Antimicrobial Resistance in Papua New Guinea: A Narrative Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases
• Microbiology

Background:

• Antimicrobial-resistant bacterial infections pose a significant threat to public health, particularly in low-income nations.
• Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Papua New Guinea (PNG) remains undercharacterized, despite its global health implications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping literature review to summarize existing scientific data on antimicrobial resistance in Papua New Guinea.
• To identify key bacterial pathogens, prevalent resistance patterns, and contributing factors to AMR in PNG.

Main Methods:

• A systematic search of peer-reviewed scientific publications on antimicrobial resistance in Papua New Guinea was performed.
• Data on resistant bacteria, common antibiotics, and AMR drivers were extracted and synthesized.

Main Results:

• Most available data originate from Port Moresby and Goroka, focusing on *Staphylococcus aureus*, *Streptococcus pneumoniae*, and *Haemophilus influenzae*.
• Significant resistance to penicillin and chloramphenicol is observed, leading to increased use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, which are also facing emerging resistance.
• Identified drivers of AMR in PNG include high infectious disease burden, inappropriate prescribing, poor regulation, non-adherence, substandard drugs, and healthcare facility overcrowding.

Conclusions:

• There is a critical lack of comprehensive data on antimicrobial resistance in Papua New Guinea, particularly concerning priority pathogens and underrepresented regions.
• Urgent interventions are needed to address the multifaceted drivers of AMR and improve antibiotic stewardship in Papua New Guinea.