Les misérables: a Parallel Between Antimicrobial Resistance and COVID-19 in Underdeveloped and Developing Countries

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Antimicrobial Resistance
• Global Health

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic has caused millions of deaths globally.
• Increased antibiotic use during the pandemic has accelerated the spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria.
• Focus on underdeveloped and developing countries highlights disparities in healthcare.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the spread and impact of antibiotic treatments in COVID-19 patients.
• To analyze the contribution of the pandemic to multidrug resistance (MDR) emergence.
• To identify factors driving antibiotic resistance in the context of COVID-19.

Main Methods:

• Bibliographic research and meta-analysis of existing studies.
• Review of nosocomial infections and ESKAPE pathogens.
• Analysis of factors contributing to antibiotic resistance.

Main Results:

• Bacterial co-infections and secondary infections in COVID-19 patients are less than 20%.
• Despite low infection rates, most hospitalized patients received antibiotics.
• Overprescription, self-medication, and lack of diagnostic tests contribute to inappropriate antibiotic use.

Conclusions:

• The pandemic exacerbates the threat of multidrug-resistant bacteria.
• Epidemiological surveillance and improved antibiotic prescribing are crucial.
• Urgent strategies are needed to combat rising antimicrobial resistance.