A rapid review of the overuse of antibiotics during the COVID-19 pandemic: lessons learned and recommendations for the future

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had severe implications on healthcare systems and the patients affected by this infectious disease. To improve outcomes for patients with COVID-19 and limit future antimicrobial resistance, there is continued urgency to improve our understanding of the rates and causative agents of secondary bacterial infections in patients with COVID‑19, and recognise whether antibiotics are being overused in patients prior to and following COVID-19 diagnosis. This article presents the results of a rapid review comparing reported rates of secondary bacterial infections with rates of antibiotic use in patients with COVID-19 predominantly in a hospital setting, within the context of treatment guidelines and recommendations. The review revealed rates of antibiotic use in patients with COVID-19 of 37–100%, far outweighing rates of secondary bacterial infections which were typically below 20%. There was a lack of consistent reporting of causative microorganisms of secondary infections, and the distinction between bacterially- and virally-induced sepsis was rarely made. Early in the pandemic, healthcare agencies published treatment guidelines recognising the importance of antimicrobial stewardship. However, many are yet to provide updated guidance detailing the most appropriate antibiotics to treat patients with concurrent COVID-19 and secondary bacterial infections in a way which limits the emergence of drug-resistant infections and does not negatively impact patient outcomes. Without significant improvements to the testing and reporting of causative organisms and corresponding updates to antimicrobial treatment guidelines, there is a risk of worsened clinical outcomes and increased burden on healthcare systems from antimicrobial resistance during the remainder of the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

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Antimicrobial resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates and gonorrhoea treatment in the Republic of Belarus, Eastern Europe, 2009–2019

BMC Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1186/s12879-021-06184-7 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Aliaksandra Aniskevich ◽

Iryna Shimanskaya ◽

Iryna Boiko ◽

Tatyana Golubovskaya ◽

Daniel Golparian ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Antimicrobial Resistance ◽

Neisseria Gonorrhoeae ◽

Eastern Europe ◽

Treatment Guidelines ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Antimicrobial Treatment ◽

National Guidelines ◽

First Line ◽

Exact Test ◽

The Republic

Abstract Background Limited antimicrobial resistance (AMR) data for Neisseria gonorrhoeae are available in Eastern Europe. We investigated AMR in N. gonorrhoeae isolates in the Republic of Belarus from 2009 to 2019, antimicrobial treatment recommended nationally, and treatment given to patients with gonorrhoea. Methods N. gonorrhoeae isolates (n = 522) cultured in three regions of Belarus in 2009–2019 were examined. Determination of minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of eight antimicrobials was performed using Etest. Resistance breakpoints from the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing were applied where available. A Nitrocefin test identified β-lactamase production. Gonorrhoea treatment for 1652 patients was also analysed. Statistical significance was determined by the Z-test, Fisher’s exact test, or Mann-Whitney U test with p-values of < 0.05 indicating significance. Results In total, 27.8% of the N. gonorrhoeae isolates were resistant to tetracycline, 24.7% to ciprofloxacin, 7.0% to benzylpenicillin, 2.7% to cefixime, and 0.8% to azithromycin. No isolates were resistant to ceftriaxone, spectinomycin, or gentamicin. However, 14 (2.7%) isolates had a ceftriaxone MIC of 0.125 mg/L, exactly at the resistance breakpoint (MIC > 0.125 mg/L). Only one (0.2%) isolate, from 2013, produced β-lactamase. From 2009 to 2019, the levels of resistance to ciprofloxacin and tetracycline were relatively high and stable. Resistance to cefixime was not identified before 2013 but peaked at 22.2% in 2017. Only sporadic isolates with resistance to azithromycin were found in 2009 (n = 1), 2012 (n = 1), and 2018–2019 (n = 2). Overall, 862 (52.2%) patients received first-line treatment according to national guidelines (ceftriaxone 1 g). However, 154 (9.3%) patients received a nationally recommended alternative treatment (cefixime 400 mg or ofloxacin 400 mg), and 636 (38.5%) were given non-recommended treatment. Conclusions The gonococcal resistance to ciprofloxacin and tetracycline was high, however, the resistance to azithromycin was low and no resistance to ceftriaxone was identified. Ceftriaxone 1 g can continuously be recommended as empiric first-line gonorrhoea therapy in Belarus. Fluoroquinolones should not be prescribed for treatment if susceptibility has not been confirmed by testing. Timely updating and high compliance with national evidence-based gonorrhoea treatment guidelines based on quality-assured AMR data are imperative. The need for continued, improved and enhanced surveillance of gonococcal AMR in Belarus is evident.

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Antimicrobial use in COVID-19 patients in the first phase of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: Rapid review and evidence synthesis

10.1101/2021.02.18.21251932 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Wenjuan Cong ◽

Ak Narayan Poudel ◽

Nour Alhusein ◽

Hexing Wang ◽

Guiqing Yao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Antibiotic Resistance ◽

Critical Illness ◽

Antimicrobial Resistance ◽

Early Phase ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Antibiotic Use ◽

Rapid Review ◽

Antibiotic Prescribing ◽

Antimicrobial Use ◽

Secondary Infections

AbstractBackgroundAs the numbers of people with COVID-19 continue to increase globally, concerns have been raised regarding the widespread use of antibiotics for the treatment of COVID-19 patients and its consequences for antimicrobial resistance during the pandemic and beyond. The scale and determinants of antibiotic use in the early phase of the pandemic, and whether antibiotic prescribing is beneficial to treatment effectiveness in COVID-19 patients, are still unknown. Unwarranted treatment of this viral infection with antibiotics may exacerbate the problem of antibiotic resistance, while antibiotic resistance may render presumptive treatment of secondary infections in COVID-19 patients ineffective.MethodsThis rapid review was undertaken to identify studies reporting antimicrobial use in the treatment of hospitalised COVID-19 patients. The review was conducted to comply with PRISMA guidelines for Scoping Reviews (http://www.prisma-statement.org/Extensions/ScopingReviews) and the protocol was registered with the Open Science Framework (OSF): http://osf.io/vp6t5. The following databases: Web of Science, EMBASE, PubMed, CNKI & VIP were searched to identify the relevant studies from 1 Dec 2019 up to 15 June 2020; no limits were set on the language or the country where studies were conducted. The search terms used were: ((“Covid-19” or “SARS-CoV-2” or “Coronavirus disease 2019” or “severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2”) and ((“antibiotic prescribing” or “antibiotic use” or “antibiotic*”) or “antimicrobial *” or “antimicrobial therapy” or “antimicrobial resistance” or “antimicrobial stewardship”)). A total of 1216 records were identified through database searching and 118 clinical studies met the inclusion criteria and were taken into data extraction. A bespoke data extraction form was developed and validated through two independent, duplicate extraction of data from five Records. As all the included studies were descriptive in nature, we conducted descriptive synthesis of data and reported pooled estimates such as mean, percentage and frequency. We created a series of scenarios to capture the range of rationales for antibiotic prescribing presented in the included studies.ResultsOur results show that during the early phase of the pandemic, 8501 out of 10 329 COVID-19 patients (82·3%) were prescribed antibiotics; antibiotics were prescribed for COVID-19 patients regardless of reported severity, with a similar mean antibiotic prescribing rate between patients with severe or critical illness (75·4%) and patients with mild or moderate illness (75·1%). The top five frequently prescribed antibiotics for hospitalised COVID-19 patients were azithromycin (28·0 % of studies), ceftriaxone (17·8%), moxifloxacin (14·4%), meropenem (14·4%) and piperacillin/tazobactam (12·7%). The proportion of patients prescribed antibiotics without clinical justification was 51·5% vs 41·9 % for patients with mild or moderate illness and those with severe or critical illness respectively. Comparison of patients who were provided antibiotics with a clinical justification with those who were given antibiotics without clinical justification showed lower mortality rates (9·5% vs 13·1%), higher discharge rates (80·9% vs 69·3%) and shorter length of hospital of stay (9·3 days vs 12·2 days). Only 9·7% of patients in our included studies were reported to have secondary infections.ConclusionsAntibiotics were prescribed indiscriminately for hospitalised COVID-19 patients regardless of severity of illness during the early phase of the pandemic. COVID-19 related concerns and lack of knowledge drove a large proportion of antibiotic use without specific clinical justification. Although we are still in the midst of the pandemic, the goals of antimicrobial stewardship should remain unchanged for the treatment of COVID-19 patients.

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An analysis of antibiotic prescribing practices for enteric bacterial infections within FoodNet Canada sentinel sites

Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy ◽

10.1093/jac/dkz525 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 75 (4) ◽

pp. 1061-1067

Author(s):

Brendan Dougherty ◽

Rita Finley ◽

Barbara Marshall ◽

Danielle Dumoulin ◽

Amy Pavletic ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Bacterial Infections ◽

Treatment Guidelines ◽

Descriptive Analysis ◽

Antibiotic Use ◽

Sentinel Site ◽

Antibiotic Prescribing ◽

Prescribing Practices ◽

Environmental Scan ◽

Current State ◽

Enteric Infections

Abstract Objectives Understanding the current state of antibiotic treatment guidelines and prescribing practices for bacterial enteric infections is critical to inform antibiotic stewardship initiatives. This study aims to add to the current understanding through three objectives: (i) to identify and summarize published treatment guidelines for bacterial enteric infections; (ii) to describe observed antibiotic prescribing practices for bacterial enteric infections across three sentinel sites in Canada; and (iii) to assess concordance between observed antibiotic prescribing and treatment guidelines. Methods An environmental scan of treatment guidelines for bacterial enteric infections was conducted and recommendations were collated. A descriptive analysis of cases of bacterial enteric illnesses captured in FoodNet Canada’s sentinel site surveillance system between 2010 and 2018 was performed. Antibiotic-use data were self-reported by cases via an enhanced questionnaire. Results Ten treatment guidelines were identified in the environmental scan. There was substantial variation between guidelines for both when to prescribe antibiotics and which antibiotics were recommended. Of the 5877 cases of laboratory-confirmed bacterial enteric illness in the three sites, 49% of cases reported having received an antibiotic prescription. Of particular significance was the finding that 21% of verotoxigenic Escherichia coli cases received a prescription. Of the 17 antibiotics recommended in the guidelines, 14 were used in practice. In addition to these, 18 other antibiotics not included in any of the guidelines reviewed were also prescribed. Conclusions Our study suggests that a substantial proportion of enteric bacterial infections in Canada are prescribed antibiotics. These findings highlight the need to standardize treatment guidelines for enteric illnesses and could be used to inform future stewardship programme development.

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Laboratory based antimicrobial resistance surveillance for Pseudomonas aeruginosa blood isolates from South Africa

The Journal of Infection in Developing Countries ◽

10.3855/jidc.9539 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 12 (08) ◽

pp. 616-624

Author(s):

Ashika Singh-Moodley ◽

Adriano Duse ◽

Preneshni Naicker ◽

Ranmini Kularatne ◽

Trusha Nana ◽

...

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Pseudomonas Aeruginosa ◽

Antimicrobial Resistance ◽

Antimicrobial Susceptibility ◽

Bacterial Infections ◽

Treatment Guidelines ◽

Resistance Mechanisms ◽

Multi Drug Resistance ◽

Hospital Treatment ◽

Baseline Information

Introduction: Antimicrobial resistant bacterial infections are widespread globally and increases in antimicrobial resistance presents a major threat to public health. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic healthcare-associated pathogen with high rates of morbidity and mortality and an extensive range of resistance mechanisms. This study describes the antibiotic susceptibility profiles of P. aeruginosa isolates from patients with bacteraemia submitted by sentinel laboratories in South Africa from 2014 to 2015. Methodology: Organism identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were done using automated systems. Molecular methods were used to detect common resistance genes and mechanisms. Results: Overall the susceptibility was high for all antibiotics tested with a decrease over the two-year period. There was no change in the MIC50 and MIC90 breakpoints for all antibiotics from 2014 to 2015. The MIC50 was within the susceptible breakpoint range for most antibiotics and the MIC90 was within the susceptible breakpoint range for colistin only. Phenotypically carbapenem non-susceptible isolates harboured the following plasmid-mediated genes: blaVIM (n = 81, 12%) and blaGES (n = 6, 0.9%); blaNDM (n = 4, 0.6%) and blaOXA-48 and variants (n = 3, 0.45%). Porin deletions were observed in one meropenem non-susceptible isolate only, and multi-drug resistance efflux pumps were expressed in the majority of the non-susceptible isolates investigated. BlaVEB-1, blaIMP and blaKPC were not detected. Conclusion: The prevalence of resistance to commonly used antibacterial agents was low for P. aeruginosa isolates and similarly, tested resistance mechanisms were detected in a relatively small proportion of isolates. Findings in this study represent baseline information for understanding antimicrobial susceptibility patterns in P. aeruginosa isolates from blood. Our surveillance report may assist in contributing to hospital treatment guidelines.

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Impact of an antimicrobial resistance control program: pre- and post-training antibiotic use in children with typhoid fever

Paediatrica Indonesiana ◽

10.14238/pi56.4.2016.205-10 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 56 (4) ◽

pp. 205 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Elfrida A. Rachmah ◽

Maftuchah Rochmanti ◽

Dwiyanti Puspitasari

Keyword(s):

Antimicrobial Resistance ◽

Typhoid Fever ◽

Bacterial Infections ◽

Good Condition ◽

Antibiotic Use ◽

Appropriate Use ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Pediatric Residents ◽

The Impact

Inappropriate use of antibiotics may lead to antimicrobial resistance. In 2012, Dr. Soetomo Hospital conducted training for pediatric residents on the proper use of antibiotics to limit antimicrobial resistance.Objective To evaluate the impact of a rational, antibiotic-use training program for pediatric residents on their antibiotic prescriptions for patients with typhoid fever.Methods A cross-sectional, analytic study was conducted. We collected data from children with typhoid fever who were hospitalized in Dr. Soetomo Hospital, pre- and post-training on antibiotic prescriptions. Children with other known bacterial infections or who were discharged on request were excluded. Antibiotic prescriptions were evaluated using Gyssens algorithm based on the local protocol. Chi-square test was used to compare the quality of antibiotic prescriptions, before (year 2012) and after (year 2013) the training.Results Forty-nine patients with 67 prescriptions in 2012 and 34 patients with 48 prescriptions in 2013 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Patients’ ages ranged from 1-18 years. Diagnoses of uncomplicated and complicated typhoid were found in 74% and 26% of subjects, respectively. First line (chloramphenicol, thiamphenicol, ampicillin, trimetroprim and sulfametoxazol) and second line (ceftriaxone and cefixime) use were 72% and 28%, respectively. All patients were discharged in good condition. Appropriate use of antibiotics was noted in 61% of subjects in 2012 and in 81% of subjects in 2013 (P=0.036). The most common type of error in 2012 and 2013 was dosage imprecision (25% and 17%, respectively).Conclusion Training on appropriate use of antibiotics significantly improved the quality of antibiotics prescribed in children with typhoid fever in Dr. Soetomo Hospital.

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Antimicrobial Resistance Mechanisms amongCampylobacter

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2013/340605 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 2013 ◽

pp. 1-12 ◽

Cited By ~ 92

Author(s):

Kinga Wieczorek ◽

Jacek Osek

Keyword(s):

Antimicrobial Resistance ◽

Antimicrobial Agents ◽

Severe Disease ◽

Resistance Mechanisms ◽

Antimicrobial Treatment ◽

Clear Correlation ◽

Campylobacter Coli ◽

Causative Agents ◽

Contaminated Food ◽

Alternative Choice

Campylobacter jejuniandCampylobacter coliare recognized as the most common causative agents of bacterial gastroenteritis in the world. Humans most often become infected by ingesting contaminated food, especially undercooked chicken, but also other sources of bacteria have been described. Campylobacteriosis is normally a self-limiting disease. Antimicrobial treatment is needed only in patients with more severe disease and in those who are immunologically compromised. The most common antimicrobial agents used in the treatment ofCampylobacterinfections are macrolides, such as erythromycin, and fluoroquinolones, such as ciprofloxacin. Tetracyclines have been suggested as an alternative choice in the treatment of clinical campylobacteriosis but in practice are not often used. However, during the past few decades an increasing number of resistantCampylobacterisolates have developed resistance to fluoroquinolones and other antimicrobials such as macrolides, aminoglycosides, and beta-lactams. Trends in antimicrobial resistance have shown a clear correlation between use of antibiotics in the veterinary medicine and animal production and resistant isolates ofCampylobacterin humans. In this review, the patterns of emerging resistance to the antimicrobial agents useful in treatment of the disease are presented and the mechanisms of resistance to these drugs inCampylobacterare discussed.

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The clinical impact of bacterial co-infection among moderate, severe and critically ill COVID-19 patients in the second referral hospital in Surabaya

F1000Research ◽

10.12688/f1000research.31645.2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 ◽

pp. 113

Author(s):

Tri Pudy Asmarawati ◽

Alfian Nur Rosyid ◽

Satriyo Dwi Suryantoro ◽

Bagus Aulia Mahdi ◽

Choirina Windradi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Intensive Care ◽

Length Of Stay ◽

Bacterial Infection ◽

Bacterial Infections ◽

Antibiotic Use ◽

Hospital Length ◽

Hospital Length Of Stay ◽

Intensive Care Treatment ◽

Care Treatment ◽

Causative Agents

Background: Data on the prevalence of bacterial co-infections among COVID-19 patients are limited, especially in our country, Indonesia. We aimed to assess the rate of bacterial co-infections in hospitalized COVID-19 patients and report the most common microorganisms involved and the antibiotic use in these patients. Methods: This study is a retrospective cohort study, among COVID-19 adult patients admitted to Universitas Airlangga Hospital Surabaya from 14 March-30 September 2020. The bacterial infection is defined based on clinical assessment, laboratory parameters, and microbiology results. Results: A total of 218 patients with moderate to critical illness and confirmed COVID-19 were included in this study. Bacterial infection was confirmed in 43 patients (19.7%). COVID-19 patients with bacterial infections had longer hospital length of stay (17.6 ± 6.62 vs 13.31±7.12), a higher proportion of respiratory failure, intensive care treatment, and ventilator use. COVID-19 patients with bacterial infection had a worse prognosis than those without bacterial infection (p<0.04). The empirical antibiotic was given to 75.2% of the patients. Gram-negative bacteria were commonly found as causative agents in this study (n = 39; 70.37%). Conclusion: COVID-19 patients with bacterial infection have a longer length of stay and worse outcomes. Healthcare-associated infections during intensive care treatment for COVID-19 patients must be carefully prevented.

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Knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions about antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance among final year undergraduate medical and pharmacy students at three universities in East Africa

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0251301 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (5) ◽

pp. e0251301

Author(s):

Margaret Lubwama ◽

Jackson Onyuka ◽

Kirabo Tess Ayazika ◽

Leoson Junior Ssetaba ◽

Joseph Siboko ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Antimicrobial Resistance ◽

East Africa ◽

Antimicrobial Stewardship ◽

Hospital Setting ◽

Antibiotic Use ◽

Pharmacy Students ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Practical Training ◽

Clinical Scenarios ◽

District Hospitals

Introduction Proper measures to combat antimicrobial resistance development and spread in Sub Saharan Africa are very crucial bearing in mind the projected burden of antimicrobial resistance which is expected to be increase by 2050. Training of medical doctor and pharmacy students in antimicrobial stewardship is vital to combat antimicrobial resistance. This study was designed to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and perception of final year medical and pharmacy students on antimicrobial use and antimicrobial resistance at three universities in Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. Methodology A cross-sectional survey was carried out among final year undergraduate medical and pharmacy students at three universities in East Africa. A Self-administered questionnaire was developed which included dichotomous questions and questions using a 4-point Likert scale. The questions were based on knowledge and attitude about antibiotics, and preparedness to use antibiotics in clinical scenarios. Data were analyzed using STATA version 16 following the objective of the study. Results Three hundred and twenty-eight final year students participated in the survey from MUK 75, MKU 75 and CUHAS 178. Slightly majority of participants were male 192(58.5%) and their median age was 25 [23 – 27] years. In general, 36.6% (120/328) of students had good overall total knowledge. More students at MUK had good knowledge compared to MKU, and CUHAS (72% vs, 40% vs. 20.2%; p<0.001). The mean scores for overall good total knowledge, general knowledge about antibiotics, knowledge about antibiotic resistance, and knowledge about antibiotic use in clinical scenarios were 58% (CI: 57%– 60%), 95% (CI: 94%– 97%), 54% (CI: 52% - 56%), and 46% (CI:44% - 48%) respectively. More pharmacy students compared to medical students had a good attitude and perception on antibiotic use (79.6% vs. 68.4%; p = 0.026). The students at CUHAS perceived being more prepared to use antibiotic in district hospitals compared to MKU and MUK (75.3% vs. 62.7% vs. 65.3%; p = 0.079). While two hundred and seventy (82.3%) students perceived knowing when to start antimicrobial therapy, 112 (34.2%) did not know how to select the appropriate antibiotic (p<0.0001), 97 (29.6%) did not know the antibiotic dose to give (p<0.0001), and 111 (33.8%) did not know when to switch form an intravenous antibiotic to oral regimen (p<0.0001). Conclusion Final year students have low scores in knowledge about antimicrobial resistance and antibiotic use in clinical scenarios. This has exposed gaps in practical training of students, while they may feel confident, are not fully prepared to prescribe antibiotics in a hospital setting. A multidisciplinary and practical approach involving medical schools across the East African region should be undertaken to train final year undergraduate students in antimicrobial resistance and antimicrobial stewardship programs. Antimicrobial resistance and antimicrobial stewardship courses should be introduced into the curriculum of final year medicine and pharmacy programs.

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Using Weibo and WeChat social media channels to assess public awareness and practices related to antimicrobial resistance, China, 2019

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-10648-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Lei Wang ◽

Sujian Situ ◽

Jeanette J. Rainey ◽

Bin He ◽

Xiaoge Su ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Social Media ◽

Antimicrobial Resistance ◽

Text Messaging ◽

Bacterial Infections ◽

Online Survey ◽

Viral Infections ◽

Public Awareness ◽

Antibiotic Use ◽

Tract Infections ◽

Media Channels

Abstract Background Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global healthcare problem, including in China where high rates of resistance to common bacterial infections have been documented. In 2016, the National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC) in China established a comprehensive strategic plan to increase awareness about AMR through education programs. Methods We conducted an online survey to assess changes in public knowledge, awareness and practices related to AMR in China since 2016. The survey was administered using China’s national and provincial level 12320 Health Hotline Weibo (micro-blog site) and WeChat (text messaging service) social media accounts from April 12, 2019 to May 7, 2019. All persons ≥16 years of age able to read Chinese were eligible to participate. Results A total of 2773 respondents completed the survey. Of the 2633 respondents indicating recent use of antibiotics, 84% (2223) reported obtaining their course of antibiotics from a hospital or pharmacy, 9% (246) of respondents reported using antibiotics saved from a previous prescription or treatment course, and 42% (1115) of respondents reported that they had stopped taking antibiotics as soon as they started feeling better. Most respondents correctly indicated that antibiotics can effectively treat urinary tract infections (86% [2388]) and skin infections (76% [2119]), but many incorrectly indicated that antibiotics can also treat viral infections such as measles (32% [889]) or a cold or flu (26% [726]). Of all respondents, 95% (2634) had heard of ‘antibiotic resistance’. Almost half (47% [1315]) reported using antibiotics within the last 6 months. Conclusion While awareness of AMR was high in this survey of social media users in China, inappropriate antibiotic use remains common, including the believe that antibiotics can effectively treat viral infections. Multiple interventions targeting the correct use of antibiotics and information on the cause AMR are likely needed. The 12320 Health Hotline provides a platform for conducting routine surveys to monitor antibiotic use and knowledge about AMR.

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The use of antibiotics in COVID-19 management: a rapid review of national treatment guidelines in 10 African countries

Tropical Medicine and Health ◽

10.1186/s41182-021-00344-w ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 49 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Yusuff Adebayo Adebisi ◽

Nafisat Dasola Jimoh ◽

Isaac Olushola Ogunkola ◽

Theogene Uwizeyimana ◽

Alaka Hassan Olayemi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Antimicrobial Resistance ◽

Clavulanic Acid ◽

Treatment Guidelines ◽

Viral Disease ◽

Rapid Review ◽

National Treatment ◽

African Countries ◽

Resistance Response ◽

Amoxicillin Clavulanic Acid

AbstractAntimicrobial resistance is a hidden threat lurking behind the COVID-19 pandemic which has claimed thousands of lives prior to the emergence of the global outbreak. With a pandemic on the scale of COVID-19, antimicrobial resistance has the potential to become a double-edged sword with the overuse of antibiotics having the potential of taking us back to the pre-antibiotic era. Antimicrobial resistance is majorly attributed to widespread and unnecessary use of antibiotics, among other causes, which has facilitated the emergence and spread of resistant pathogens. Our study aimed to conduct a rapid review of national treatment guidelines for COVID-19 in 10 African countries (Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Liberia, Ethiopia, and Rwanda) and examined its implication for antimicrobial resistance response on the continent. Our findings revealed that various antibiotics, such as azithromycin, doxycycline, clarithromycin, ceftriaxone, erythromycin, amoxicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, ampicillin, gentamicin, benzylpenicillin, piperacillin/tazobactam, ciprofloxacin, ceftazidime, cefepime, vancomycin, meropenem, and cefuroxime among others, were recommended for use in the management of COVID-19. This is worrisome in that COVID-19 is a viral disease and only a few COVID-19 patients would have bacterial co-infection. Our study highlighted the need to emphasize prudent and judicious use of antibiotics in the management of COVID-19 in Africa.

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