctor as soon as I get home?
A. If you return home and have no symptoms of illness, then you do NOT need to see a doctor. You only need to see a doctor if you become ill after returning from your travels.

Q. Is there anything I can do to protect myself from these new forms of bacteria?
A. Personal hygiene measures, including frequent and thorough hand washing, are very important to preventing illness and preventing the spread of illness from one person to another. Albertans are also advised not to participate in “medical tourism” – travelling to a foreign country for a medical procedure. 

Q. What’s being done to protect Albertans from antibiotic resistant bacteria?
A. In Alberta, we have very stringent and effective infection prevention and control measures in place at all healthcare facilities. We also have a very good provincial monitoring system, which allows us to identify and address cases of antibiotic resistant illness quickly. Our health care leaders are also vocal advocates for research into and development of new antibiotics.

Q. I hear that there has been a case of this new form of bacteria in Alberta.  Is this true?
A. There has been one case of this new form of antibiotic resistant bacteria in Alberta. That individual received treatment, and has since been discharged from our care. Because appropriate infection prevention and control measures were in place, the bacteria did not spread from this individual to others. We have had no additional cases in Alberta to date.