The COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) pandemic is expected to impact bacterial infection transmission and the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The confirmed overuse of broad-spectrum antibiotics to treat individuals infected with the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) had impacted positively to cause AMR. In this regard, the current review article provides insights on the research areas to be looked at to tackle AMR.

The major areas identified are antibiotic use during the pandemic, co-managing multiple infections, and the impact of COVID-19 on AMR research. As per the evidence, it was reported that 7 to 8 percent of hospitalized COVID -19 patients were affected with fungal or bacterial infections. But the use of antibiotics in covid positive patients has been considerably high at 71.9%. Further clinical and microbiological studies are required from ventilated and non-ventilated patients to check on the usage and emergence rate of AMR.

COVID-19 was prioritized and all the healthcare personnel, resources, and attention were redirected to it. It delayed the research in other fields including AMR. The resistance data is required to help researchers better understand possible disruptions in stewardship and surveillance activities, as well as to highlight the early emergence of resistance linked to COVID-19 and secondary infections due to antibiotic use.

To know more please visit the website of Journal of Global Antimicrobial Resistance through this link.