1
|
Mustafa ZU, Khan AH, Salman M, Harun SN, Meyer JC, Godman B, Seaton RA. Healthcare-associated infections among neonates and children in Pakistan: findings and the implications from a point prevalence survey. J Hosp Infect 2023; 141:142-151. [PMID: 37774930 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2023.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) increase morbidity, mortality and costs. The overall prevalence of HAIs is greater in low- and middle-income countries due to poor resources and infrastructure, with the incidence of HAIs greater among neonates and children. There is a need to understand the current situation in Pakistan including key drivers to improve future care. METHODS Point prevalence survey (PPS) of HAIs in the children's wards of 19 public sector secondary- and tertiary-care hospitals of Pakistan and associated key drivers. RESULTS A total of 1147 children were included in the PPS. 35.7% were neonates with 32.8% aged >1-5 years. 35.2% were admitted to the intensive care units (ICUs). Peripheral, central venous and urinary catheters were present in 48%, 2.9% and 5.6% of the patients, respectively. A total of 161 HAIs from various pathogens were observed in 153 cases, giving a prevalence of 13.3%. The majority of HAIs were caused by Staphylococcus aureus (31.7%) followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (22.9%) and Escherichia coli (17.4%). Bloodstream infections were identified in 42 cases followed by lower-respiratory-tract infections in 35. Increased length of hospital stays and being admitted to the ICU, 'rapidly fatal' patients under the McCabe and Jackson criteria, central and peripheral catheterization, and invasive mechanical ventilation were, associated with higher HAIs (P<0.001). 99.7% of HAI patients fully recovered and were discharged from the hospital. CONCLUSION There is a high prevalence of HAIs among neonates and children admitted to health facilities in Pakistan. Infection prevention and control measures should be implemented to help prevent future HAIs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Z U Mustafa
- Discipline of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia; Department of Pharmacy Services, District Headquarter (DHQ) Hospital, Pakpattan, Pakistan.
| | - A H Khan
- Discipline of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
| | - M Salman
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical and Allied Health Sciences, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - S N Harun
- Discipline of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
| | - J C Meyer
- Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria 0208, South Africa
| | - B Godman
- Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria 0208, South Africa; Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science (SIPBS), University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - R A Seaton
- Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, UK; Scottish Antimicrobial Prescribing Group, Healthcare Improvement Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Shaikh OA, Asghar Z, Aftab RM, Amin S, Shaikh G, Nashwan AJ. Antimicrobial resistant strains of Salmonella typhi: The role of illicit antibiotics sales, misuse, and self-medication practices in Pakistan. J Infect Public Health 2023; 16:1591-1597. [PMID: 37572573 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2023.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Typhoid fever, caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi, is an often-fatal illness prevalent in Africa and South Asia. The illness has seen an alarming rise in multi-drug-resistant (MDR) and extensive drug-resistant (XDR) strains, particularly in Pakistan. The MDR strain links to the H58 haplotype, and its XDR variant exhibits fluoroquinolone resistance due to an IncY plasmid. The increasing prevalence of these resistant strains is concerning, given the global antimicrobial resistance (AMR) issue. Causes include misuse of antibiotics in self-limiting infections and an unregulated drug market. Pakistan's Sindh province first reported the XDR typhoid strain, highlighting the urgent need to investigate the relationship between AMR development and external factors. This narrative review intends to scrutinize the state of AMR in Pakistan, considering illicit drug sales, healthcare worker education gaps, and self-medication behaviors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Omer A Shaikh
- Department of Medicine, Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Zoha Asghar
- Department of Medicine, Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Rameel M Aftab
- Department of Medicine, Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Shifa Amin
- Department of Medicine, Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Gulrukh Shaikh
- Department of Medicine, Liaquat National Hospital and Medical College, Karachi, Pakistan
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Asmaa Y, Kakalia S, Irtza M, Malik R, Jamshaid M, Farrukh H. Antibiotic Use for Febrile Children in a Tertiary Care Hospital's Outpatient Department: A Cross-Sectional Study. Cureus 2023; 15:e40356. [PMID: 37456455 PMCID: PMC10339664 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.40356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Irrational prescription of antibiotics is contributing to the antimicrobial resistance crisis in low and middle-income countries. Antibiotic stewardship programs need to be implemented to rationalize the use of antibiotics, but data on antibiotic prescriptions in pediatric outpatient departments is minimal. This study aimed to determine the frequency of antibiotic prescriptions in febrile children attending the Paediatric Outpatient Department (OPD) at Combined Military Hospital, Lahore, and observe the factors affecting the decision to prescribe antibiotics. Methodology A cross-sectional, descriptive study with non-probability sampling in the Department of Paediatrics at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Lahore, was conducted over two years. The confidence limit was 95%, and the anticipated population proportion was 32%. The primary outcome was the proportion of children aged two months to 10 years presenting to the OPD with fever who received antibiotics. Further analysis included the effect of patient-level risk factors on antibiotic prescription, especially in children with respiratory tract infections (RTIs). Results Of the 225 children analyzed, 137 (61%) received antibiotics. Of these antibiotic prescriptions, 123 (90%) were second-line antibiotics. Older age (odds ratio (OR) = 2.3, 1.18-4.46), high fever (OR = 2.48, 1.37-4.5), presenting in autumn and winter seasons (OR = 2.85, 1.53-5.3), ill appearance (OR = 2.71, 1.12-6.55), tachycardia (OR = 4.28, 1.22-15.01), and tachypnea (OR = 4.01, 1.14-14.12) were associated with increased likelihood of antibiotic prescription. Antibiotic prescriptions in children with RTIs were associated with lower RTI (OR = 12.96, 3.49-48.08), probable bacterial infection (OR = 12.37, 4.77-30.05), tachycardia (OR = 10.88, 1.28-92.24), tachypnea (OR = 14.73, 3.14-68.99), and increased work of breathing (OR = 7.8, 2.05-29.56). Conclusions The evidence of the widespread inappropriate use of antibiotics in OPDs, particularly for upper RTIs, highlights the need for an antibiotic stewardship program. Antibiotic overprescription promotes antibiotic resistance, prolonging illness and increasing healthcare costs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yumna Asmaa
- Department of Paediatrics, Combined Military Hospital Lahore, Lahore, PAK
| | - Spenta Kakalia
- Department of Paediatrics, Combined Military Hospital Lahore Medical College and Institute of Dentistry, Lahore, PAK
| | - Muhammad Irtza
- Medical School, Services Institute of Medical Sciences, Lahore, Lahore, PAK
| | - Rahat Malik
- Department of Paediatrics, Combined Military Hospital Lahore Medical College and Institute of Dentistry, Lahore, PAK
| | - Muqaddas Jamshaid
- Department of Paediatrics, Combined Military Hospital Lahore Medical College and Institute of Dentistry, Lahore, PAK
| | - Huma Farrukh
- Department of Paediatrics, MedEast Hospital, Lahore, PAK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Understanding of Final Year Medical, Pharmacy and Nursing Students in Pakistan towards Antibiotic Use, Antimicrobial Resistance and Stewardship: Findings and Implications. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:antibiotics12010135. [PMID: 36671336 PMCID: PMC9854661 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12010135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a leading public health threat, which is exacerbated by the high and inappropriate use of antibiotics. Consequently, there is a need to evaluate knowledge regarding antibiotic use, AMR and the readiness to implement antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) among final year medical, pharmacy and nursing students in Pakistan. This reflects the high and increasing rates of AMR in the country, and students as future healthcare professionals (HCPs). A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1251 final year students from 23 public and private educational institutions in Punjab. The majority of the surveyed participants possessed good knowledge of antibiotic use, AMR and the potential causes of AMR. The most common sources of the information on antibiotics were smartphones (69.9%), peers (35.9%) and medical textbooks (30.6%). However, most surveyed participants were not fully prepared to participate in ASPs. They knew, though, how to reduce AMR by educating HCPs about appropriate prescribing, implementing ASPs and improving laboratory facilities. There was a significant association between antibiotic knowledge and causes of AMR with sex, family income and student type (p < 0.05). Being a student at a public sector university (OR = 4.809; CI = 3.261−7.094; p < 0.001) and age (OR = 0.524, CI = 0.327−0.842; p < 0.008) were among the key factors impacting students’ training on ASPs. Educational curricula must be improved to include more information about appropriate antibiotic use and ASPs, along with sufficient training, workshops and clinical rotations in the final year, to fully equip students by graduation.
Collapse
|
5
|
Mustafa ZU, Tariq S, Iftikhar Z, Meyer JC, Salman M, Mallhi TH, Khan YH, Godman B, Seaton RA. Predictors and Outcomes of Healthcare-Associated Infections among Patients with COVID-19 Admitted to Intensive Care Units in Punjab, Pakistan; Findings and Implications. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11121806. [PMID: 36551463 PMCID: PMC9774163 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11121806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) have a considerable impact on morbidity, mortality and costs. The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in an appreciable number of hospitalized patients being admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) globally with a greater risk of HAIs. Consequently, there is a need to evaluate predictors and outcomes of HAIs among COVID-19 patients admitted to ICUs. A retrospective study of patients with COVID-19 admitted to ICUs of three tertiary care hospitals in the Punjab province over a five-month period in 2021 was undertaken to ascertain predictors and outcomes of HAIs. Of the 4534 hospitalized COVID-19 patients, 678 were admitted to ICUs, of which 636 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Overall, 67 HAIs were identified among the admitted patients. Ventilator-associated lower respiratory tract infections and catheter-related urinary tract infections were the most frequent HAIs. A significantly higher number of patients who developed HAIs were on anticoagulants (p = 0.003), antithrombotic agents (p < 0.001), antivirals (p < 0.001) and IL-6 inhibiting agents (p < 0.001). Secondary infections were significantly higher in patients who were on invasive mechanical ventilation (p < 0.001), had central venous access (p = 0.023), and urinary catheters (p < 0.001). The mortality rate was significantly higher in those with secondary infections (25.8% vs. 1.2%, p < 0.001). Our study concluded that COVID-19 patients admitted to ICUs have a high prevalence of HAIs associated with greater mortality. Key factors need to be addressed to reduce HAIs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zia Ul Mustafa
- Discipline of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Gelugor 11800, Pinang, Malaysia
- Department of Pharmacy Services, District Headquarter (DHQ) Hospital, Pakpattan 57400, Pakistan
- Correspondence: (Z.U.M.); (B.G.)
| | - Sania Tariq
- Department of Medicine, Faisalabad Medical University, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Zobia Iftikhar
- Department of Medicine, Faisalabad Medical University, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Johanna C. Meyer
- Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria 0208, South Africa
| | - Muhammad Salman
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical and Allied Health Sciences, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Tauqeer Hussain Mallhi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka 72388, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yusra Habib Khan
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka 72388, Saudi Arabia
| | - Brian Godman
- Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria 0208, South Africa
- Centre of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman P.O. Box 346, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Pharmacoepidemiology, Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science (SIPBS), University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK
- Correspondence: (Z.U.M.); (B.G.)
| | - R. Andrew Seaton
- Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow G51 4TF, UK
- Scottish Antimicrobial Prescribing Group, Healthcare Improvement Scotland, Glasgow G1 2NP, UK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Antimicrobial Utilization among Neonates and Children: A Multicenter Point Prevalence Study from Leading Children’s Hospitals in Punjab, Pakistan. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11081056. [PMID: 36009925 PMCID: PMC9405424 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11081056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) compromises global health due to the associated morbidity, mortality, and costs. The inappropriate use of antimicrobial agents is a prime driver of AMR. Consequently, it is imperative to gain a greater understanding of current utilization patterns especially in high-risk groups including neonates and children. A point prevalence survey (PPS) was conducted among three tertiary care children’s hospitals in the Punjab province using the World Health Organization (WHO) methodology. Antibiotic use was documented according to the WHO AWaRe classification. Out of a total of 1576 neonates and children, 1506 were prescribed antibiotics on the day of the survey (prevalence = 95.5%), with an average of 1.9 antibiotics per patient. The majority of antibiotics were prescribed in the medical ward (75%), followed by surgical ward (12.8%). Furthermore, 56% of antibiotics were prescribed prophylactically, with most of the antibiotics (92.3%) administered via the parenteral route. The top three indications for antibiotics were respiratory tract infections (34.8%), gastrointestinal infections (15.8%), and prophylaxis for medical problems (14.3%). The three most common antibiotics prescribed were ceftriaxone (25.8%), amikacin (9.2%), and vancomycin (7.9%). Overall, 76.6% of the prescribed antibiotics were from Watch category followed by 21.6% from the Access group. There was a very high prevalence of antibiotic use among hospitalized neonates and children in this study. Urgent measures are needed to engage all the stakeholders to formulate effective ASPs in Pakistan, especially surrounding Watch antibiotics.
Collapse
|
7
|
Hayat K, Mustafa ZU, Ikram MN, Ijaz-Ul-Haq M, Noor I, Rasool MF, Ishaq HM, Rehman AU, Hasan SS, Fang Y. Perception, Attitude, and Confidence of Physicians About Antimicrobial Resistance and Antimicrobial Prescribing Among COVID-19 Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study From Punjab, Pakistan. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:794453. [PMID: 35058779 PMCID: PMC8763689 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.794453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) could experience multiple coinfections, and judicial antimicrobials, including antibiotics, is paramount to treat these coinfections. This study evaluated physicians' perception, attitude, and confidence about antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and antimicrobial prescribing in patients with COVID-19. Methods: A self-administered and validated online questionnaire comprised of six sections was disseminated among physicians working in public sector hospitals in Punjab, Pakistan, using the convenience sampling method from April to May 2021. The study also assessed the validity and reliability of the study questionnaire using exploratory factor analysis and Cronbach's alpha. In addition, the descriptive and inferential statistics present survey results. Results: A total of 387 physicians participated in this study. The study showed that the questionnaire demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.77). Most physicians (n = 221, 57.1%) believed that AMR is a considerable problem in Pakistan. Less than a quarter of respondents (n = 91, 23.5%) consulted with local antibiotic resistance data to prescribe antibiotics in COVID-19 patients. However, the respondents were confident to select a suitable antibiotic (n = 229, 59.2%). More than three-quarters of the respondents believed that advice from a senior colleague (n = 336, 86.8%), infectious disease (ID) physician (n = 315, 81.4%), and implementing antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) could facilitate appropriate prescribing of antibiotics in COVID-19 patients. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that physicians with more than 10 years of experience had higher odds of consulting local guidelines for antibiotic therapy (OR, 4.71 95% CI: 1.62-13.73, p = 0.004) than physicians with less than 5 years of experience. Similar trends were found for consulting national guidelines and local resistance data to select an empiric antibiotic therapy. Conclusion: AMR-related awareness was optimal among physicians. Only a few physicians looked up local antibiotic resistance data before prescribing antibiotics to COVID-19 patients empirically. The significant approaches advised by physicians to reduce AMR risk among COVID-19 patients were the implementation of ASPs combined with advice from ID physicians.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Khezar Hayat
- Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.,Center for Drug Safety and Policy Research, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,Shaanxi Centre for Health Reform and Development Research, Xi'an, China
| | - Zia Ul Mustafa
- Department of Pharmacy Services, District Headquarter (DHQ) Hospital, Pakpattan, Pakistan
| | | | - Muhammad Ijaz-Ul-Haq
- Hamdard Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hamdard University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Irum Noor
- Department of Pathology, Quaid-e-Azam Medical College, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Fawad Rasool
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Hafiz Muhammad Ishaq
- Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Muhammad Nawaz Shareef University of Agriculture, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Anees Ur Rehman
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Syed Shahzad Hasan
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, United Kingdom
| | - Yu Fang
- Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,Center for Drug Safety and Policy Research, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,Shaanxi Centre for Health Reform and Development Research, Xi'an, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Sharma A, Singh A, Dar MA, Kaur RJ, Charan J, Iskandar K, Haque M, Murti K, Ravichandiran V, Dhingra S. Menace of antimicrobial resistance in LMICs: Current surveillance practices and control measures to tackle hostility. J Infect Public Health 2021; 15:172-181. [PMID: 34972026 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2021.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is significant challenge humanity faces today, with many patients losing their lives every year due to AMR. It is more widespread and has shown a higher prevalence in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) due to lack of awareness and other associated reasons. WHO has suggested some crucial guidelines and specific strategies such as antimicrobial stewardship programs taken at the institutional level to combat AMR. Creating awareness at the grassroots level can help to reduce the AMR and promote safe and effective use of antimicrobials. Control strategies in curbing AMR also comprise hygiene and sanitation as microbes travel from contaminated surroundings to the human body surface. As resistance to multiple drugs increases, vaccines can play a significant role in curbing the menace of AMR. This article summarizes the current surveillance practices and applied control measures to tackle the hostility in these countries with particular reference to the role of antimicrobial stewardship programs and the responsibilities of regulatory authorities in managing the situation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ayush Sharma
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hajipur, Bihar, India
| | - Akanksha Singh
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hajipur, Bihar, India
| | - Mukhtar Ahmad Dar
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hajipur, Bihar, India
| | - Rimple Jeet Kaur
- Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Jaykaran Charan
- Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Katia Iskandar
- Lebanese University, School of Pharmacy, Beirut, Lebanon; INSPECT-LB: Institute National de Sante Publique, Epidemiologie Clinique et Toxicologie, Beirut, Lebanon; Universite Paul Sabatier UT3, INSERM, UMR1295, Toulouse, France
| | - Mainul Haque
- The Unit of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Defence Health, Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (National Defence University of Malaysia), Kem Perdana Sungai Besi, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Krishna Murti
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hajipur, Bihar, India
| | - V Ravichandiran
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hajipur, Bihar, India; Department of Natural Products, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Sameer Dhingra
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hajipur, Bihar, India.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Mustafa ZU, Saleem MS, Ikram MN, Salman M, Butt SA, Khan S, Godman B, Seaton RA. Co-infections and antimicrobial use among hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Punjab, Pakistan: findings from a multicenter, point prevalence survey. Pathog Glob Health 2021; 116:421-427. [PMID: 34783630 DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2021.1999716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
There are reports of high rates of antibiotic prescribing among hospitalized patients with COVID-19 around the world. To date, however, there are few reports of prescribing in relation to COVID-19 in Pakistan. Herein, we describe a point prevalence survey of antibiotic prescribing amongst patients hospitalized with suspected or proven COVID-19 in Pakistan. A Point Prevalence Survey (PPS) was undertaken in seven tertiary care health facilities in Punjab Provence, Pakistan. Baseline information about antimicrobial use according to the World Health Organization (WHO) standardized methodology was collected on a single day between 5th and 30 April 2021. A total of 617 patients' records were reviewed and 578 (97.3%) were documented to be receiving an antibiotic on the day of the survey. The majority (84.9%) were COVID-19 PCR positive, 61.1% were male and 34.9% were age 36 to 44 years. One quarter presented with severe disease, and cardiovascular disease was the major comorbidity in 13%. Secondary bacterial infection or co-infection (bacterial infection concurrent with COVID-19) was identified in only 1.4%. On the day of the survey, a mean of 1.7 antibiotics was prescribed per patient and 85.4% antibiotics were recorded as being prescribed for 'prophylaxis'. The most frequently prescribed antibiotics were azithromycin (35.6%), ceftriaxone (32.9%) and meropenem (7.6%). The majority (96.3%) of the antibiotics were empirical and all were from WHO Watch or Reserve categories. Overall, a very high consumption of antibiotics in patients hospitalized with suspected or proven COVID-19 was observed in Pakistan and this is concerning in view of already high rates of antimicrobial resistance in the region. Antimicrobial stewardship programs need to urgently address unnecessary prescribing in the context of COVID-19 infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zia Ul Mustafa
- Department of Pharmacy Services, District Headquarter Hospital Pakpattan, Pakpattan, Pakistan
| | | | | | - Muhammad Salman
- Department of Pharmacy, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
| | | | - Shehroze Khan
- Punjab University College of Pharmacy, University of the Punjab, Lahore Pakistan
| | - Brian Godman
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK.,Division of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa.,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
| | - R Andrew Seaton
- Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, UK.,Healthcare Improvement Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| |
Collapse
|