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

AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe COVID-19 pandemic has been responsible for more than 6.3 million deaths worldwide. During the pandemic, the indiscriminate use of antibiotics has increased, contributing to the spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria. In this review, we aim to determine the spread and impact of antibiotic treatments in patients with COVID-19, focusing on underdeveloped and developing countries.Recent FindingsMeta-analysis revealed that bacterial co-infections and secondary infections are relatively rare in COVID-19 patients, corresponding to less than 20% of hospitalized patients. Even so, most of these patients have received antibiotic treatments.SummaryThis review discusses how the COVID-19 pandemic could increase the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains to currently available antibiotics. Initially, we discussed the spread and impact of multidrug resistance of ESKAPE pathogens associated with nosocomial infections and analyzed their risk of secondary infections in patients with COVID-19. Then we highlight three factors related to the spread of resistant bacteria during the current pandemic: overprescription of antibiotics followed by self-medication. Finally, we discussed the lack of availability of diagnostic tests to discriminate the etiologic agent of a disease. All these factors lead to inappropriate use of antibiotics and, therefore, to an increase in the prevalence of resistance, which can have devastating consequences shortly. The data compiled in thi...
Source: Current Infectious Disease Reports - Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research