Antimicrobial resistance burden pre and post-COVID-19 pandemic with mapping the multidrug resistance in Egypt: a comparative cross-sectional study

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Egypt, with multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensive drug-resistant (XDR) strains increasing. A multicenter study found that K. pneumoniae resistance has increased against quinolones and carbapenems, while E. coli resistance has increased against imipenem and meropenem. A. baumannii resistance has doubled against ceftazidime, cefepime, and piperacillin-tazobactam. MDR K. pneumoniae and A. baumannii resistance has also increased post-COVID-19. Urgent action is needed to mitigate this threat and preserve the country’s ability to face future infections.