AMR research in a post-pandemic world: Insights on antimicrobial resistance research in the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic is predicted to impact the transmission of bacterial infections and the emergence of antibiotic resistance (AMR). The likely positive influence on antibiotic resistance that social distancing, increased awareness and the use of interventions to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 has had could also be counteracted by the reported excessive use of broad spectrum antibiotics to treat patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. Antimicrobial stewardship programmes and AMR focussed research activities must remain active during the COVID-19 and future pandemics, in order to safeguard against an uncontrolled rise in AMR.