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News List
  •  

    Prolonged and repeated use of antibiotics has negative effect on gut microbiome and gut resistome in pediatric cancer patients

    March 23, 2023
  •  

    Nursing Returnee Bonus (Limited Time Offer)

    March 20, 2023
  •  

    IWK seeing increase in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in the Emergency Department and inpatient units

    January 19, 2023
  •  

    Construction of New IWK Emergency Department Underway

    October 11, 2022
  •  

    An open letter to Nova Scotia Parents and Students:

    September 6, 2022
  •  

    IWK Health study investigates effect of treatment and disease on microbiome of children with cancer

    August 23, 2022
  •  

    IWK statement on liquid acetaminophen and ibuprofen product availability

    August 17, 2022
  •  

    IWK Regional Poison Centre adopts new name, expands coverage

    June 20, 2022
  •  

    An open letter to Nova Scotia Parents and Students

    March 17, 2022
  •  

    The IWK’s Sim Sam makes simulated emergency very real

    February 6, 2022
  •  

    An open letter to Nova Scotia Parents: We support the Government’s plan for return to in school learning.

    January 6, 2022
  •  

    IWK seeing increase in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in Emergency Department

    December 13, 2021
  •  

    Putting smiles on the faces of patients and families at IWK Health - Smilezone Foundation revitalizes several busy children’s clinics and family newborn lounge

    October 14, 2021
  •  

    Child Safety Link launches new car seat videos for families in 9 languages

    September 21, 2021
  •  

    Study finds flu vaccine during pregnancy does not adversely affect early childhood health

    June 22, 2021
  •  

    Virtual Reality allows health care workers to experience patient’s perspective

    June 1, 2021
  •  

    Statement from IWK Health on the Tragedy at the Kamloops Residential School

    May 31, 2021
  •  

    Researchers compile mounting research on Covid variants

    May 26, 2021
  •  

    New surgical approach corrects common hip disorder in adolescents

    May 6, 2021
  •  

    Changes to visitor restrictions at IWK Health

    May 2, 2021
  •  

    IWK Health to temporarily reduce elective surgeries

    April 30, 2021
  •  

    National study looks at the effect pandemic-related restrictions on family presence has on PICU patients

    April 28, 2021
  •  

    Statement from the Provincial Pediatric Advisory Committee about the importance of maintaining face-to-face in-classroom learning in Nova Scotia

    April 26, 2021
  •  

    National Poison Prevention Week is March 21-27, 2021

    March 22, 2021
  •  

    IWK to open first multidisciplinary endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain clinic in the Atlantic Provinces

    March 16, 2021
  •  

    First of its Kind Quality and Patient Safety Research Chair at IWK Health

    March 8, 2021
  •  

    IWK Health lab using PET scanner for COVID-19 research

    February 1, 2021
  •  

    Read to Me Encourages Parents to Request Book Bags

    January 26, 2021
  •  

    IWK Health’s 41st Christmas Tree lit thanks to Christmas magic

    December 9, 2020
  •  

    Nova Scotia Health and IWK Health launch swish and gargle video for kids who need COVID-19 testing

    December 1, 2020
  •  

    Changes to visitor restrictions at IWK Health

    November 26, 2020
  •  

    State-of-the-Art MRI Helping IWK Patients and Families

    November 9, 2020
  •  

    Handheld ultrasound leads to safer, more accurate diagnosis in IWK ED

    November 6, 2020
  •  

    Pediatric Chairs of Canada recognizes Dr. Jeannette Comeau with leadership award

    October 28, 2020
  •  

    IWK looks to genome sequencing to provide faster, more accurate results

    October 27, 2020
  •  

    IWK Health rolling out online booking service

    October 6, 2020
  •  

    September 20-26, 2020 is national Child Passenger Safety Week

    September 22, 2020
  •  

    Changes related to visitation restrictions

    September 15, 2020
  •  

    IWK research asks Maritime moms about effects of COVID restrictions on their postpartum experience

    September 10, 2020
  •  

    Road to Resilience: Skills and Strategies to Prepare for the Upcoming School Year

    September 2, 2020
  •  

    IWK Research Study recruiting first time moms to receive text messages after birth

    August 6, 2020
  •  

    Nova Scotia Health, IWK to require patients and visitors to wear masks in health care facilities

    July 17, 2020
  •  

    IWK eases additional restrictions on support persons

    June 17, 2020
  •  

    IWK/NSHA resumes normal parking operations and fees on Monday, June 1

    May 27, 2020
  •  

    IWK eases some restrictions on support persons

    May 22, 2020
  •  

    IWK urges Nova Scotians to continue to seek health care

    May 4, 2020
  •  

    New Nova Scotia COVID-19 Health Research Coalition responds to global pandemic with $1.5 million collective investment

    April 17, 2020
  •  

    IWK Health Centre to Issue a “No Visitors” Policy - effective March 18

    March 18, 2020
  •  

    IWK Health Centre to suspend all non-urgent services - effective March 18th

    March 17, 2020
  •  

    IWK to limit visitors

    March 12, 2020
  •  

    Innovative Work Leads to Better Mental Health and Addictions Care for Children, Youth and Families

    February 13, 2020
  •  

    Edible Cannabis– IWK experts share concerns

    October 15, 2019
  •  

    September 15-21, 2019 is Child Passenger Safety Week in Atlantic Canada

    September 16, 2019
  •  

    IWK Research awards scholarships to budding health researchers

    August 28, 2019
  •  

    Notice to patients & families

    April 12, 2019
  •  

    Notice to patients & families

    February 26, 2019
  •  

    IWK Health Centre Warns Parents of Knock-off Car Seats Available Online

    February 19, 2019
  •  

    Statement from the IWK Regarding the Office of the Auditor General’s Performance Audit (Chapter 2)

    December 11, 2018
  •  

    IWK Health Centre welcomes new president & CEO

    October 9, 2018
  •  

    Rebagliati’s cannabis claims unfounded, misleading and harmful say health experts at IWK

    July 3, 2018
  •  

    Classified rallies Nova Scotian artists in support of The SeaStar Child and Youth Advocacy Centre

    June 13, 2018
  •  

    National Poison Prevention Week March 18-24, 2018

    March 19, 2018
  •  

    Pediatric Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialist a first for Nova Scotia

    February 7, 2018
  •  

    IWK seeing increase in Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in Emergency Department

    January 26, 2018
  •  

    IWK recognized as one of Nova Scotia’s top employers.

    January 25, 2018
  •  

    Long awaited study answers questions surrounding cow’s milk and the development of type 1 diabetes

    January 16, 2018
  •  

    IWK recognized as one of Atlantic Canada’s top employers

    January 3, 2018
  •  

    Newest IWK employee, first accredited facility dog in Atlantic Canada

    December 12, 2017
  •  

    Television content created by IWK patients tops 100,000 views on YouTube

    December 12, 2017
  •  

    IWK doctors join national project to give young people across the country a fighting chance against high risk cancers

    November 23, 2017
  •  

    IWK recognizes World Prematurity Day on November 17th

    November 15, 2017
  •  

    November 13 to 19 is World Antibiotic Awareness Week – what you should know.

    November 14, 2017
  •  

    Sepsis PedsPacs introduced in the IWK Emergency Department

    November 7, 2017
  •  

    Carbon monoxide poisoning is entirely preventable

    November 3, 2017
  •  

    Insulin Pump Program

    October 26, 2017
  •  

    Op-ed by Karen Hutt, Chair, IWK Board of Directors: We are overcome with concern over breach of trust

    September 28, 2017
  •  

    IWK Board of Directors Releases Independent Review of CEO Expenses

    August 31, 2017
  •  

    A Message from Karen Hutt, Chair, IWK Board of Directors

    August 23, 2017
  •  

    Understanding Trauma: Free Fall workshops for caregivers and professionals

    August 21, 2017
  •  

    IWK's Dr. Marsha Campbell-Yeo recognized as health innovation pioneer

    July 21, 2017
  •  

    Maritimers pledge record-breaking $6.4 million during 33rd annual IWK Telethon for Children

    June 6, 2017
  •  

    Patient voices to be heard for first time at Canadian Pain Society meeting

    May 23, 2017
  •  

    IWK Researchers win Governor General’s Innovation Award

    May 8, 2017
  •  

    Dr. Richard Goldbloom inducted into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame

    May 4, 2017
  •  

    IWK attracts brain research grants

    April 26, 2017
  •  

    Clinical Pharmacy Specialist in IWK Emergency Department first of its kind in province

    March 22, 2017
  •  

    National Poison Prevention Week March 19-25, 2017

    March 20, 2017
  •  

    Investments in Innovative Neonatal Care Help Families Bond

    March 1, 2017
  •  

    Weather Related Service Update

    February 16, 2017
  •  

    Public Health investigating confirmed cases of measles in Halifax area

    February 15, 2017
  •  

    3D printed heart model allows cardiac surgeons to rehearse complex procedures

    February 8, 2017
  •  

    NSHA & IWK Look Forward to Moving Ahead with the Bargaining Process

    January 19, 2017
  •  

    Cineplex Theatre to Open at the IWK Health Centre

    January 18, 2017
  •  

    Understanding and Healing from Trauma: New workshops for caregivers and professionals this Spring of 2017

    January 10, 2017
  •  

    Nova Scotia Breast Screening Program celebrates 25th anniversary

    December 6, 2016
  •  

    Online tool aims to improve surgical experience for children with ASD

    November 29, 2016
  •  

    Tracy Kitch, President & CEO of the IWK Health Centre named a WXN 2016 Canada's Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award Winner

    November 23, 2016
  •  

    IWK recognizes World Prematurity Day on November 17th

    November 15, 2016
  •  

    Study shows switch from mask to portable inhaler improves pediatric emergency department (PED) visits.

    November 8, 2016
  •  

    Need a Family Practice?

    November 4, 2016
  •  

    Online community connects youth at the IWK with others at health centres across Canada.

    October 17, 2016
  •  

    Dal Grad students attract prestigious national research awards to support their continued studies at IWK’s Centre for Pediatric Pain Research.

    October 5, 2016
  •  

    ‘Sex after baby’ studies focus on the couple rather than individual parents.

    October 3, 2016
  •  

    September 18-24, 2016 is national Child Passenger Safety Week

    September 19, 2016
  •  

    Dr. Andrew Lynk appointed head/chief of the Department of Pediatrics

    September 13, 2016
  •  

    #ItDoesntHaveToHurt celebrates first anniversary with special event at Twitter Canada

    September 12, 2016
  •  

    Dr. Alexa Bagnell new Chief of Psychiatry at the IWK Health Centre

    August 25, 2016
  •  

    The Health of Maritime Women and Children is Everyone’s Business

    June 21, 2016
  •  

    The IWK’s Dr. Pat McGrath receives National Legacy of Leadership Award

    June 10, 2016
  •  

    Understanding and Healing from Trauma: New workshop series offered for caregivers

    April 7, 2016
  •  

    IWK’s BIOTIC imaging lab offers unique clinical mandate in Canada

    April 6, 2016
  •  

    IWK researchers members of three out of five networks in $62.5 million pool

    April 1, 2016
  •  

    Maritime Newborn Screening Program expands to include screening for SCID

    March 22, 2016
  •  

    Canadian Center for Vaccinology launches Maternal Immunization Study

    March 8, 2016
  •  

    Imaging Adventure Program at IWK Health Centre first of its kind in Canada

    December 16, 2015
  •  

    Dr. Leslie Anne Campbell appointed new Sobey Family Chair in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Outcomes

    December 16, 2015
  •  

    Juno award-winning artist JRDN Visits IWK

    November 30, 2015
  •  

    IWK Announces Wessex Scholarship

    November 30, 2015
  •  

    Halifax hospitals score high in open-visiting policy study

    November 10, 2015
  •  

    #ItDoesntHaveToHurt Launch Marries Science and Media to Benefit Parents

    September 28, 2015
  •  

    IWK Leaders Lend a Helping Hand in Habitat for Humanity Women Build

    September 22, 2015
  •  

    Back to School: Pedestrian Safety

    September 8, 2015
  •  

    Alex Tagliani brings Summer of TAG to the IWK

    August 17, 2015
  •  

    Dr. Bruce Crooks cycles 7,000 Kilometres for Kids Cancer Ride

    August 10, 2015
  •  

    Youth Advisory Council making changes at the IWK

    August 10, 2015
  •  

    IWK Researchers awarded coveted CIHR New Investigator Awards

    July 6, 2015
  •  

    MRI App developed at the IWK wins award at the Augmented World Expo in Santa Clara, California

    July 6, 2015
  •  

    Join the IWK Research Registry

    May 11, 2015
  •  

    IWK recognizes World Prematurity Day on November 17th

    November 17, 2014
  •  

    Canadian Centre for Vaccinology at IWK to conduct Phase I Ebola Vaccine Trials

    November 14, 2014
  •  

    It Doesn’t Have to Hurt: Helping Children Prepare for Medical Procedures, Appointments, and Surgeries

    October 24, 2014
  •  

    IWK Ebola Virus Disease Response Planning Underway

    October 16, 2014
  •  

    Pain in Child Health Training Program announces the release of paper and video

    October 6, 2014
  •  

    Psychology For You - Anxiety in Young Children: How to Help

    September 26, 2014
  •  

    Prominent physician bringing “Three Big Ideas” about health care to new innovation speaker series

    September 25, 2014
  •  

    IWK’s smallest patients receive big donation from construction association

    September 23, 2014
  •  

    Come celebrate our 104th annual Kermesse Fun Fair for the IWK

    September 4, 2014
  •  

    Psychology for You - Bullying Prevention and Intervention

    August 28, 2014
  •  

    Dr. Marsha Campbell-Yeo named a Fellow of The Mayday Pain and Society Fellowship

    August 20, 2014
  •  

    July 22 Labour and Delivery Class Cancelled

    July 22, 2014
  •  

    2nd annual art show showcases artwork by Dartmouth youth

    June 10, 2014
  •  

    Drowning rates decreasing in Atlantic Canada, though still second most common cause of injury death for children

    June 9, 2014
  •  

    Coping with major tragic events

    June 5, 2014
  •  

    Dr. Isabel Smith appointed Dalhousie’s Joan and Jack Craig Chair in Autism Research

    June 4, 2014
  •  

    Maritimers donate $6.1 million to the 30th IWK Telethon for Children on CTV

    June 2, 2014
  •  

    New Mental Health Unit Will Enhance Patient and Family Care at the IWK Health Centre

    May 2, 2014
  •  

    Psychology For You - An Ounce of Prevention: Preparing Youth with Developmental Disabilities for Medical Appointments

    April 25, 2014
  •  

    Call for Art

    April 14, 2014
  •  

    Planting the Seeds of Partnership: Hope Blooms and IWK Recreation Therapy

    April 7, 2014
  •  

    Psychology For You - Food for Thought: Mealtime strategies for pre-schoolers

    February 27, 2014
  •  

    Innovative research grants poised to transform health care in Atlantic Canada

    February 17, 2014
  •  

    IWK Health Centre celebrates African Heritage Month with a special lecture

    February 12, 2014
  •  

    Patient and Family Centred Care Survey 2014

    February 6, 2014
  •  

    Psychology For You: Eating Disorders & Pathways to Recovery

    January 30, 2014
  •  

    Three IWK psychiatrists receive awards at 2013 CACAP conference

    December 16, 2013
  •  

    Six-year-old Samuel Khan named 2013 IWK Tree Lighter

    December 3, 2013
  •  

    All Welcome at IWK Tap the Tap Celebration

    November 19, 2013
  •  

    All Welcome at IWK Tap the Tap Celebration

    November 18, 2013
  •  

    Tightly Knit: IWK Health Centre hosts its 2013 AGM and releases latest report to the community

    October 16, 2013
  •  

    IWK Health Centre Celebrates its 2013 Annual General Meeting

    October 11, 2013
  •  

    Leading international pain experts to visit Nova Scotia for three-day conference

    October 1, 2013
  •  

    Families invited to Quintessence Breastfeeding Challenge and Family Fair on October 5

    September 30, 2013
  •  

    IWK researchers awarded highest honour from the Ernest C. Manning Awards Foundation

    September 30, 2013
  •  

    Psychology For You: Promoting a Good Night's Sleep - Monday October 7, 2013

    September 26, 2013
  •  

    September 15-21 is Child Passenger Safety Week

    September 17, 2013
  •  

    Save the date for the IWK Annual General Meeting – Wednesday, October 16, 2013

    September 11, 2013
  •  

    Nova Scotia improving Dental Care for Children

    August 19, 2013
  •  

    Well known philanthropist makes surprise $1 million donation at IWK 250

    July 22, 2013
  •  

    Capital Health and IWK Health Centre Celebrate Pride Week 2013

    July 22, 2013
  •  

    Awards of the Board of Directors

    July 18, 2013
  •  

    Public Service Announcement - Regular Power Restored at IWK

    July 16, 2013
  •  

    Pediatric Epilepsy Camp Comes to Atlantic Canada

    July 8, 2013
  •  

    Coping with major tragic events

    April 16, 2013
  •  

    The Arthritis Society to Announce New Programs to Support Children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

    April 2, 2013
  •  

    Psychology for You - Bedwetting 101: Helping Your School-Aged Child or Adolescent Learn to Stay Dry through the Night

    April 1, 2013
  •  

    Cautions Regarding New Household Poisoning Risks to Children

    March 18, 2013
  •  

    Patient and Family Centred Care Survey

    March 6, 2013
  •  

    The IWK Health Centre Foundation invites applications for the Robbie and Jean Shaw Scholarship

    March 6, 2013
  •  

    Looking for a fun and educational activity this March break? Participate in an IWK research study!

    March 6, 2013

Prolonged and repeated use of antibiotics has negative effect on gut microbiome and gut resistome in pediatric cancer patients

March 23, 2023


For immediate release – March 23, 2022

Prolonged and repeated use of antibiotics in children with leukemia and lymphoma can create an environment that favors pathogenic bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes, says recent research out of the IWK. The study shows repeated courses and longer durations of antibiotics commonly given during periods of fever was associated with an increase in ‘bad’ bacteria and a decrease in ‘good’ bacteria in the microbiome. It may also increase antibiotic resistance genes in gut bacterial community.  

Published in Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology The gastrointestinal antibiotic resistome in pediatric leukemia and lymphoma patients indicates the need for protocols to make sure antibiotics are used appropriately and not indiscriminately. 

“Patients with cancer are at very high risk of infections,” says IWK hematologist, oncologist and principal investigator Dr. Ketan Kulkarni. “Any fever in cancer patients is considered a medical emergency and must be treated immediately. Very often it means one or more intravenous (IV) antibiotic.” 

“Our research focused on the effect of antibiotics on the “resistome” or antibiotic resistance genes found in bacteria in the microbiome of the gastrointestinal tract,” says IWK Clinical Pharmacy Specialist Dr. Tamara MacDonald. “We found that children with leukemia/lymphoma who received repeated courses of antibiotics resulted in increases in the abundance of the bacteria that can harbor these antibiotic resistant pathways.” 

Researchers studied stool samples of patients to see whether they contained antibiotic resistance genes. They found multidrug efflux pump genes (proteins that allow microorganisms to regulate their internal environment by removing toxic substances, including antimicrobial agents) and genes that regulate them. Their presence can result in resistance as they identify antibiotics as toxic and pump them out. This could potentially allow opportunistic pathogens to persist and increase even with the use of antibiotics.    

These genes also enhance the ability of these pathogens to survive in stressful environments, like those created during oncology treatment. This could also contribute to increases in opportunistic pathogens in the gastrointestinal tract, which is problematic as the gastrointestinal tract is weakened during treatment and there is an increased likelihood of bacteria entering the blood stream and causing life-threatening infections.    

“Most genes that are responsible for resistance perform other functions and it is mutated forms of the genes or the acquirement of these genes by other bacteria that leads to resistance,” says Dr. Katherine Dunn, research associate with Dr Kulkarni’s team. “Just because we find antibiotic resistance genes doesn’t mean resistant bacteria are present.  The presence of these genes in the microbial community though does signal the potential for resistance and monitoring especially in this vulnerable population is valuable.”    

“This research shows that we need to be more vigilant regarding the use of antibiotics in this population,” says MacDonald. “And only use when required and for as little amount of time as required to try to reduce the emergence of devastating resistant pathogens. We need to constantly revise our protocols to optimise them” 

“Antibiotics use and abuse is a global problem,” says Kulkarni.  “All of us need to collectively remember to use antibiotics appropriately to handle this global problem. Indiscriminate and inappropriate use can lead to a major challenge with resistance.”  

This research was funded by the Nova Scotia Health Research Foundation (now Research Nova Scotia), the Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute and through the support of the IWK Foundation, through the JD Irving Fund and an IWK Project Grant. 

 

Photos of Dr. Ketan Kulkarni, Dr. Katherine Dunn, Dr. Tamara MacDonald. Photos by Ryan Wilson, IWK

Dr. Ketan Kulkarni, Dr. Katherine Dunn, Dr. Tamara MacDonald, photos by Ryan Wilson, IWK

 

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About IWK Health: IWK Health is the Maritime region's leading health care and research centre dedicated to the well-being of women, children, youth and families, in all their diversity. In addition to providing highly specialized and complex care, the IWK provides certain primary care services and is a strong advocate for the health of families. The IWK is a global leader in research and knowledge sharing, and a partner in educating the next generation of health professionals. Visit www.iwk.nshealth.ca for more information.

 

Media Contact:
Ben Maycock
IWK Communications & Public Affairs
902-223-7090
Ben.Maycock@iwk.nshealth.ca