Dr. Joseph Ting is a Clinical Associate Professor in Neonatology at the University of British Columbia and recent recipient of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research Project Grant. As an investigator at BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, he researches neonatal infection antimicrobial stewardship. A crucial element to this work is surveillance of antimicrobial resistance in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). This leads to insights into the role of antimicrobial resistance in death and disability for newborns, and allows for more judicious use of antimicrobials in newborns across the country.
“There is a lack of reliable diagnostic markers in neonates with substantial overlap between signs and symptoms in infections versus non-infectious conditions. This can make it difficult to determine when to start and stop antimicrobial drugs, and which antimicrobials to use. While the administration of antibiotics cannot be delayed, broad spectrum antibiotics cannot be overused.”
In his opinion, sepsis research priorities are two-fold. At a population level, promoting antimicrobial stewardship is as critical as understanding the biology of multi-drug resistant organisms. At a clinical level, best practice guidelines for managing sepsis are especially important in supporting individuals who are hemodynamically compromised.
Dr. Ting advises that we can all become stewards in promoting optimal antibiotic use and reducing the spread of multi-drug resistant organisms. Consumers can be mindful of asking for antibiotics, while clinicians can be prudent about when to prescribe antibiotics.
By Michelle Lui, MPH (Candidate), MOT, BSc. (FNH)