“Impact of COVID-19 on Antimicrobial Resistance in North Indian Asian Population: A Institutional Based Study”.

Abstract

Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) possess threat to the effective treatment and prevention of ever-amassed infections caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites and fungi. It is an emerging worldwide public health problem despite several technological advancements. The outbreak of COVID-19 infection has additionally embroidered this problem due to the consumption of varied antibiotics.

Aim and Objective: The present study aimed to assess the pattern of AMR developed against bacterial agents in the pre-and post-COVID-19 outbreak.

Material and Methods: This single-centre hospital-based study was conducted on 967 bacterial isolates obtained from blood and urine samples of patients who attended the outpatient department (OPD) and inpatient department (IPD).A cumulative of 576 bacterial isolates including both specimens (blood and urine) were detected during the pandemic phase from patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 infection of which 71.87% were from blood and 28.12% from urine specimens. The Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method was used according to the CLSI guidelines 2019.

Results: The results showed that among total bacterial isolates, the gram-negative population were found to be increased compared to gram-positive bacteria during both pre-COVID and during the COVID-19 pandemic phase. Of the total isolates, most of the blood specimens were received from the in-patients department (IPD) (71.87%) hospitalized for the treatment and management of COVID-19. Among gram-positive pathogens, Staphylococcus aureus showed more percentage (60.62%) followed by Enterococcus spp. (8.93%) in blood culture specimens received during the pandemic phase. Moreover, ciprofloxacin and cotrimoxazole showed reduced susceptibility among gram-negative bacteria.

Conclusion:  The results of the present study extensively reported the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) pattern during the pre-pandemic and COVID-19 pandemic phase and it is recommended to fabricate strict guidelines for the judicious use of antibiotics along with strengthening the antibiotic steward policies, especially in low and middle-income countries.