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Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the world’s most serious public health threats. According to a recent study published in The Lancet, bacteria resistant to antibiotics are responsible for 1.3 million direct deaths each year and 5 million indirect ones. The estimations were made in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbates the problem.

Graphic with blue globe, green COVID-19, and blue and green pills illustrated on a white background with text reading: "COVID-19 Fatalities 5 Million in 2020, 2.5 million in 2021, 1.27 million AMR Fatalities Annually

 

 

Unfortunately, those who are the most vulnerable to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, are also the most vulnerable to drug-resistant infections. People over the age of 65 and those with underlying medical conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness, no matter the cause.

Illustrated graphic with green box reading: "Those most vulnerable to COVID-19 are also the most vulnerable to drug-resistant infections". Illustration of elderly couple: "over Age 65" , Transplant Recipient: With compromised immune systems,", Bloog Check "With Chronic Health Conditions"

 

Many hospitalized COVID-19 patients have been receiving antimicrobials, but relatively few have actually had bacterial co-infections or secondary infections. This means that many antimicrobials may have been administered to patients unnecessarily, therefore contributing to the spread of AMR. Some studies have shown that antibiotics have been administered to the majority of hospitalized COVID-19 patients, and 80-100% of COVID-19 patients in the ICU.

 

Green box of text reading:How does COVID-19 Contribute to AMR. Illustration of Hospital with Text: "Antibiotic therapy for COVID-19 patients was as high as 72% in some hospitals" Illustration of microorganisms: "Only 8% of COVID-19 patients were found to have bacterials or fungal co-infections"

 

“Since the emergence of COVID-19, collected data have shown an increase in antibiotic use, even though most of the initial illnesses being treated have been from COVID-19 viral infection,” says Dawn Sievert, senior science advisor for antibiotic resistance at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in an article published in the BMJ. “The resulting increased exposure to healthcare settings and invasive procedures, along with expanded antibiotic use, amplifies the opportunity for resistant pathogens to emerge and spread.”

How Diagnostics Can Help

Diagnostics can help fight COVID-19 and AMR by assisting doctors with treatment decisions. With diagnostics, doctors can determine if a patient has COVID-19, a coinfection, or a secondary infection, and what pathogen is causing the infection. Especially for severe infections, accurate and rapid bloodstream pathogen identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing can help doctors improve clinical outcomes.

 

Green text reading: "With Diagnostics," Green box with text underneath reading"1. Reduce unnecessary antibiotic use with shorter turnaround times for COVID-19 Tests 2. Differentiate between viral and bacterial infections to determine the best course of treatment. 3. Make informed decisions about when antibiotic therapy can be safely discontinued."

How Vaccines Can Help

Vaccines can help in the fight against COVID-19 and AMR as well. They are critical for preventing infections, including resistant infections. Healthcare providers can help ensure that patients receive the appropriate vaccinations on schedule.  Patients should learn about vaccines recommended for all ages and follow their physician’s guidance.

White background blue text reading: WITH VACCINES. Blue box, dark blue text reading"1. Reduce COVID-19 Infections, 2. Reduce the potential for unnecessary antibiotic use. 3. Decrease the likelihood of spreading drug resistance" Illustration of gloved hands readying a vaccine

How You Can Help

The transmission of COVID-19 and the spread of AMR can also be mitigated with your help. To prevent the transmission of COVID-19, understand how the virus is transmitted. Wash your hands often, wear a mask in public places, and practice social distancing (at least 6 feet away) with people outside your home. The spread of AMR can be curtailed in a number of ways, including through infection prevention measures such as hand washing and the appropriate use of antimicrobials. You should get vaccinated according to your doctor’s recommendations, use antibiotics exactly as they’re prescribed.

 

Green box, reads: "HOW YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE". Blue text box with illustration of medication, person wearing mask and doctor writing prescription. Text reads "1. Follow your doctor's instructions for treatment when you are sick, 2. Do not share antibiotics or other prescription medications with other people, 3. Take infection prevention measures: wash your hands, wear a mask in public places, & practice safe social distancing"

 

It is crucial that we do not overlook the potential for the pandemic to increase AMR around the world. “Before the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, overcoming AMR already demanded urgent global action,” states a Nature editorial. “Now that we are in the midst of a pandemic, understanding the pathogenesis [how a disease develops] of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and the potential for bacterial coinfections, is imperative.”

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