Cows feeding in a barn

What is Antimicrobial Resistance?

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria or other microorganisms change and become resistant to the antibiotics used to treat infections they cause. When bacteria become resistant, associated infections can become more difficult to treat. Antimicrobials are used on humans and animals, and include antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals and antiparasitics. 

AMR Research at U of G

The University of Guelph is a leader in antimicrobial AMR research, using innovative and interdisciplinary approaches to address this global challenge.

Our researchers work with collaborators worldwide to prevent infections and the emergence of resistance in key research areas.

A One Health Response

Our researchers are actively addressing AMR by using a One Health approach – a collaborative effort across various disciplines to tackle complex health issues affecting animals, humans, and the environment. The interconnected nature of health issues, including infectious diseases, food safety, and AMR, underscores the need for a unified strategy. By recognizing the interdependence of human, plant, animal, and environmental health, the University of Guelph emphasizes a holistic approach to combat AMR and ensure global health resilience.

Research and Innovation

Research and innovation are crucial for understanding, addressing, and finding new solutions for AMR. Researchers at the University of Guelph actively contribute to advancements in antimicrobial resistance research and innovation, making significant strides in developing solutions to address this global challenge.

Surveillance

Surveillance is essential for monitoring the prevalence and trends of AMR. University of Guelph researchers vigorously collect and analyze data related to antimicrobial resistance to inform decision-making, assess the impact of interventions, and detect emerging threats.

Leadership

Researchers at the University of Guelph actively contribute to leadership in AMR, ensuring effective coordination and collaboration in the fight against antimicrobial resistance. Through our expertise and commitment, U of G researchers play a vital role in shaping impactful responses to AMR.

Stewardship

Stewardship involves responsible and judicious use of antimicrobials. Researchers at the University of Guelph aim to promote practices that prevent the misuse and overuse of antibiotics and other antimicrobials, preserving their effectiveness.

Infection Prevention and Control (IPC)

IPC measures help minimize the transmission of infections, reducing the need for antimicrobials. University of Guelph researchers focus on strategies to prevent infections and enhance control measures.

Feature Articles

Title Date Researcher(s)
U of G enhancing AMR surveillance with a new platform November 21, 2023 Nicole Ricker
U of G researcher involved in global collaboration for antimicrobial resistance November 22, 2023 Scott Weese
Title Date Researcher(s)
U of G Researchers Take New Approach to Antimicrobial Resistance November 22, 2023 Dr. Rebecca Shapiro
Seven Researchers Recognized with U of G Research Excellence Awards September 13, 2023 Jennifer Geddes-McAlister and David Renaud
Federal Funding for Four Innovative, Interdisciplinary U of G projects April 25, 2023 Jennifer Geddes-McAlister
Promoting Antimicrobial Stewardship on Dairy Farms April 23, 2023 Stephen LeBlanc
Data Science: Animal Health Laboratory champions innovation in animal disease trends April 10, 2023 Animal Health Laboratory (AHL)
U of G Research on ‘Sticky’ Proteins Points to New Treatments to Fight Antimicrobial Resistance March 16, 2023 Georgina Cox and Allison Leonard
Federal Health Funding for Three U of G Researchers January 12, 2023 Cezar Khursigara
Antimicrobial Resistance - Building Resilience and Sustainability To Solve Global Health Issues October 31, 2022 Jane Parmley
Eleven U of G Research Projects Awarded Federal Funding September 21, 2022 Matthew Sorbara
U of G Vaccine Candidates Listed by World Health Organization August 15, 2022 Mario Monteiro
U of G Professors Receive Funding for Canada Research Chairs June 10, 2022 Diana Lewis and Rebecca Shapiro
Five U of G Faculty Recognized with Early Researcher Awards May 2, 2022 Jennifer Geddes-McAlister
OVC Researchers Study Manure Treatment Strategies To Reduce Resistant Bacteria April 25, 2022 Patrick Boerlin
One Health Research Aims To Punch Antimicrobial Resistance In The Gut March 8, 2022 Nikola May
U of G-Led Dairy Alliance Aims to Improve Competitiveness, Sustainability of Dairy Industry February 7, 2022 Gisèle LaPointe
OVC researchers pursue an interdisciplinary approach to antimicrobial stewardship research November 24, 2021 David Kelton and Nicole Ricker
Understanding the pig gut microbiome will help producers manage their herds October 25, 2021 Vahab Farzan, Brandon Lillie and Robert Friendship
Antimicrobial Stewardship Researchers at U of G Awarded Provincial Funding October 15, 2021 David Kelton and Shayan Sharif
Antimicrobial Stewardship Researchers Awarded Provincial Funding October 14, 2021 David Kelton, Shayan Sharif and Rebecca Shapiro
Fighting antibiotic resistance in Ontario dairy cattle October 4, 2021 Dan Shock
Veterinarians Shortening Antibiotic Prescriptions for UTIs in Dogs, U of G Study Finds September 21, 2021 Scott Weese
Improving Antimicrobial Stewardship in Food Animals by Identifying the Determinants of use of Antimicrobials by Veterinarians and Dairy Farmers February 22, 2021 Jan Sargeant
Three U of G Research Projects Receive Federal Funding May 1, 2020 Nicolas Brunet, Jennifer Geddes-McAlister and Shoshanah Jacobs
Building their best herd: HIR technology carries big benefits for dairy producers looking to naturally improve herd health and reduce veterinary treatment costs March 6, 2020 Bonnie Mallard and Lauri Wagter-Lesperance
From veterinarian to researcher: Taika von Königslöw works to improve best practices for antibiotic treatment in calves March 2, 2020 Taika von Königslöw
Assistant Professor in Pathogenomics and Disease Informatics to conduct microbiology, bacterial genetics and bioinformatics research January 16, 2019 Nicole Ricker
Bred for healthier living June 28, 2016 Bonnie Mallard

AMR Researchers

Photo of Cezar Khursigara

Cezar Khursigara (CBS)

Research Areas: Research and Innovation

Photo of Claire Jardine

Claire Jardine (OVC)

Research Areas: Surveillance

Photo of David Kelton

David Kelton (OVC)

Research Areas: Stewardship, Surveillance, Infection Prevention and Control

Photo of David Renaud

David Renaud (OVC)

Research Areas: Stewardship

Photo of Elijah Kiarie

Elijah Kiarie (OAC)

Research Areas: Infection Prevention and Control

Photo of Georgina Cox

Georgina Cox (CBS)

Research Areas: Research and Innovation, Infection Prevention and Control

Photo of Gisèle LaPointe

Gisèle LaPointe (OAC)

Research Areas: Research and Innovation, Stewardship

Photo of Heather Murphy

Heather Murphy (OVC)

Research Areas: Surveillance, Infection Prevention and Control

Photo of Jennifer Geddes-McAlister

Jennifer Geddes-McAlister (CBS)

Research Areas: Research and Innovation, Stewardship

Photo of Larry Goodridge

Larry Goodridge (OAC)

Research Areas: Research and Innovation, Surveillance, Leadership

Photo of Marc Habash

Marc Habash (OAC)

Research Areas: Surveillance, Infection Prevention and Control

Photo of Matthew Sorbara

Matthew Sorbara (CBS)

Research Areas: Research and Innovation

Photo of Michael Steele

Michael Steele (OAC)

Research Areas: Infection Prevention and Control

Photo of Nicole Ricker

Nicole Ricker (OVC)

Research Areas: Surveillance

Photo of Rebecca Shapiro

Rebecca Shapiro (CBS)

Research Areas: Research and Innovation, Infection Prevention and Control

Photo of Scott Weese

Scott Weese (OVC)

Research Areas: Research and Innovation, Surveillance, Leadership, Stewardship, Infection Prevention and Control

Photo of Shayan Sharif

Shayan Sharif (OVC)

Research Areas: Research and Innovation, Infection Prevention and Control

Photo of Stephen LeBlanc

Stephen LeBlanc (OVC)

Research Areas: Stewardship