WHO reports widespread overuse of antibiotics in patients hospitalized with COVID-19

The World Health Organization (WHO) has revealed that the overuse of antibiotics during the COVID-19 pandemic may have exacerbated the “silent” spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The study found that 75% of hospitalized COVID-19 patients had bacterial co-infections requiring antibiotics, with the highest rate observed among severe or critical cases. The study found that ‘Watch’ antibiotics with higher resistance potential were most frequently prescribed globally. The findings call for improvements in the rational use of antibiotics to minimize unnecessary negative consequences for patients and populations. The findings are based on data from 40,000 patients admitted to hospitals in 65 countries over a three-year period. The findings are being presented at the ESCMID Global Congress and are relevant to the upcoming UN General Assembly High-Level Meeting on AMR in September.