The interrelationships between antimicrobial resistance, COVID-19, past, and future pandemics

Strategies for controlling polymicrobial biofilms: A focus on antibiofilm agents

Polymicrobial biofilms are among the leading causes of antimicrobial treatment failure. In these biofilms, bacterial and fungal pathogens interact synergistically at the interspecies, intraspecies, and interkingdom levels. Consequently, combating polymicrobial biofilms is substantially more difficult compared to single-species biofilms due to their distinct properties and the resulting potential variation in antimicrobial drug efficiency. In recent years, there has been an increased focus on developing alternative strategies for controlling polymicrobial biofilms formed by bacterial and fungal pathogens. Current approaches for controlling polymicrobial biofilms include monotherapy (using either natural or synthetic compounds), combination treatments, and nanomaterials. Here, a comprehensive review of different types of polymicrobial interactions between pathogenic bacterial species or bacteria and fungi is provided along with a discussion of their relevance. The mechanisms of action of individual compounds, combination treatments, and nanomaterials against polymicrobial biofilms are thoroughly explored. This review provides various future perspectives that can advance the strategies used to control polymicrobial biofilms and their likely modes of action. Since the majority of research on combating polymicrobial biofilms has been conducted in vitro, it would be an essential step in performing in vivo tests to determine the clinical effectiveness of different treatments against polymicrobial biofilms.

Prevalence, pandemic, preventions and policies to overcome antimicrobial resistance

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing concern in Asia, and it is essential to understand the prevalence, pandemic, prevention, and policies to overcome it. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), AMR is one of the main causes of death; in 2019, it was linked to 4.95 million fatalities and caused about 1.27 million deaths. A core package of actions has been provided by WHO to help countries prioritize their needs when creating, carrying out, and overseeing national action plans on antimicrobial resistance. Using a people-cantered approach to AMR, the interventions address the needs and obstacles that individuals and patients encounter when trying to obtain healthcare. The people-cantered core package of AMR treatments seeks to improve public and policymakers; awareness and comprehension of AMR by changing the narrative of AMR to emphasize the needs of people and systemic impairments. Additionally, it backs a more comprehensive and programmatic national response to AMR, which emphasizes the value of fair and inexpensive access to high-quality healthcare services for the avoidance, identification, and management of drug-resistant diseases. The report signals increasing resistance to antibiotics in bacterial infections in humans and the need for better data. In conclusion, the prevalence of AMR in Asia is a significant public health concern, and it is crucial to implement policies and interventions to overcome it.

Multiple impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and antimicrobial stewardship on antimicrobial resistance in nosocomial infections: an interrupted time series analysis

Objectives

The emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic may disrupt hospital management activities of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This study aimed to determine the changing AMR trend over the period in China when stringent COVID-19 response measures were implemented.

Methods

This retrospective study was conducted in a designated hospital for COVID-19 patients in Guangzhou, China from April 2018 to September 2021. The prevalence of 13 antimicrobial-resistant bacteria was compared before and after the COVID-19 responses through Chi-square tests. Interrupted time series (ITS) models on the weekly prevalence of AMR were established to determine the changing trend. Controlled ITS models were performed to compare the differences between subgroups.

Results

A total of 10,134 isolates over 1,265 days were collected. And antimicrobial-resistant strains presented in 38.6% of the testing isolates. The weekly AMR prevalence decreased by 0.29 percentage point (95% CI [0.05-0.80]) after antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) policy, despite an increase in the prevalence of penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae (from 0/43 to 15/43, p < 0.001), carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli (from 20/1254 to 41/1184, p = 0.005), and carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (from 93/889 to 114/828, p = 0.042). And the changing trend did not vary by gender (male vs. female), age (<65 vs. ≥65 years), service setting (outpatient vs. inpatient), care unit (ICU vs. non-ICU), the primary site of infection (Lung vs. others), and Gram type of bacteria (positive vs. negative).

Conclusion

The response to COVID-19 did not lead to an increase in overall AMR; however, it appears that management strategy on the prudent use of antimicrobials likely contributed to a sizable long-term drop. The frequency of several multidrug-resistant bacteria continues to increase after the COVID-19 epidemic. It is crucial to continue to monitor AMR when COVID-19 cases have surged in China after the relaxation of restriction measures.

The "COVID effect" in culture-based clinical microbiology: Changes induced by COVID-19 pandemic in a Hungarian tertiary care center

BACKGROUND

The presence of bacterial and fungal coinfections plays an important role in the mortality of patients with coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). We compared data from the 3 years before and 3 years after the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak to evaluate its effect on the traits of bacterial and fungal diseases.

METHODS

We retrospectively collected and analyzed data on positive respiratory tract samples (n = 13,133 samples from 7717 patients) and blood cultures (n = 23,652 from 9653 patients) between 2017 and 2022 from the Clinical Center of the University of Szeged, Hungary. We also evaluated antimicrobial susceptibility test results derived from 169,020 respiratory samples and 549,729 blood cultures to gain insight into changes in antimicrobial resistance.

RESULTS

The most common respiratory pathogen in the pre-COVID era was Pseudomonas aeruginosa, whereas Candida albicans was the most frequent during the pandemic. The number of respiratory isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii was also markedly increased. In blood cultures, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, and S. aureus were dominant during the study period, and A. baumannii was widespread in blood cultures during the pandemic years. Resistance to ofloxacin, penicillin, piperacillin-tazobactam, ceftazidime, cefepime, imipenem, ceftolozane-tazobactam, and itraconazole increased significantly in the COVID era.

CONCLUSIONS

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there were changes in the prevalence of respiratory and blood culture pathogens at the Clinical Center of the University of Szeged. C. albicans became the predominant respiratory pathogen, and the number of A. baumannii isolates increased dramatically. Additionally, antimicrobial resistance notably increased during this period.

CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing: a novel strategy for fighting drug resistance in respiratory disorders

Respiratory disorders are among the conditions that affect the respiratory system. The healthcare sector faces challenges due to the emergence of drug resistance to prescribed medications for these illnesses. However, there is a technology called CRISPR/Cas9, which uses RNA to guide DNA targeting. This technology has revolutionized our ability to manipulate and visualize the genome, leading to advancements in research and treatment development. It can effectively reverse epigenetic alterations that contribute to drug resistance. Some studies focused on health have shown that targeting genes using CRISPR/Cas9 can be challenging when it comes to reducing drug resistance in patients with respiratory disorders. Nevertheless, it is important to acknowledge the limitations of this technology, such as off-target effects, immune system reactions to Cas9, and challenges associated with delivery methods. Despite these limitations, this review aims to provide knowledge about CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing tools and explore how they can help overcome resistance in patients with respiratory disorders. Additionally, this study discusses concerns related to applications of CRISPR and provides an overview of successful clinical trial studies.

Epidemiology and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of Enterobacterales causing bloodstream infections before and during COVID-19 pandemic: Results of the Study for Monitoring Antimicrobial Resistance Trends (SMART) in Taiwan, 2018-2021

BACKGROUND

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has contributed to the spread of antimicrobial resistance, including carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales.

METHODS

This study utilized data from the Study for Monitoring Antimicrobial Resistance Trends (SMART) surveillance program in Taiwan. Enterobacterales from patients with bloodstream infections (BSIs) were collected and subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing and β-lactamase gene detection using a multiplex PCR assay. Statistical analysis was conducted to compare susceptibility rates and resistance genes between time periods before (2018-2019) and during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2021).

RESULTS

A total of 1231 Enterobacterales isolates were collected, predominantly Escherichia coli (55.6%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (29.2%). The proportion of nosocomial BSIs increased during the COVID-19 pandemic (55.5% vs. 61.7%, p < 0.05). Overall, susceptibility rates for most antimicrobial agents decreased, with Enterobacterales from nosocomial BSIs showing significantly lower susceptibility rates than those from community-acquired BSIs. Among 123 Enterobacterales isolates that underwent molecular resistance mechanism detection, ESBL, AmpC β-lactamase, and carbapenemase genes were detected in 43.1%, 48.8% and 16.3% of the tested isolates, respectively. The prevalence of carbapenemase genes among carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales increased during the pandemic, although the difference was not statistically significant. Two novel β-lactamase inhibitor combinations, imipenem-relebactam and meropenem-vaborbactam, preserved good efficacy against Enterobacterales. However, imipenem-relebactam showed lower in vitro activity against imipenem-non-susceptible Enterobacterales than that of meropenem-vaborbactam.

CONCLUSIONS

The COVID-19 pandemic appears to be associated with a general decrease in antimicrobial susceptibility rates among Enterobacterales causing BSIs in Taiwan. Continuous surveillance is crucial to monitor antimicrobial resistance during the pandemic and in the future.

Synthesis of a Series of Quinoxaline Derivatives and Their Antibacterial Effectiveness Against Pathogenic Bacteria

The pharmacological importance of quinoxaline derivatives in antibacterial research is well recognized. This study focuses on the synthesis of new 2,3‐dichloroquinoxaline derivatives containing thioether/ether groups to explore their potential as potent antibacterial agents against various pathogenic bacteria. Most of the compounds exhibited significant antibacterial properties comparable to the standard drug chlorhexidine (CHX). The derivatives of 2‐chloro‐3‐(arylthiol)quinoxaline demonstrated efficacy against Escherichia coli with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of 2.5 mg/mL and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) of 2.5 to 5.0 mg/mL. These derivatives also showed similar sensitivity to Bacillus pumilus. In addition, molecular docking simulations were performed to investigate the interaction between the synthesized compounds and the DNA gyrase protein (PDB ID: 1KZN), a target for antibiotics. Among the synthesized compounds, 2,3‐bis(3‐nitrophenoxy)quinoxaline exhibited the most favourable docking score of −8.36 kcal/mol, with a binding affinity comparable to that of the reference ligand clorobiocin (−9.3 kcal/mol).

Treatment and Management of Acinetobacter Pneumonia: Lessons Learned from Recent World Event

Acinetobacter pneumonia is a significant healthcare-associated infection that poses a considerable challenge to clinicians due to its multidrug-resistant nature. Recent world events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, have highlighted the need for effective treatment and management strategies for Acinetobacter pneumonia. In this review, we discuss lessons learned from recent world events, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic, in the context of the treatment and management of Acinetobacter pneumonia. We performed an extensive literature review to uncover studies and information pertinent to the topic. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of infection control measures in healthcare settings, including proper hand hygiene, isolation protocols, and personal protective equipment use, to prevent the spread of multidrug-resistant pathogens like Acinetobacter. Additionally, the pandemic highlighted the crucial role of antimicrobial stewardship programs in optimizing antibiotic use and curbing the emergence of resistance. Advances in diagnostic techniques, such as rapid molecular testing, have also proven valuable in identifying Acinetobacter infections promptly. Furthermore, due to the limited availability of antibiotics for treating infections caused A. baumannii, alternative strategies are needed like the use of antimicrobial peptides, bacteriophages and their enzymes, nanoparticles, photodynamic and chelate therapy. Recent world events, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic, have provided valuable insights into the treatment and management of Acinetobacter pneumonia. These lessons emphasize the significance of infection control, antimicrobial stewardship, and early diagnostics in combating this challenging infection.

Use of antimicrobials during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study among stakeholders in Nepal

The COVID-19 pandemic was a major public health threat and the pressure to find curative therapies was tremendous. Particularly in the early critical phase of the pandemic, a lot of empirical treatments, including antimicrobials, were recommended. Drawing on interviews with patients, clinicians and drug dispensers, this article explores the use of antimicrobials for the management of COVID-19 in Nepal. A total of 30 stakeholders (10 clinicians, 10 dispensers and 10 COVID-19 patients) were identified purposively and were approached for an interview. Clinicians and dispensers in three tertiary hospitals in Kathmandu assisted in the recruitment of COVID-19 patients who were undergoing follow-up at an out-patient department. Interviews were audio recorded, translated and transcribed into English, and were analyzed thematically. The respondents report that over-the-counter (OTC) use of antibiotics was widespread during the COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal. This was mostly rooted in patients' attempts to mitigate the potential severity of respiratory illnesses, and the fear of the stigmatization and social isolation linked to being identified as a COVID-19 patient. Patients who visited drug shops and physicians reportedly requested specific medicines including antibiotics. Clinicians reported uncertainty when treating COVID-19 cases that added pressure to prescribe antimicrobials. Respondents from all stakeholder groups recognized the dangers of excessive use of antimicrobials, with some referring to the development of resistance. The COVID-19 pandemic added pressure to prescribe, dispense and overuse antimicrobials, accentuating the pre-existing OTC use of antimicrobials. Infectious disease outbreaks and epidemics warrant special caution regarding the use of antimicrobials and specific policy response.

Point Prevalence Survey of Antimicrobial Use and Resistance during the COVID-19 Era among Hospitals in Saudi Arabia and the Implications

The inappropriate prescribing of antimicrobials increases antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which poses an appreciable threat to public health, increasing morbidity and mortality. Inappropriate antimicrobial prescribing includes their prescribing in patients hospitalized with COVID-19, despite limited evidence of bacterial infections or coinfections. Knowledge of current antimicrobial utilization in Saudi Arabia is currently limited. Consequently, the objective of this study was to document current antimicrobial prescribing patterns among Saudi hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study included patients with or without COVID-19 who were admitted to five hospitals in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Data were gathered using the Global PPS methodology and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Out of 897 hospitalized patients, 518 were treated with antibiotics (57.7%), with an average of 1.9 antibiotics per patient. There were 174 culture reports collected, representing 36.5% of all cases. The most common indication for antibiotics use was community-acquired infections, accounting for 61.4% of all cases. 'Watch' antibiotics were the most commonly prescribed antibiotics, with the cephalosporins and carbapenems representing 38.7% of all antibiotics prescribed, followed by the penicillins (23.2%). Notably, Piperacillin/Tazobactam and Azithromycin were prescribed at relatively higher rates for COVID-19 patients. These findings highlight the need for continuous efforts to optimize the rational use of antibiotics through instigating appropriate antimicrobial stewardship programs in hospitals and, as a result, reduce AMR in the country.

Innovative Phospholipid Carriers: A Viable Strategy to Counteract Antimicrobial Resistance

The overuse and misuse of antibiotics have led to the emergence and spread of multidrug-resistant (MDR), extensively drug-resistant (XDR), and pan-drug-resistant (PDR) bacteria strains, usually associated with poorer patient outcomes and higher costs. In order to preserve the usefulness of these life-saving drugs, it is crucial to use them appropriately, as also recommended by the WHO. Moreover, innovative, safe, and more effective approaches are being investigated, aiming to revise drug treatments to improve their pharmacokinetics and distribution and to reduce the onset of drug resistance. Globally, to reduce the burden of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), guidelines and indications have been developed over time, aimed at narrowing the use and diminishing the environmental spread of these life-saving molecules by optimizing prescriptions, dosage, and times of use, as well as investing resources into obtaining innovative formulations with better pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and therapeutic results. This has led to the development of new nano-formulations as drug delivery vehicles, characterized by unique structural properties, biocompatible natures, and targeted activities such as state-of-the-art phospholipid particles generally grouped as liposomes, virosomes, and functionalized exosomes, which represent an attractive and innovative delivery approach. Liposomes and virosomes are chemically synthesized carriers that utilize phospholipids whose nature is predetermined based on their use, with a long track record as drug delivery systems. Exosomes are vesicles naturally released by cells, which utilize the lipids present in their cellular membranes only, and therefore, are highly biocompatible, with investigations as a delivery system having a more recent origin. This review will summarize the state of the art on microvesicle research, liposomes, virosomes, and exosomes, as useful and effective tools to tackle the threat of antibiotic resistance.

In Vitro Synergistic Inhibitory Effects of Plant Extract Combinations on Bacterial Growth of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one of the most common pathogens of healthcare-associated infections. Medicinal plants have long been used in the traditional treatment of diseases or syndromes worldwide. Combined use of plant extracts could improve the effectiveness of pharmacological action by obtaining synergism, acting on multiple targets simultaneously, reducing the doses of individual components, and minimizing side effects. We aimed to investigate the synergistic inhibitory effects of selected medicinal plants (Caesalpinia sappan L. (CS), Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. (GU), Sanguisorba officinalis L. (SO), and Uncaria gambir Roxb. (UG)) on the bacterial growth of MRSA and its clinical isolates. SO and UG extracts generated the best synergistic interaction as adjudged by checkerboard synergy assays. MICs of the individual extracts decreased 4-fold from 250 to 62.5 μg/mL, respectively. The SO + UG combination was further evaluated for its effects on bacterial growth inhibition, minimum bactericidal/inhibitory concentration (MBC/MIC) ratio, and time-kill kinetics. The results indicate that the SO + UG combination synergistically inhibited the bacterial growth of MRSA strains with bactericidal effects. SO + UG combination also exhibited more potent effects against clinical isolates. In multistep resistance selection experiments, both standard and isolates of MRSA showed no resistance to the SO + UG combination even after repeated exposure over fourteen passages. Our data suggest that using plant extract combinations could be a potential strategy to treat MRSA infections.

Lead identification against Mycobacterium tuberculosis using highly enriched active molecules against pantothenate synthetase

The Pantothenate synthetase (PS) from the Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) holds a crucial role in the survival and robust proliferation of bacteria through its catalysis of coenzyme A and acyl carrier protein synthesis. The present study undertook the PS drug target in complex with a co-crystallized ligand and subjected it to docking and virtual screening approaches. The experimental design encompassed three discrete datasets: an active dataset featuring 136 compounds, an inactive dataset comprising 56 compounds, and a decoys dataset curated from the zinc library, comprising an extensive compilation of approximately 53,000 compounds. The compounds' binding energies were observed to be in the range of -5 to ∼-14 kcal/mol. Additionally, binding energy results were further refined through Enrichment Factor analysis (EF). EF is a new statistical approach which uses the scores obtained from docking-based virtual screening and predicts the precision of the scoring function. Remarkably, the Enrichment Factor (EF) analysis produced exceptionally favorable outcomes, attaining an EF of approximately 49% within the uppermost 1% fraction of the compound distribution. Finally, a total of eight compounds, evenly distributed between the active dataset and the decoys dataset, emerged as potent inhibitors of the Pantothenate synthetase (PS) enzyme. The analysis of inhibition constants and binding energy revealed a notable correlation, with an r-squared value (r2) of 0.912 between the two parameters. Furthermore, the shortlisted compounds were subjected to 100 ns MD simulation to determine their stability and dynamics behavior. The decoy compounds that have been identified, exhibiting properties comparable to the active compounds, are postulated as potential candidates for targeting the Pantothenate synthetase (PS) enzyme to treat Mtb infection. Nevertheless, in the pursuit of a comprehensive investigation, it is advisable to undertake additional experimental validation as a component of the subsequent study.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Antibiotic resistance and the COVID-19 pandemic: A dual crisis with complex challenges in LMICs

Background and Aims

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a global health crisis of mounting urgency, has been further complicated by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The intricate relationship between these two phenomena is especially pronounced in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) due to the distinct obstacles encountered by their healthcare systems and policy structures. This study aims to explore the complex challenges arising from the coexistence of these two crises in LMICs and proffer specific recommendations for holistic management.

Methods

An exhaustive bibliographic survey was executed, employing search queries in specialized databases such as PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science's SCI-EXPANDED index. The timeframe for the literature search extended from January 2020 to January 2023. The search strategy employed key terms including antibiotic resistance, AMR, COVID-19 pandemic, low- and middle-income countries, SARS-CoV-2, and LMICs.

Results

The pandemic has aggravated various drivers of AMR in LMICs, including limited capabilities, weak frameworks, and socioeconomic factors. New challenges have emerged, such as disruptions in the antibiotic supply chain and an increased risk of healthcare-associated infections. The interaction between these drivers presents a complex problem that demands a coordinated response. Specific recommendations include strengthening health systems, funding research and innovation, and enhancing infection prevention control measures.

Conclusion

The coexistence of AMR and the COVID-19 pandemic in LMICs demands an integrated approach involving multiple stakeholders. Emphasis must be placed on constructing aligned regulatory frameworks, nurturing regional collaborations, and focusing on accessible therapeutic options. The study underscores the necessity for actionable strategies to achieve sustainable access to clean water and sanitation and also highlights the importance of long-term planning, funding, and specialized expertise in emerging modalities like phage therapy.

Early Empiric Antibiotic Use in Patients Hospitalized With COVID-19: A Retrospective Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate temporal trends and outcomes associated with early antibiotic prescribing in patients hospitalized with COVID-19.

DESIGN

Retrospective propensity-matched cohort study using the National COVID Cohort Collaborative (N3C) database.

SETTING

Sixty-six health systems throughout the United States that were contributing to the N3C database. Centers that had fewer than 500 admissions in their dataset were excluded.

PATIENTS

Patients hospitalized with COVID-19 were included. Patients were defined to have early antibiotic use if they received at least 3 calendar days of intravenous antibiotics within the first 5 days of admission.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Of 322,867 qualifying first hospitalizations, 43,089 patients received early empiric antibiotics. Antibiotic use declined across all centers in the data collection period, from March 2020 (23%) to June 2022 (9.6%). Average rates of early empiric antibiotic use (EEAU) also varied significantly between centers (deviance explained 7.33% vs 20.0%, p < 0.001). Antibiotic use decreased slightly by day 2 of hospitalization and was significantly reduced by day 5. Mechanical ventilation before day 2 (odds ratio [OR] 3.57; 95% CI, 3.42-3.72), extracorporeal membrane oxygenation before day 2 (OR 2.14; 95% CI, 1.75-2.61), and early vasopressor use (OR 1.85; 95% CI, 1.78-1.93) but not region of residence was associated with EEAU. After propensity matching, EEAU was associated with an increased risk for in-hospital mortality (OR 1.27; 95% CI, 1.23-1.33), prolonged mechanical ventilation (OR 1.65; 95% CI, 1.50-1.82), late broad-spectrum antibiotic exposure (OR 3.24; 95% CI, 2.99-3.52), and late Clostridium difficile infection (OR 1.60; 95% CI, 1.37-1.87).

CONCLUSIONS

Although treatment of COVID-19 patients with empiric antibiotics has declined during the pandemic, the frequency of use remains high. There is significant inter-center variation in antibiotic prescribing practices and evidence of potential harm. Our findings are hypothesis-generating and future work should prospectively compare outcomes and adverse events.

Addressing antimicrobial resistance in low and middle-income countries: overcoming challenges and implementing effective strategies

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become a critical worldwide health crisis. It poses major challenges for healthcare systems across the globe, demanding immediate attention and action. Low and middle-income countries (LMICs), in particular, encounter unique obstacles in addressing AMR due to various factors. This article aims to examine specific challenges and propose effective strategies to combat this issue. Through a comprehensive review of existing literature, this article identifies common barriers and successful interventions in tackling AMR. The research highlights several challenges faced by LMICs in addressing AMR, including limited access to quality healthcare services, socioeconomic disparities, limited awareness, inadequate surveillance systems and data collection, limited regulatory frameworks and quality control, as well as weak healthcare infrastructure and infection prevention practices. The research suggests strategies like improving healthcare access, promoting responsible antimicrobial use, enhancing surveillance, ensuring quality antimicrobial drugs, and fostering global collaboration to address these challenges. By understanding the challenges encountered by LMICs, it is possible to mitigate the impact of AMR and contribute to global efforts in combating this growing threat.

Antibiotic-Resistant ESKAPE Pathogens and COVID-19: The Pandemic beyond the Pandemic

Antibacterial resistance is a renewed public health plague in modern times, and the COVID-19 pandemic has rekindled this problem. Changes in antibiotic prescribing behavior, misinformation, financial hardship, environmental impact, and governance gaps have generally enhanced the misuse and improper access to antibiotics during the COVID-19 pandemic. These determinants, intersected with antibacterial resistance in the current pandemic, may amplify the potential for a future antibacterial resistance pandemic. The occurrence of infections with multidrug-resistant (MDR), extensively drug-resistant (XDR), difficult-to-treat drug-resistant (DTR), carbapenem-resistant (CR), and pan-drug-resistant (PDR) bacteria is still increasing. The aim of this review is to highlight the state of the art of antibacterial resistance worldwide, focusing on the most important pathogens, namely Enterobacterales, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Klebsiella pneumoniae, and their resistance to the most common antibiotics.

Isolation, biological and whole genome characteristics of a Proteus mirabilis bacteriophage strain

Proteus mirabilis, a naturally resistant zoonotic bacterium belonging to the Enterobacteriaceae family, has exhibited an alarming increase in drug resistance. Consequently, there is an urgent need to explore alternative antimicrobial agents. Bacteriophages, viruses that selectively target bacteria, are abundant in the natural environment and have demonstrated potential as a promising alternative to antibiotics. In this study, we successfully isolated four strains of Proteus mirabilis phages from sewage obtained from a chicken farm in Sichuan, China. Subsequently, we characterized one of the most potent lytic phages, Q29, by examining its biological and genomic features. Comparative genomic analysis revealed the functional genes and phylogenetic evolution of Q29 phages. Our findings revealed that Proteus mirabilis bacteriophage Q29 possesses an icosahedral symmetrical head with a diameter of 95 nm and a tail length of 240 nm. Moreover, phage Q29 exhibited stability within a temperature range of 37 ℃ to 55 ℃ and under pH conditions ranging from 4 to 9. The optimal multiplicity of infection (MOI) for this phage was determined to be 0.001. Furthermore, the one-step growth curve results indicated an incubation period of approximately 15 min, an outbreak period of approximately 35 min, and an average cleavage quantity of approximately 60 plaque-forming units (PFU) per cell. The genome of phage Q29 was found to have a total length of 58,664 base pairs and encoded 335 open reading frames (ORFs) without carrying any antibiotic resistance genes. Additionally, genetic evolutionary analysis classified phage Q29 within the family Caudalidae and the genus Myotail. This study provides valuable research material for further development of Proteus mirabilis bacteriophage biologics as promising alternatives to antibiotics, particularly in light of the growing challenge of antibiotic resistance posed by this bacterium.

Prediction of tsunami of resistance to some antibiotics is not far-fetched which used during COVID-19 pandemic

One of the most tragic events in recent history was the COVID-19 outbreak, which has caused thousands of deaths. A variety of drugs were prescribed to improve the condition of patients, including antiparasitic, antiviral, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory medicines. It must be understood, however, that COVID-19 is like a tip of an iceberg on the ocean, and the consequences of overuse of antibiotics are like the body of a mountain under water whose greatness has not yet been determined for humanity, and additional study is needed to understand them. History of the war between microbes and antimicrobial agents has shown that microbes are intelligent organisms that win over antimicrobial agents over time through many acquired or inherent mechanisms. The key terms containing "COVID-19," "Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2," "SARS-CoV2," "Antibiotic Resistance," "Coronavirus," "Pandemic," "Antibiotics," and "Antimicrobial Resistance" were used for searching in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an increased prescription of antibiotics. Infections caused by secondary or co-bacterial infections or beneficial bacteria in the body can be increased as a result of this amount of antibiotic prescription and exposure to antibiotics. Antibiotic resistance will likely pose a major problem in the future, especially for last resort antibiotics. In order to address the antibiotic resistance crisis, it is imperative that researchers, farmers, veterinarians, physicians, public and policymakers, pharmacists, other health and environmental professionals, and others collaborate during and beyond this pandemic.

ESKAPE bacteria characterization reveals the presence of Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa outbreaks in COVID-19/VAP patients

INTRODUCTION

A decrease of detection of outbreaks by multidrug-resistant bacteria in critical areas has been reduced due to COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, molecular epidemiological surveillance should be a primary tool to reveal associations not evident by classical epidemiology. The aim of this work was to demonstrate the presence of hidden outbreaks in the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and to associate their possible origin.

METHODS

A population of 96 COVID-19 patients was included in the study (April to June 2020) from Hospital Juárez de México. Genetic identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of VAP causative agents isolated from COVID-19 patients was performed. Resistance phenotypes were confirmed by PCR. Clonal association of isolates was performed by analysis of intergenic regions obtained. Finally, the association of clonal cases of VAP patients was performed by timelines.

RESULTS

ESKAPE and non-ESKAPE bacteria were identified as causative agents of VAP. ESKAPE bacteria were classified as MDR and XDR. Only A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa were identified as clonally distributed in 13 COVID-19/VAP patients. Time analysis showed that cross-transmission existed between patients and care areas.

CONCLUSIONS

Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were involved in outbreaks non-detected in COVID-19/VAP patients in the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic.

Phytochemistry, Pharmacology and Mode of Action of the Anti-Bacterial Artemisia Plants

Over 70,000 people die of bacterial infections worldwide annually. Antibiotics have been liberally used to treat these diseases and, consequently, antibiotic resistance and drug ineffectiveness has been generated. In this environment, new anti-bacterial compounds are being urgently sought. Around 500 Artemisia species have been identified worldwide. Most species of this genus are aromatic and have multiple functions. Research into the Artemisia plants has expanded rapidly in recent years. Herein, we aim to update and summarize recent information about the phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of the Artemisia plants. A literature search of articles published between 2003 to 2022 in PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science databases, and KNApSAcK metabolomics databases revealed that 20 Artemisia species and 75 compounds have been documented to possess anti-bacterial functions and multiple modes of action. We focus and discuss the progress in understanding the chemistry (structure and plant species source), anti-bacterial activities, and possible mechanisms of these phytochemicals. Mechanistic studies show that terpenoids, flavonoids, coumarins and others (miscellaneous group) were able to destroy cell walls and membranes in bacteria and interfere with DNA, proteins, enzymes and so on in bacteria. An overview of new anti-bacterial strategies using plant compounds and extracts is also provided.

Multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria in patients with COVID-19: An epidemiological and clinical study

Epidemiological data regarding the incidence of secondary multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative infection in patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Brazil are still ambiguous. Thus, a case-control study was designed to determine factors associated with the acquisition of MDR Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) in patients with and without COVID-19 and describe the mortality rates and clinical features associated with unfavorable outcomes. In total, we assessed 280 patients admitted to Brazilian intensive care units from March/2020 to December/2021. During the study, 926 GNB were isolated. Out of those, 504 were MDR-GNB, representing 54.4% of the resistance rate. In addition, out of 871 patients positive for COVID-19, 73 had secondary MDR-GNB infection, which represented 8.38% of documented community-acquired GNB-MDR infections. The factors associated with patients COVID-19-MDR-GNB infections were obesity, heart failure, use of mechanical ventilation, urinary catheter, and previous use of β-lactams. Several factors associated with mortality were identified among patients with COVID-19 infected with MDR-GNB, including the use of a urinary catheter; renal failure; and the origin of bacterial cultures such as tracheal secretion, exposure to carbapenem antibiotics, and polymyxin. Mortality was significantly higher in patients with COVID-19-MDR-GNB (68.6%) compared to control groups, where COVID-19 was 35.7%, MDR-GNB was 50%, and GNB was 21.4%. Our findings demonstrate that MDR-GNB infection associated with COVID-19 has an expressive impact on increasing the case fatality rate, reinforcing the importance of minimizing the use of invasive devices and prior exposure to antimicrobials to control the bacterial spread in healthcare environments to improve the prognosis among critical patients.

Exploring Nanotechnology as a Strategy to Circumvent Antimicrobial Resistance in Bone and Joint Infections

Bone and joint infections (BJIs) are difficult to treat, necessitating antimicrobial therapy at high doses for an extended period of time, in some cases different from our local guidelines. As a consequence of the rise in antimicrobial-resistant organisms, drugs that were previously reserved for last-line defense are now being used as first line treatment, and the pill burden and adverse effects on patients are leading to nonadherence, encouraging antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to these last-resort medicines. Nanodrug delivery is the field of pharmaceutical sciences and drug delivery which combines nanotechnology with chemotherapy and/or diagnostics to improve treatment and diagnostic outcomes by targeting specific cells or tissues affected. Delivery systems based on lipids, polymers, metals, and sugars have been used in an attempt to provide a way around AMR. This technology has the potential to improve drug delivery by targeting the site of infection and using the appropriate amount of antibiotics to treat BJIs caused by highly resistant organisms. This Review aims to provide an in-depth examination of various nanodrug delivery systems used to target the causative agents in BJI.

Antibiotic prescribing trends in primary care 2014-2022

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global healthcare challenge that governments and health systems are tackling primarily through antimicrobial stewardship (AMS). This should, improve antibiotic use, avoid inappropriate prescribing, reduce prescription numbers, aligning with national/international AMS targets. In primary care in the United Kingdom (UK) antibiotics are mainly prescribed for patients with urinary and respiratory symptoms (22.7% and 46% of all antibiotic prescriptions respectively). This study aimed to capture the time-series trends (2014-2022) for commonly prescribed antibiotics for respiratory and urinary tract infections in primary care in England. Trends for Amoxicillin, Amoxicillin sodium, Trimethoprim, Clarithromycin, Erythromycin, Erythromycin ethylsuccinate, Erythromycin stearate, Doxycycline hyclate, Doxycycline monohydrate and Phenoxymethylpenicillin (Penicillin V) were determined. In doing so providing evidence regarding meeting UK antibiotic prescribing rate objectives (a 15% reduction in human antibiotic use 2019-2024). Time series trend analysis of 62,949,272 antibiotic prescriptions from 6,370 General Practices in England extracted from the National Health Service (NHS) Business Services Authority web portal were explored. With additional investigation of prescribing rate trends by quintiles of the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD). Overall, there is a downwards trend in antibiotic prescribing for those explored. There is an association between IMD, geographical location, and higher antibiotic prescribing levels (prescribing hot spots). England has a well-documented North-South divide of health inequalities, this is reflected in antibiotic prescribing. The corona virus pandemic (COVID-19) impacted on AMS, with a rise in doxycycline and trimethoprim prescriptions notable in higher IMD areas. Since then, prescribing appears to have returned to pre-pandemic levels in all IMDs and continued to decline. AMS efforts are being adhered to in primary care in England. This study provides further evidence of the link between locality and poorer health outcomes (reflected in higher antibiotic prescribing). Further work is required to address antibiotic use in hot spot areas.

Biopsychosocial analysis of antibiotic use for the prevention or management of COVID-19 infections: A scoping review

BACKGROUND

The novelty and complexity of the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in various coping mechanisms adopted by individuals as a means of averting the perceived fatalities of the pandemic. The use of antibiotics in the management of COVID-19 is clinically recommended under specific conditions. However, there are increasing trends of non-adherence to the recommended criteria resulting in the unwarranted use of antibiotics as an adaptative approach to the ongoing pandemic.

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to identify and classify factors associated with the unwarranted use of antibiotics in the management of COVID-19 from published literature and the perspectives of key stakeholders along a Biopsychosocial model.

METHODS

Literature was searched in the following databases: PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase and Google Scholar for studies published between 31st December 2019 and 31st January 2022. The Arskey and O'Malley framework modified by Levac in the six-stage methodological process was adopted for this review and included: a) identification of research questions, b) identification of relevant research articles, c) selection of studies, d) data charting and synthesis, e) summary, discussion and analysis, and f) stakeholder consultations.

RESULTS

Out of 10,252 records identified from all sources, 12 studies were selected for inclusion in this scoping review. The selected articles reflected both antibiotic use and COVID-19 whilst capturing the biological (medical) and psychosocial perspectives. Most of the studies reported the overuse or abuse of Azithromycin especially in hospital settings. Common themes across the review and stakeholder consultations included fear, anxiety, media influences and deficits in public knowledge.

CONCLUSION

The findings of the study highlight the complexity of antibiotic control especially in the context of a pandemic. The identified determinants of antibiotic use provide the necessary framework to simulate health emergencies and be better positioned in the future through the development of targeted and comprehensive policies on antibiotic stewardship.

[Bacterial resistance, a current crisis.]

Bacterial resistance is a constant battle representing a Public Health trouble. So much, that the World Health Organization considerate Public Health as a priority in health, due to the impact that generates as much as in health (giving that recent projections indicate that by 2050 it'll be produced more deaths because of this than the ones occasioned because of cancer) as its economic impact (which, according to a recent study in the United Kingdom, it'll cost the world's economy an estimated of 100 trillion dollars). The quick appearance of multidrug-resistant and pandrug-resistant bacteria is a world nature phenomenon, questioning the antibiotics efficiency. Implement protocols and recommendations is essential, just as essential and necessary as give awareness to health personnel, taking as base the knowledge of resistance generation and its impact through the years, empowered by the actual pandemic of COVID 19.

A Tale of Two Pandemics: Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns of Enterococcus spp. in COVID-19 Era

Although the COVID-19 pandemic has held the spotlight over the past years, the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) phenomenon continues to develop in an alarming manner. The lack of strict antibiotic regulation added to the overuse of antimicrobials fueled the AMR pandemic. This paper aims to analyze and identify the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on antibiotic resistance patterns of Enterococcus spp. The study was designed as a retrospective observational study. Enterococcus spp. infections data were collected from one academic hospital in Cluj-Napoca, Romania over 18 months. A statistical analysis was performed to compare antibiotic resistance phenotypes identified. We recorded an increase in the isolation rates of Enterococcus spp. strains, from 26 isolates (26.53%) during Period A (November 2020-April 2021) to 42 strains (42.85%) during Period C (November 2021-April 2022). The number of strains with resistance to vancomycin increased from 8 during Period A to 17 during Period C. Of the total 36 strains with resistance to vancomycin, 25 were identified as E. faecium. SARS-CoV-2 patients (n = 29) proved to be at risk to develop an E. faecium co-infection (n = 18). We observed that strains with resistance to ampicillin (n = 20) and vancomycin (n = 15) are more often isolated from these patients. All changes identified in our study are to be considered in the light of COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the threatening AMR phenomenon in Romania. Further studies should be performed to quantify the worldwide effects of these pandemics.

How Antimicrobial Resistance Is Linked to Climate Change: An Overview of Two Intertwined Global Challenges

Globally, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and climate change (CC) are two of the top health emergencies, and can be considered as two interlinked public health priorities. The complex commonalities between AMR and CC should be deeply investigated in a One Health perspective. Here, we provided an overview of the current knowledge about the relationship between AMR and CC. Overall, the studies included pointed out the need for applying a systemic approach to planetary health. Firstly, CC increasingly brings humans and animals into contact, leading to outbreaks of zoonotic and vector-borne diseases with pandemic potential. Although it is well-established that antimicrobial use in human, animal and environmental sectors is one of the main drivers of AMR, the COVID-19 pandemic is exacerbating the current scenario, by influencing the use of antibiotics, personal protective equipment, and biocides. This also results in higher concentrations of contaminants (e.g., microplastics) in natural water bodies, which cannot be completely removed from wastewater treatment plants, and which could sustain the AMR spread. Our overview underlined the lack of studies on the direct relationship between AMR and CC, and encouraged further research to investigate the multiple aspects involved, and its effect on human health.

Trends in carbapenem resistance in Pre-COVID and COVID times in a tertiary care hospital in North India

BACKGROUND

Carbapenem resistance is endemic in the Indian sub-continent. In this study, carbapenem resistance rates and the prevalence of different carbapenemases were determined in Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa during two periods; Pre-COVID (August to October 2019) and COVID (January to February 2021) in a north-Indian tertiary care hospital.

METHODS

Details of patient demographics and clinical condition was collated from the Hospital Information System and detection of carbapenemases NDM, OXA-48, VIM, IMP and KPC was done by Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 152 and 138 non-consecutive carbapenem resistant isolates during the two study periods respectively. Conjugation assay and sequencing of NDM and OXA-48 gene was done on a few selected isolates.

RESULTS

As compared to Pre-COVID period, co-morbidities and the mortality rates were higher in patients harbouring carbapenem resistant organisms during the COVID period. The overall carbapenem resistance rate for all the four organisms increased from 23 to 41% between the two periods of study; with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae showing significant increase (p < 0.05). OXA-48, NDM and co-expression of NDM and OXA-48 were the most common genotypes detected. NDM-5 and OXA-232 were most common variants of NDM and OXA-48 family respectively during both the study periods.

CONCLUSION

Higher rate of carbapenem resistance in COVID times could be attributed to increase in number of patients with co-morbidities. However, genetic elements of carbapenem resistance largely remained the same in the two time periods.

Emergent crisis of antibiotic resistance: A silent pandemic threat to 21st century

Antibiotic resistance has become an indispensably alarming menace to the global community. The primary factors are overuse and abuse of antibiotics, lack of novel medicines under development, the health care industry's focus on profit, and the absence of diagnostic testing prior to the prescription of antibiotics. Additionally, over the past few decades, the main factors contributing to the global spread of antibiotic resistance have been the overuse of antibiotics in livestock and other animals, drug efficacy, development of fewer new vaccines, environmental toxicity, transmission through travel, and lack of funding for healthcare research and development. These factors have accelerated resistance in microorganisms through structural and functional modifications in bacteria such as reduced drug permeability, increased efflux pumps, enzymatic antibiotic modification, and change in drug target, intracellular infection, and biofilm creation. There has been an increase in resistance during the pandemic and among cancer patients due to improper prescriptions. A number of modern therapeutic alternatives have been developed to curb widespread antibiotic resistance such as nanoparticle, bacteriophage, and antimicrobial biochemical approaches. It is high time to explore new alternatives to curtail enormous increase in resistant pathogens which could be an incurable global confrontation. This review highlights the complete insight on the global drivers of resistance along with the modes of action and impacts, finally discussing the latest therapeutic alternatives.

A review on the effect of micro- and nano-plastics pollution on the emergence of antimicrobial resistance

The recent upsurge in the studies on micro/nano plastics and antimicrobial resistance genes has proven their deleterious effects on the environmental and human health. Till-date, there is a scarcity of studies on the interactions of these two factors and their combined influence. The interaction of microplastics has led to the formation of new plastics namely plastiglomerates, pyroplastics. and anthropoquinas. It has long been ignored that the occurrence of microplastics has become a breeding ground for the emergence of antimicrobial resistance genes. Evidently microplastics are also associated with the occurrence of other pollutants such as polyaromatic hydrocarbons and pesticides. The increased use of antibiotics (after Covid breakout) has further elevated the detrimental effects on human health. Therefore, this study highlights the relation of microplastics with antibiotic resistance generation. The factors such as uncontrolled use of antibiotics and negligent plastic consumption has been evaluated. Furthermore, the future research prospective was provided that can be helpful in correctly identifying the seriousness of the environmental occurrence of these pollutants.

Increasing Consumption of Antibiotics during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Implications for Patient Health and Emerging Anti-Microbial Resistance

The emergence of COVID-19 infection led to the indiscriminate use of antimicrobials without knowing their efficacy in treating the disease. The gratuitous use of antibiotics for COVID-19 treatment raises concerns about the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). In this systematic review, we performed a thorough systematic search using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines of scientific databases (Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed) to identify studies where antibiotics were prescribed to treat COVID-19 (December 2019 to December 2021). Of 970 identified studies, 130 were included in our analyses. Almost 78% of COVID-19 patients have been prescribed an antibiotic. Cephalosporins were the most prescribed (30.1% of patients) antibiotics, followed by azithromycin (26% of patients). Antibiotics were prescribed for COVID-19 patients regardless of reported severity; the overall rate of antibiotic use was similar when comparing patients with a severe or critical illness (77.4%) and patients with mild or moderate illness (76.8%). Secondary infections were mentioned in only 11 studies. We conclude that concerns related to COVID-19 and the lack of treatment strategy led to the overuse of antibiotics without proper clinical rationale. Based on our findings, we propose that antimicrobial stewardship should be retained as a priority while treating viral pandemics.

The impact of COVID-19 measures on intraday electricity load curves in the European Union: A panel approach

This paper examines the impact of the intensity of government measures introduced to reduce the spread of COVID-19 on intraday electricity load curves in 23 European countries. The econometric panel model used covers the entire period from the virus outbreak in Europe up to the release of several vaccines; therefore, the estimation considers the introduction, partial lifting, and reintroduction of the interventions. Based on the results, the impacts of the different stringency measures were similar in the 23 analysed EU member states. More stringent interventions had different effects at different times of day: the morning and evening peaks were significantly affected, as was every hour of the day. The impacts were nonlinear, meaning that different measures mutually amplified each other’s impact and led to more substantial changes in electricity consumption and citizens’ lives. The morning and evening peaks are also found to have decreased, causing a flattening of the load curves. In line with this result, the partial effect of an increase in the stringency index depends on the type of day (weekday or weekend), hour of the day, and initial stringency level. Overall, the lockdown measures led to a decrease in hourly electricity consumption of between 1% and 9% on weekdays and between 1% and 13% on weekends. Total daily consumption decreased by up to 9%. Understanding how hourly electricity demand reacts to different stringency measures provides valuable information in operation scheduling and capacity planning. More accurate demand forecasts can support trading decisions and help prevent extreme market mismatches.

Prevalence and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern of Secondary Gram-negative Bacteria Isolated from Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Disease 2 Patients in A Tertiary Care Hospital

Prior to the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Disease 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, the rise in antimicrobial resistance was a major source of concern in public health. However, due to the novelty of SARS-CoV-2 infection during the pandemic, antibiotics were administered prior to laboratory testing for secondary gram-negative bacteria (SGNB) in order to avoid or reduce the occurrence of SGNB infection. The purpose of this study was to investigate the etiology, prevalence, and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of gram-negative bacteria (GNB) isolated from SARS-CoV-2 positive patients. Respiratory and blood samples were collected from confirmed SARS-CoV-2 positive patients. They were subsequently cultured and bacterial isolates identified according to standard microbiological protocols. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) was performed and interpreted according to Clinical & Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) 2021 guidelines. A total of sixty-four non-repetitive GNB were isolated from respiratory samples and twenty-two GNB from blood samples. K. pneumoniae was the major cause of SGNB, followed by Acinetobacter species. K. pneumoniae had over 60% resistance to β-Lactam combination agents, cephalosporin, and the carbapenem group of antibiotics. In the current study, we observed that K. pneumoniae was the major cause of SGNB and had high resistance to the antimicrobial agents. Hence, it is important that the epidemiology and susceptibility patterns of circulating organisms causing SGNB infection are always monitored to inform clinical treatment and decrease the occurrence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Les misérables: a Parallel Between Antimicrobial Resistance and COVID-19 in Underdeveloped and Developing Countries

Purpose of Review

The COVID-19 pandemic has been responsible for more than 6.3 million deaths worldwide. During the pandemic, the indiscriminate use of antibiotics has increased, contributing to the spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria. In this review, we aim to determine the spread and impact of antibiotic treatments in patients with COVID-19, focusing on underdeveloped and developing countries.

Recent Findings

Meta-analysis revealed that bacterial co-infections and secondary infections are relatively rare in COVID-19 patients, corresponding to less than 20% of hospitalized patients. Even so, most of these patients have received antibiotic treatments.

Summary

This review discusses how the COVID-19 pandemic could increase the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains to currently available antibiotics. Initially, we discussed the spread and impact of multidrug resistance of ESKAPE pathogens associated with nosocomial infections and analyzed their risk of secondary infections in patients with COVID-19. Then we highlight three factors related to the spread of resistant bacteria during the current pandemic: overprescription of antibiotics followed by self-medication. Finally, we discussed the lack of availability of diagnostic tests to discriminate the etiologic agent of a disease. All these factors lead to inappropriate use of antibiotics and, therefore, to an increase in the prevalence of resistance, which can have devastating consequences shortly. The data compiled in this study underscore the importance of epidemiological surveillance of hospital isolates to provide new strategies for preventing and controlling infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria. In addition, the bibliographic research also highlights the need for an improvement in antibiotic prescribing in the health system.

Novel Effective Fluorinated Benzothiophene-Indole Hybrid Antibacterials against S. aureus and MRSA Strains

Increasing antibacterial drug resistance threatens global health, unfortunately, however, efforts to find novel antibacterial agents have been scaled back by the pharmaceutical industry due to concerns about a poor return on investment. Nevertheless, there is an urgent need to find novel antibacterial compounds to combat antibacterial drug resistance. The synthesis of novel drugs from natural sources is mostly cost-intensive due to those drugs’ complicated structures. Therefore, it is necessary to find novel antibacterials by simple synthesis to become more attractive for industrial production. We succeeded in the discovery of four antibacterial compound (sub)classes accessible in a simple one-pot reaction based on fluorinated benzothiophene-indole hybrids. They have been evaluated against various S. aureus and MRSA strains. Structure- and substituent-dependent activities have been found within the (sub)classes and promising lead compounds have been identified. In addition, bacterial pyruvate kinase was found to be the molecular target of the active compounds. In conclusion, simple one-pot synthesis of benzothiophene-indoles represents a promising strategy for the search of novel antimicrobial compounds.

Short- and long-term effects of COVID-19 on bicycle sharing usage

Using panel regression methods, this paper investigates how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted bicycle sharing system (BSS) ridership in Budapest. In particular, the paper aims to separate the effects of mobility and government restrictions on BSS ridership and analyse whether long-term positive effects are observable in this city. Results indicate that both mobility and government stringency measures significantly and positively affected BSS usage, particularly in residential areas and close to public parks. However, after the first wave of the pandemic passed and government measures were partially lifted, BSS ridership declined in line with the elimination of the restrictions. New users often churned after their first trial, and usage frequency dropped to lower levels than before the pandemic. This indicates that BSS was a valuable transportation mode during a pandemic, but a permanent increase in usage was not observed in Budapest despite a considerable price decrease in bicycle fares. The unsatisfactory experiences with this BSS, primarily due to heavy bike frames and solid rubber tires may be the cause of this. Our results prove the benefits of BSS in mitigating a pandemic but call the attention to the need to improve particular system characteristics that may undermine long-term ridership. These characteristics can be different for every BSS; hence, local market research is required. This limits the generalizability of the results.

Pathophysiology of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Superinfection in COVID-19 Patients

The global spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), has infected humans in all age groups, deteriorated host immune responses, and caused millions of deaths. The reasons for individuals succumbing to COVID-19 were not only the SARS-CoV-2 infection but also associated bacterial infections. Antibiotics were largely used to prevent bacterial infections during COVID-19 illness, and many bacteria became resistant to conventional antibiotics. Although COVID-19 was considered the main culprit behind the millions of deaths, bacterial coinfections and superinfections were the major factors that increased the mortality rate in hospitalized patients. In the present study, we assessed the pathophysiology of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) superinfection in COVID-19 patients in Pakistan. A total of 3492 COVID-19 hospitalized patients were screened among which 224 strain were resistant to methicillin; 110 strains were tazobactam-resistant; 53 strains were ciprofloxacin-resistant; 23 strains were gentamicin-resistant; 11 strains were azithromycin-resistant; 3 strains were vancomycin-resistant. A high frequency of MRSA was detected in patients aged ≥50 with a prevalence of 7.33%, followed by patients aged >65 with a prevalence of 5.48% and a 5.10% prevalence in patients aged <50. In addition, pneumonia was detected in the COVID-19-associated MRSA (COVID-MRSA) that showed decreased levels of lymphocytes and albumin and increased the mortality rate from 2.3% to 25.23%. Collectively, an MRSA superinfection was associated with increased mortality in COVID-19 after 12 to 18 days of hospitalization. The study assessed the prevalence of MRSA, mortality rate, pneumonia, and the emergence of antibiotic resistance as the main outcomes. The study summarized that COVID-MRSA aggravated the treatment and recovery of patients and suggested testing MRSA as critical for hospitalized patients.

Metagenomic profiling and transfer dynamics of antibiotic resistance determinants in a full-scale granular sludge wastewater treatment plant

In the One Health context, wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are central to safeguarding water resources. Nonetheless, many questions remain about their effectiveness in preventing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) dissemination. Most surveillance studies monitor the levels and removal of selected antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) in intracellular DNA (iDNA) extracted from WWTP influents and effluents. The role of extracellular free DNA (exDNA) in wastewater is mostly overlooked. This study analyzed the transfer of ARGs and MGEs in a full-scale Nereda® reactor removing nutrients with aerobic granular sludge. We tracked the composition and fate of the iDNA and exDNA pools of influent, sludge, and effluent samples. Metagenomics was used to profile the microbiome, resistome, and mobilome signatures of iDNA and exDNA extracts. Selected ARGs and MGEs were analyzed by qPCR. From 2,840 ARGs identified, the genes arr-3 (2%), tetC (1.6%), sul1 (1.5%), oqxB (1.2%), and aph(3")-Ib (1.2%) were the most abundant among all sampling points and bioaggregates. Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, Aeromonas, Acidovorax, Rhodoferax, and Streptomyces populations were the main potential hosts of ARGs in the sludge. In the effluent, 478 resistance determinants were detected, of which 89% were from exDNA potentially released by cell lysis during aeration in the reactor. MGEs and multiple ARGs were co-localized on the same extracellular genetic contigs. Total intracellular ARGs decreased 3-42% due to wastewater treatment. However, the ermB and sul1 genes increased by 2 and 1 log gene copies mL^-1, respectively, in exDNA from influent to effluent. The exDNA fractions need to be considered in AMR surveillance, risk assessment, and mitigation strategies.

Antimicrobial Resistance in the COVID-19 Landscape: Is There an Opportunity for Anti-Infective Antibodies and Antimicrobial Peptides?

Although COVID-19 has captured most of the public health attention, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has not disappeared. To prevent the escape of resistant microorganisms in animals or environmental reservoirs a "one health approach" is desirable. In this context of COVID-19, AMR has probably been affected by the inappropriate or over-use of antibiotics. The increased use of antimicrobials and biocides for disinfection may have enhanced the prevalence of AMR. Antibiotics have been used empirically in patients with COVID-19 to avoid or prevent bacterial coinfection or superinfections. On the other hand, the measures to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 could have reduced the risk of the emergence of multidrug-resistant microorganisms. Since we do not currently have a sterilizing vaccine against SARS-CoV-2, the virus may still multiply in the organism and new mutations may occur. As a consequence, there is a risk of the appearance of new variants. Nature-derived anti-infective agents, such as antibodies and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), are very promising in the fight against infectious diseases, because they are less likely to develop resistance, even though further investigation is still required.

Self-Medication with Antibiotics during COVID-19 in the Eastern Mediterranean Region Countries: A Review

Self-treatment with medicines including treatment with antibiotics is a growing global concern, as it can cause public health problems, such as antibiotic resistance and drug toxicity. Therefore, the significance of the self-medication impact of COVID-19 in any region can have an influence on the prevalence of such problems. The review aimed to investigate the self-treatment with antibiotics among the general population in Eastern Mediterranean region countries during COVID-19 pandemic. A comprehensive review of literature in four databases was conducted for the pandemic period from January 2020 to the end of March 2022. Nine studies related to self-treatment with antibiotics were found. The studies were homogeneous in terms of assessing the antibiotic self-treatment usage during the COVID-19 pandemic among the general population and among community pharmacies. The prevalence of self-treatment with antibiotics ranged from 20.8% to 45.8% between the studies. The main reasons for that were cost-saving, fear of COVID-19 infection, quarantine, and ease of accessibility without time limits. Antibiotic self-treatment has been high during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, it was less reported during the study period than before the time of the pandemic. There is a need for more restrictions on dispensing antibiotics from community pharmacies. In addition, there is a need to raise awareness among the population regarding self-treatment with antibiotics.

Microbial Landscape and Antibiotic Susceptibility Dynamics of Skin and Soft Tissue Infections in Kazakhstan 2018–2020

Skin and soft tissue inflammatory diseases of bacterial origin occupy a significant part of hospitalizations to emergency departments. One of the most common causes of sepsis is soft tissue infection, which accounts for about a quarter of all nosocomial infections. The aim of this study was to determine the differences in microbial landscape and antibiotic susceptibility of soft tissue infection pathogens among adults and children during the period 2018–2020. We studied 110 samples of pus admitted to the Scientific Research laboratory of the Karaganda Medical University from 2018 to 2020. Each sample was studied using the standard and express methods. The antibiotic susceptibility was determined by using the diffuse disk method in accordance with the CLSI 2018 recommendations. As such, 50% of S. epidermidis strains in children and 30% in adults were methicillin resistant. Differences in the resistance of S. aureus strains in children and adults were insignificant. Thus, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) was not detected in children, but in adults, on the other hand, their percentage was 12.5%. The third cause of infection in adults was E. coli (13.72%), among which 75% were multidrug resistant. A. baumanii was found in 4.9% of adult patients’ samples, of which 60% were multidrug resistant. The effectiveness of the most prescribed antibiotics decreased due to the isolated strain resistance.

Descriptive Analysis of Circulating Antimicrobial Resistance Genes in Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus (VRE) during the COVID-19 Pandemic

COVID-19 offers ideal premises for bacteria to develop antimicrobial resistance. In this study, we evaluated the presence of several antimicrobial resistance genes (ARG) in vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) isolated from rectal swabs from patients at a hospital in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. Rectal swabs were cultivated on CHROMID^® VRE (bioMérieux, Marcy—l’ Étoile, France) and positive isolates were identified using MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry (Bruker Daltonics, Bremen, Germany) and further analyzed using the PCR technique for the presence of the following ARGs: van A, van B, tet(M), tet(L), ermB, msrA, mefA, aac(6′)-Im, aph(2)-Ib, ant(4′)-Ia, sul1, sul2, sul3, and NDM1. We isolated and identified 68 isolates of Enterococcus faecium and 11 isolates of Enterococcus faecalis. The molecular analysis showed 66 isolates positive for the vanA gene and eight positive for vanB. The most frequent association of ARG in VRE was vanA-tet(M)-ermB. There was no statistically significant difference between Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis regarding ARGs. Our work proves that during the COVID-19 pandemic, highly resistant isolates of Enterococcus were present in patients in the intensive care unit; thus, better healthcare policies should be implemented for the management and control of these highly resistant isolates in the future.

Phage Therapy in the Era of Multidrug Resistance in Bacteria: A Systematic Review

Bacteriophages offer an alternative for the treatment of multidrug-resistant bacterial diseases as their mechanism of action differs from that of antibiotics. However, their application in the clinical field is limited to specific cases of patients with few or no other alternative therapies. This systematic review assesses the effectiveness and safety of phage therapy against multidrug-resistant bacteria through the evaluation of studies published over the past decade. To that end, a bibliographic search was carried out in the PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar databases. Of the 1500 studies found, 27 met the inclusion criteria, with a total of 165 treated patients. Treatment effectiveness, defined as the reduction in or elimination of the bacterial load, was 85%. Except for two patients who died from causes unrelated to phage therapy, no serious adverse events were reported. This shows that phage therapy could be an alternative treatment for patients with infections associated with multidrug-resistant bacteria. However, owing to the phage specificity required for the treatment of various bacterial strains, this therapy must be personalized in terms of bacteriophage type, route of administration, and dosage.

Connections between Orthopedic Conditions and Oxidative Stress: Current Perspective and the Possible Relevance of Other Factors, Such as Metabolic Implications, Antibiotic Resistance, and COVID-19

The general opinion in the literature is that these topics remain clearly understudied and underrated, with many unknown aspects and with controversial results in the respective areas of research. Based on the previous experience of our groups regarding such matters investigated separately, here we attempt a short overview upon their links. Thus, we summarize here the current state of knowledge regarding the connections between oxidative stress and: (a) orthopedic conditions; (b) COVID-19. We also present the reciprocal interferences among them. Oxidative stress is, of course, an interesting and continuously growing area, but what exactly is the impact of COVID-19 in orthopedic patients? In the current paper we also approached some theories on how oxidative stress, metabolism involvement, and even antibiotic resistance might be influenced by either orthopedic conditions or COVID-19. These manifestations could be relevant and of great interest in the context of this current global health threat; therefore, we summarize the current knowledge and/or the lack of sufficient evidence to support the interactions between these conditions.

Does the COVID Pandemic Modify the Antibiotic Resistance of Uropathogens in Female Patients? A New Storm?

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) represent a common pathology among female patients, leading to overprescribing antibiotics, globally. The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically increased the incidence of this particular viral pneumonia with secondary bacterial superinfection, resulting in continuous therapeutic or prophylactic recommendations of antibiotic treatment; thus, an updated analysis of current antimicrobial resistance among uropathogens is mandatory. This cross-sectional retrospective study conducted in two university hospitals in Bucharest, Romania analyzed 2469 positive urine cultures, among two different periods of 6 months, before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The most common pathogen was Escherichia coli 1505 (60.95%), followed by Klebsiella spp. 426 (17.25%). Enterococcus spp. was the leading Gram-positive pathogen 285 (11.54%). In gram negative bacteria, in almost all cases, an increased in resistance was observed, but the highest increase was represented by quinolones in Klebsiella spp., from 16.87% to 35.51% and Pseudomonas from 30.3% to 77.41%; a significant increase in resistance was also observed for carbapenems. Surprisingly, a decrease in resistance to Penicillin was observed in Enterococcus spp., but the overall tendency of increased resistance is also maintained for gram positive pathogens. The lack of data on the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on uropathogens’ resistance promotes these findings as important for every clinician treating UTIs and for every specialist in the medical field in promoting reasonable recommendations of antibiotic therapies.

Inappropriate Antibiotic Use in Zimbabwe in the COVID-19 Era: A Perfect Recipe for Antimicrobial Resistance

The global COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an upsurge in antimicrobial use. The increase in use is multifactorial, and is particularly related to the empirical treatment of SARS-CoV-2 and suspected coinfections with antimicrobials and the limited quality of diagnostics to differentiate viral and bacterial pneumonia. The lack of clear clinical guidelines across a wide range of settings, and the inadequacy of public health sectors in many countries, have contributed to this pattern. The increased use of antimicrobials has the potential to increase incidences of antimicrobial resistance, especially in low-resource countries such as Zimbabwe already grappling with multidrug-resistant micro-organism strains. By adopting the antimicrobial stewardship principles of the correct prescription and optimised use of antimicrobials, as well as diagnostic stewardship, revamping regulatory oversight of antimicrobial surveillance may help limit the occurrence of antimicrobial resistance during this pandemic.