Beyond the Pandemic: The Value of Antimicrobial Stewardship

Knowledge, awareness and practices of healthcare workers regarding antimicrobial use, resistance and stewardship in Zambia: a multi-facility cross-sectional study

Background

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a threat to public health globally. Despite its consequences, there is little information about the knowledge, awareness, and practices towards AMR among healthcare workers (HCWs). Therefore, this study assessed the knowledge, awareness and practices regarding antimicrobial use (AMU), AMR and antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) among HCWs who are involved in the implementation of AMS activities across eight hospitals in Zambia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 64 HCWs from October to December 2023 using a semi-structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 25.0.

Results

Of the 64 HCWs, 59.4% were females, 60.9% were aged between 25 and 34 years, 37.5% were nurses, 18.7% were pharmacists, 17.2% were medical doctors and only one was a microbiologist. Overall, 75% of the HCWs had good knowledge, 84% were highly aware and 84% had good practices regarding AMU, AMR and AMS. Most of the HCWs (90.6%) responded that they had a multidisciplinary AMS team at their hospitals and were implementing the use of the WHO AWaRe classification of antibiotics.

Conclusion

This study found good knowledge levels, high awareness and good practices regarding AMU, AMR and AMS among HCWs who were involved in the implementation of AMS activities in hospitals in Zambia. Additionally, most hospitals have been conducting AMS training and implementing the use of the WHO AWaRe classification of antibiotics. However, there is still a need to address some identified gaps in AMU and AMR through the strengthening of AMS activities in hospitals.

Risk factors for mortality in severe COVID-19: Exploring the interplay of immunomodulatory therapy and coinfection

Patients with severe clinical manifestations of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) present particular diagnostic and management challenges to critical care physicians, including identifying and responding to concurrent bacterial and fungal coinfections. This study evaluates risk factors for in-hospital mortality in patients admitted to the intensive care unit with severe COVID-19 during circulation of the B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant, including the impact of immunomodulators and bacterial and/or fungal coinfection. This retrospective cohort study enrolled patients with severe COVID-19. A Cox proportional hazard ratio analysis identified risk factors for in-hospital mortality. Outcomes were also compared between patients receiving and not receiving immunomodulatory therapy alongside standard care. Ninety patients admitted to the intensive care unit were enrolled. On multivariate analysis, the greatest risk factors for in-hospital mortality were invasive mechanical ventilation (hazard ratio (HR) = 15.27; 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.29-71.0; P < 0.001), elevated body mass index (HR = 1.07 per unit; 95% CI 1.02-1.13; P = 0.007) and older age (HR = 1.53 per decade; 95% CI 1.05-2.24; P = 0.028). Bacterial and/or fungal coinfection occurred at equal frequency in patients receiving and not receiving immunomodulatory therapy. However, in patients receiving immunomodulators, coinfection carried a significantly higher mortality risk (63.0%) compared with those without coinfection (15.4%; P = 0.038). Mortality from severe COVID-19 is significantly higher in older patients and those with elevated body mass index and requiring mechanical ventilation. Immunomodulatory therapy necessitates vigilance towards evolving coinfection in the intensive care setting.

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.

The Impact of COVID-19 on the Epidemiology and Outcomes of Candidemia: A Retrospective Study from a Tertiary Care Center in Lebanon

Invasive fungal infections, notably candidemia, have been associated with COVID-19. The epidemiology of candidemia has significantly changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. We aim to identify the microbiological profile, resistance rates, and outcomes of COVID-19-associated candidemia (CAC) compared to patients with candidemia not associated with COVID-19. We retrospectively collected data on patients with candidemia admitted to the American University of Beirut Medical Center between 2004 and 2022. We compared the epidemiology of candidemia during and prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, we compared the outcomes of critically ill patients with CAC to those with candidemia without COVID-19 from March 2020 till March 2022. Among 245 candidemia episodes, 156 occurred prior to the pandemic and 89 during the pandemic. Of the latter, 39 (43.8%) were CAC, most of which (82%) were reported from intensive care units (ICU). Non-albicans Candida (NAC) spp. were predominant throughout the study period (67.7%). Candida auris infection was the most common cause of NAC spp. in CAC. C. glabrata had decreased susceptibility rates to fluconazole and caspofungin during the pandemic period (46.1% and 38.4%, respectively). The mortality rate in the overall ICU population during the pandemic was 76.6%, much higher than the previously reported candidemia mortality rate observed in studies involving ICU patients. There was no significant difference in 30-day mortality between CAC and non-CAC (75.0% vs. 78.1%; p = 0.76). Performing ophthalmic examination (p = 0.002), CVC removal during the 48 h following the candidemia (p = 0.008) and speciation (p = 0.028) were significantly associated with a lower case-fatality rate. The epidemiology of candidemia has been significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic at our center. Rigorous infection control measures and proper antifungal stewardship are essential to combat highly resistant species such as C. auris.