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The COVID-19 pandemic: a threat to antimicrobial resistance containment

Raspail C Founou1,2,3, Ariel J Blocker3,4, Michel Noubom1,5

  • 1Department of Microbiology, Hematology & Immunology, Faculty of Medicine & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon.

Future Science OA
|July 22, 2021
PubMed

Insights

The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened antimicrobial resistance (AMR) due to widespread antibiotic misuse. This silent pandemic threatens patient outcomes and requires urgent policy consideration.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic caused over 3 million deaths globally by April 2021.
  • Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant global health threat, potentially exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Emergence of SARS-CoV-2 and its impact on AMR rates are critical concerns.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To discuss current knowledge on SARS-CoV-2 emergence.
  • To highlight the COVID-19 pandemic's contribution to escalating AMR.
  • To inform policymakers about the threat of AMR.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review on SARS-CoV-2 and AMR.
  • Analysis of antibiotic use during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Discussion of the link between COVID-19 treatment and AMR escalation.

Main Results:

  • COVID-19 has led to extensive antibiotic overuse and misuse.
  • The pandemic is expected to substantially increase global AMR rates.
  • Improper antibiotic use in severe COVID-19 cases enhances AMR.

Conclusions:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic significantly contributes to the rise of antimicrobial resistance.
  • AMR poses a serious, often overlooked threat, amplified by the pandemic.
  • Urgent policy attention is needed to address the escalating AMR crisis.
Keywords:
COVID-19 pandemicCOVID-19 vaccinesSARS-CoV-2antimicrobial resistanceantimicrobial stewardship

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