GLOBAL ACCESS TO ANTIMICROBIALS AND ENHANCED EMERGENCE OF AMR IN COVID-19 ERA

• Published in: International journal of infectious diseases Vol. 130; pp. S46 - S47
• Main Author: Matar, Ghassan M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01-05-2023; Published by Elsevier Ltd; Elsevier
• ISSN: 1201-9712; 1878-3511
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2023.04.113

Of the major global public health issues of the 21st century, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is still emerging as one of the leading threats, given its significant health, economic and security ramifications. Optimizing the use of antimicrobials through antimicrobial stewardship programs/efforts is a fundamental aspect in increasing clinical outcomes, via cost-effective treatments, as well as in reducing AMR. On the other hand, studies have shown that limited access to antimicrobials was not the answer in several settings. Accordingly, a combined approach of ensuring adequate global access to and appropriate use of antimicrobials was found to be a better response/action plan to the AMR problem.
In addition to its serious health, economic and social implications, Covid-19 pandemic was a catalyst for AMR. Several AMR national action plans were affected by the prioritization of COVID-19 emergency, whereby activities and resources were diverted and channeled towards responding to the pandemic and AMR stewardship programs were not being reinforced.
Additionally, the increased access to and use of antimicrobials to treat Covid-19 patients further fuelled AMR. Studies assessing the impact of the pandemic on AMR reported that antibiotic treatment was received by up to 70% of the hospitalized Covid-19 patients and among the latter high prevalence of AMR was reported during the first 18 months of the pandemic. Reasons underlying the increased prescribing of antimicrobials by the physicians treating Covid-19 patients included, suspected bacterial/fungal coinfection or superinfection, insufficient knowledge of the natural course of the respiratory illness and misdiagnosing cases due to the resemblance between the symptoms of SARS-Cov2 infection and that of bacterial pneumonia or other respiratory infection.