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Antimicrobial Resistance Threats in the emerging COVID-19 pandemic: Where do we stand?

Soumya Ghosh1, Charné Bornman1, Mai M Zafer2

  • 1Department of Genetics, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa.

Journal of Infection and Public Health
|April 13, 2021
PubMed

Insights

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbates antimicrobial resistance (AMR) due to increased antibiotic use, complicating treatment for bacterial coinfections and necessitating urgent stewardship. This highlights the dual threat of viruses and multidrug-resistant bacteria.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant global health and economic threat.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic has complicated AMR management due to increased antibiotic consumption.
  • Bacterial coinfections in COVID-19 patients are linked to higher mortality rates.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the impact of excess antibiotic use in COVID-19 patients.
  • To highlight the role of bacterial coinfections in the context of AMR.
  • To discuss antibiotic stewardship strategies during the pandemic.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on antibiotic use in COVID-19 patients.
  • Analysis of the relationship between COVID-19, bacterial coinfections, and AMR.
  • Examination of current AMR control policies and stewardship programs.

Main Results:

  • Increased antibiotic prescriptions during the pandemic have worsened AMR.
  • COVID-19 patients, especially in high-AMR regions, face a dual threat from viruses and multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria.
  • Concerns exist regarding the types of antibiotics prescribed and their contribution to resistance.

Conclusions:

  • Urgent implementation of AMR control policies and antibiotic stewardship is crucial.
  • Addressing the rise in bacterial coinfections and associated mortality is paramount.
  • Careful antibiotic selection and judicious use are essential to combat AMR during and after the pandemic.
Keywords:
Antimicrobial resistanceCOVID-19Secondary bacterial infectionStewardship

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