Halifax Conference on Antimicrobial Resistant Organisms

Atlantic Canada's leading infectious disease experts, academics, nurses, and representatives from the government and the pharmaceutical industry are meeting in Halifax today for Nova Scotia's first conference on antimicrobial resistant organisms.

Antimicrobial resistant organisms, known as ARO, are bacteria, viruses and fungi that have become resistant to drugs commonly used to treat infections that these organisms cause. Many factors contribute to the development of ARO, including overuse of antibiotics.

"The conference is one of the many steps we have taken to limit the development and transmission of ARO in Nova Scotia," said Health Minister Jim Smith. "Although ARO is not currently a serious problem in this province, we do want to be sure we have a solid plan in place to protect Nova Scotians."

The Department of Health has implemented many initiatives to reduce and control ARO in Nova Scotia. It has established a provincial committee to implement a provincewide co-ordinated approach to control ARO and started to survey health care facilities to identify resources available for infection control and determine existing ARO policies.

In addition, the department has developed guidelines to control ARO in long-term care facilities and designated ARO as a notifiable disease to be reported to Public Health Services.

Using antibiotics properly, washing hands carefully, following a healthy diet, and getting adequate sleep and regular exercise are just a few things people can do to help avoid contracting ARO.

The antimicrobial resistant organism conference is sponsored by Bayer Inc., the Infection Control Association of Nova Scotia, Dalhousie Continuing Medical Education and the Nova Scotia Department of Health.