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The COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant changes in healthcare practices, including increased antibiotic usage. This study aimed to investigate the impact of the pandemic on the prevalence of extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL) production and carbapenem resistance among key bacterial species causing urinary tract infections (UTIs). Conducted at King Fahad Medical City in Riyadh from January 2018 to December 2022, the study analyzed urine samples from 9697 UTI patients. Patients were categorized into 'pre-COVID-19' and 'during COVID-19' groups. Bacterial isolates were identified, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed following guidelines. ESBL production was detected using the Double-Disc Synergy Test. Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae were the main pathogens. During the pandemic, ESBL production decreased in E. coli by 1.9% and in K. pneumoniae by 6.0%. Carbapenem resistance also declined, with E. coli displaying a 1.2% reduction and K. pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa displaying 10.7% and 7.9% reductions, respectively. Notably, logistic regression analysis revealed that the odds of ESBL presence were 10% lower during the COVID-19 pandemic (OR 0.91; 95% CI 0.83-0.99; p = 0.040), and there was a significant reduction in the odds of carbapenem resistance (OR 0.43; 95% CI 0.37-0.51; p < 0.001). This study reveals a significant decrease in ESBL production and carbapenem resistance among UTI pathogens during the COVID-19 pandemic, hinting at the impact of modified antibiotic and healthcare approaches. It emphasizes the need for persistent antimicrobial resistance surveillance and policy adaptation to address resistance challenges, offering key directions for future public health actions.
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In the shadow of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the emergence of the JN.1 variant highlights the need for continued vigilance. This Editorial examines the characteristics of JN.1, derived from BA.2.86, and how it affects global public health. Despite its mutation on the spike protein and rapid spread, there has been no increase in disease severity, particularly in terms of ICU admissions, as evidenced by data from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We emphasize the importance of continued surveillance, vaccine adaptation, and public health preparedness while advocating for a balanced response to effectively manage the post-pandemic era. It reflects on the resilience built through vaccination efforts and the need for international cooperation to navigate the way forward in the face of additional severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants.
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OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of alexithymia and its associated factors among medical students at King Saud University (KSU), Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at KSU, including 420 medical students from all years of medical college (i.e., first to the fifth year), by using an electronic questionnaire distributed during August 2021. The questionnaire consisted of sociodemographic-related questions and the 20-item Toronto alexithymia scale (a validated scale in the literature). RESULTS: The prevalence of alexithymia among the participants was found to be 26.9%. A statistically significant association between alexithymia and gender (p=0.013) was found. A diagnosis with any psychiatric condition (p=0.026), history of abuse during childhood (p=0.006), and lack of physical activity were associated with alexithymia. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of alexithymia among medical students at KSU was significantly higher than general population in literatures. It was indicated in the results that being female, having a psychiatric condition or history of childhood abuse, and lack of physical activity were all associated with alexithymia. We recommend increasing awareness of and screening for alexithymia and its associated factors among medical students.
