Conflict-associated wounds and burns infected with GLASS pathogens in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: A systematic review

This systematic review of literature on Global Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System (GLASS) priority pathogens causing infections in civilian wounds and burns in conflict-affected countries within the World Health Organisation’s Eastern Mediterranean Region Office (EMRO) found high rates of GLASS priority pathogens among wounded civilians. The review identified 1,942 distinct microbiological isolates, with Staphylococcus aureus being the most prevalent. The findings suggest the need for effective surveillance and standardised data collection in conflict-affected settings, including under-represented countries. Improving primary data will facilitate the production of large, high-quality studies. The review concludes that laboratory diagnostic capacity building and improved surveillance are required to assess the burden of GLASS priority pathogens in vulnerable non-combatant populations.