Abstract

A REVIEW ON HIDDEN THREAT BEHIND ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Satish S., Madhushree* and A. R. Shabaraya

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Abstract

A novel corona virus had hit the world in 2019 resulting in major shutdown which was later declared as Pandemic killing more than a million people worldwide. It was estimated that AMR alone could kill 10 million people per year by 2050. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has been cited as the most significant trouble to the global health and global frugality in recent years, however is currently possible to be transcended by COVID-19 for some time. The fear of COVID-19 infection together with lack of sufficient knowledge of the value of antibiotics infection, particularly in low- and middle-income countries with poor antibiotic control actions and restricted access to health settings has directly impacted the increased access to the over-thecounter antibiotics. Antibiotic resistance, in particular, has accelerated the spread of bacteria known as ―superbugs,‖ which place an immense strain on health systems and economies, and result in increased hospitalizations and deaths. Globally, India tops the list of countries with the highest antibiotic consumption, and highest AMR. Review on studies published on hospitalized COVID-19 patients identified that majority of patients received antibiotics, only fewdemonstrated superimposed bacterial or fungal co-infections. An individual‘s inappropriate attitude about the use of antibiotics has been found to be a major global risk factor for antibiotic resistance. Increased risk of infection potentially leading to an overuse of antimicrobials can occur due to vaccine services disruption. To mitigate further harm implementation of antimicrobial stewardship principles in COVID-19 patients is urgently needed. There is a need to look into the post-COVID-19 era when antimicrobial resistance will remain a challenge to be overcome.

Keywords: Antibiotic resistance, Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), COVID-19, Antibiotic stewardship.