Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Antimicrobial Resistance Pattern;Transition from Resistivity to Susceptibility

ABSTRACT

Objective: The study aimed to assess the antibiotic resistance pattern before and after the pandemic to provide the physicians with general guidance for antibiotic prescribing. Material and Methods: The yearly antibiograms of different tertiary care hospitals were extracted from Pakistan Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Network. The data timeline observed was from January 2016 to December 2020. The data were scrutinized to the most common organism studied with the most recurring antimicrobial used. Results: Among the Gram-positive organisms, increased resistivity against penicillin was observed against both the organism, while a good susceptibility was observed against vancomycin. Among the Gram-negative organisms, the highest resistance was observed in Ceftriaxone, Ciprofloxacin, and Cotrimoxazole. Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli are the most prevalent organisms in tertiary care hospitals. Conclusion: While satisfactory susceptibility was observed in Amikacin and Piperacillin/Tazobactam. The post-pandemic era resulted in a decrease in AMR due to significant changes in antibiotic prescribing patterns. This report may guide future antibiotic prescribing.