How rapid diagnostics can help curb antimicrobial resistance

Having reliable diagnostics at the point of care supports earlier detection of illnesses or other emerging threats, therefore reinforcing national response capacity.

In the absence of rapid diagnostic information, clinicians often prescribe antibiotics ‘just in case, even when a viral cause is more likely, writes Frédéric Dubé.Pexels photograph courtesy of Artem Podrez

Opinion

BY FRéDéRIC DUBé

August 13, 2025

Antimicrobial resistance is often called the next silent pandemic. In Canada, it’s already here.One major driver of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is the overuse and misuse of antibiotics, especially for upper respiratory tract infections such as bronchitis and sin...

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