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Published on: March 3, 2023
A parallel and silent emerging pandemic: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) amid COVID-19 pandemic
1Department of Epidemic Diseases Research, Institute for Research & Medical Consultations, (IRMC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia.
Abstract:
World is in the middle of the pandemic (COVID-19), caused by SARS-COV-2 virus, which is a significant global health crisis after Spanish influenza in the beginning of 20th century. Progressive drastic steps have been enforced to minimize the transmission of the disease. Likewise, in the current years, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has been referred as one of the potential perils to the global economy and health; however, it is now veiled under the present pandemic. During the current pandemic, AMR to available frontline antibiotics may prove fatal and life threatening to bacterial and fungal infections during routine procedures like elective surgery, C-sections, etc. Currently, a swift elevation in multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs), like carbapenem-resistant New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM)-producing Acinetobacter baumannii, Enterobacterales, extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), multi-triazole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus and pan-echinocandin-resistant Candida glabrata has been seen. Thereupon, the global outbreak of COVID-19 also offers some important ramification for developing antimicrobial drug resistance. This article aims to highlights episodes and aspects of AMR prevalence, impact of management and mismanagement of COVID-19 crisis, hospital settings, community, environment, and travel on the AMR during the current pandemic.
Insights
The COVID-19 pandemic is overshadowing the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This crisis exacerbates the danger of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs), complicating treatments and increasing mortality risks.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Public Health
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic presents a significant global health crisis.
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing threat, potentially veiled by the current pandemic.
- AMR can lead to fatal outcomes for bacterial and fungal infections, especially during medical procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight episodes and aspects of AMR prevalence during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- To examine the impact of COVID-19 management and mismanagement on AMR.
- To explore the influence of hospital settings, community, environment, and travel on AMR.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on AMR and COVID-19.
- Analysis of trends in multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) during the pandemic.
- Examination of factors influencing AMR spread in various settings.
Main Results:
- A swift elevation in various MDROs, including NDM-producing Acinetobacter baumannii, ESBL-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae, MRSA, and resistant fungi.
- COVID-19 pandemic has significant ramifications for the development of antimicrobial drug resistance.
- Management and mismanagement of the COVID-19 crisis impact AMR prevalence.
Conclusions:
- The COVID-19 pandemic necessitates a renewed focus on combating antimicrobial resistance.
- Understanding the interplay between the pandemic and AMR is crucial for global health security.
- Addressing AMR requires a multi-faceted approach considering clinical, environmental, and societal factors.
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