Antimicrobial Resistance, the COVID-19 Pandemic, and Lessons for the Orthopaedic Community

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases
• Microbiology

Background:

• Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical global health challenge.
• Antibiotic overuse in medicine, agriculture, and the environment fuels AMR.
• International organizations warn of millions of deaths if AMR is not addressed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explain how the COVID-19 pandemic has increased awareness of AMR.
• To present the global impact of AMR on society.
• To stress the importance of addressing AMR and the role of the orthopaedic community.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of existing data on AMR and COVID-19.
• Analysis of the impact of antibiotic use during the pandemic on AMR.
• Discussion of the societal implications of AMR.

Main Results:

• The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified concerns regarding antibiotic overuse.
• Widespread antibiotic use for bacterial coinfections in COVID-19 patients may worsen AMR.
• AMR poses a significant and growing threat to global public health.

Conclusions:

• The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the urgent need to combat AMR.
• Global collaboration and specific community efforts, such as in orthopaedics, are crucial.
• Addressing AMR requires a multifaceted approach involving responsible antibiotic stewardship.