The impact of COVID-19 on bacterial antimicrobial resistance: Findings from a narrative review

Abstract

Background: Antimicrobial resistance was a major problem even before the current COVID-19 outbreak. The healthcare industry has been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. Analysis of antimicrobial resistance rates, particularly bacterial antimicrobial resistance, is required due to the advent of novel COVID-19 variants. A narrative review of the studies was used to evaluate the effect of the COVID-19 virus on the rates and transmission of bacterial antibiotic resistance.
Methods: Since the start of the COVID-19 increase, this review has been carried out by searching databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, and EMBASE. Articles that examined how the COVID-19 virus affected the prevalence of antibiotic resistance in bacteria have been added since March 2020. Antimicrobial resistance was the key outcome of interest, and the COVID-19 pandemic was the main exposure. There were a total of 14 investigations, 9 of which were scheduled for 2021.
Results: Overall, the results suggest that there were more bacterial infections and cases of antibiotic resistance during COVID-19. Our results show that COVID-19 is associated with a rise in antibiotic-resistant microorganisms, notably in patients in intensive care units. Among the pathogens that represent a serious threat are methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumonia, and carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii.
Conclusion: The widespread disruption in the healthcare system may have led to an increase in antimicrobial resistance. Although it is accepted that the COVID-19 virus has caught the attention of the healthcare system, it is crucial to combine COVID-19 management strategies with strategies for reducing antibiotic resistance. The larger health system's pandemic response should incorporate antimicrobial stewardship.