In Canada, resistance of microorganisms to antibacterial drugs is increasing, and perhaps measures to educate the public about the proper use of antibiotics do not significantly affect the decline in the growth of antibiotic resistance.

According to data provided by the Canadian Bacterial Surveillance Network (CBSN), the level of resistance of pneumococci to penicillin increased from 2000 to 2001. from 12.5% to 15%. Streptococcus pneumoniae is the main agent responsible for otitis media in children and sinusitis and pneumonia in adults.

In Canada, public awareness campaigns have been conducted as part of the National Antibiotic Information Program (NIPA), which has resulted in a significant increase in awareness among Canadian residents of the use of antibiotics and decrease in overall consumption of antibiotics.

Dr. Ronald Grossman, director of the Credit Valley Clinic in Ontario, notes that there has been a slight but steady increase in resistance.

In Canada, compared to other countries, the resistance of microorganisms to antibiotics is still not as high. In the United States, the level of resistance of the pneumococcus to penicillins varies from 30% to 40%, and in Hong Kong - from 70% to 80%.

Antibiotics are currently vital drugs, but in the near future, humanity may lose these unique drugs.

A telephone survey was conducted as part of NIPA, in which 2,000 Canadians participated. The results of the survey showed that in the past 3 years, 53% of Canadians have been prescribed oral antibiotics. Of all the antibiotics prescribed, in 80% of the cases, the course recommended by the doctor was completed. In addition, 63% of those polled said they were now less likely to ask their doctors to prescribe cold or flu antibiotics.

But about 30% of Canadians wrongly believe that antibiotics can be effective in treating colds and flu, while 24% of respondents believe that the problem of resistance of microorganisms does not concern them personally.

According to the researchers, the more educated people (doctors and patients) are in terms of antibiotic use, the greater the chances that the antibiotics will remain effective for future generations.

The problem of antibiotic resistance is a complex problem, but ongoing educational programs are part of its solution.