Antibiotic – Resistant Organisms (ARO’s)

December 1, 2023

 

The advent of antimicrobial resistance has resulted in the development and increased transmission of several significant pathogenic microorganisms that have the potential to negatively impact client morbidity and mortality in health care facilities.  Screening, laboratory testing and surveillance of the following ARO’s listed in the NWT Reportable Diseases Regulations, should take place in all health facilities:

  • Acinetobacter baumannii,
  • Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales
  • Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL)
  • Penicillin-resistant streptococcal pneumonia
  • Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
  • Vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA)
  • Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE)

There is evidence to show that rates of transmission of ARO’s are related to infection prevention and control practices in health care facilities.  An infection prevention and control program for ARO’s that emphasizes s early identification of colonized clients through screening, early interventions by using Contact Precautions for preventing cross transmission, and active surveillance of incidence and prevalence will prevent endemicity of ARO’s in health facilities.

Refer to all Infection, prevention and control standards, policies and guidelines for management of ARO’s in NWT Health Authorities. 

ARO’s generally do not require public health management or follow up.

REPORTING

All HCPs must follow the NWT Public Health Act. Measures for contact tracing and legislative requirements are laid out within the Reportable Disease Control Regulations and reporting timelines are found in the Disease Surveillance Regulations.

Note: the only acceptable methods of reporting to the OCPHO are outlined below. Information provided outside of these methods will not be considered reported unless otherwise stated by a CPHO delegate.

Laboratories

  • Report all positive results to the OCPHO by fax (867) 873-0442 within 24 hours

PUBLIC & HEALTH PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION

For more information on Aeromonas:

EPIDEMIOLOGY