Global antimicrobial resistance and antibiotic use in COVID-19 patients within health facilities: a systematic review and meta-analysis of aggregated participant data

A systematic review of 11,050 studies screened for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and antibiotic usage among COVID-19 patients in healthcare facilities revealed that 42.9% of patients had MDROs, with the highest prevalence in low- and middle-income countries. Antibiotic use was highest in South Asia, with the lowest proportion in North America. The study also found that antibiotic use and ICU admission were significant predictors of higher MDRO prevalence. The findings highlight the challenge of preventing and controlling AMR amidst the pandemic and emphasize the need for enhanced antimicrobial stewardship strategies to mitigate future pandemic risks. The study serves as a warning to policymakers to address the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.