The indiscriminate use of antibiotics during the Covid-19 pandemic majorly given as a precautionary measure has exacerbated the silent spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), according to a recent report by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The report indicates that approximately 75 percent of patients received antibiotics as a precautionary measure, despite only 8 percent of hospitalized Covid patients requiring antibiotics to combat bacterial co-infections.
AMR represents a significant global public health concern and was directly responsible for approximately 1.27 million deaths in 2019, with an additional 4.95 million deaths attributed to its contribution.
Antibiotic usage surged during the pandemic, with an 83 percent increase in the Eastern Mediterranean and African Regions and a 33 percent rise in the Western Pacific Region between 2020 and 2022, according to the WHO.
"The highest rate of antibiotic use was seen among patients with severe or critical Covid-19, with a global average of 81 per cent. In mild or moderate cases, there was a considerable variation across regions, with the highest use in the African Region (79 per cent)," the WHO report said.
The findings are based on data from 450,000 patients admitted to hospitals for Covid in 65 countries between January 2020 and March 2023, as recorded in the WHO Global Clinical Platform for Covid-19.
Often dubbed the "Silent Pandemic", AMR necessitates immediate and efficacious intervention rather than being relegated to a future scenario. In the absence of preventive measures, projections indicate that by 2050, AMR could potentially supersede all other causes of mortality worldwide.
Globally, estimates indicate that the direct fatalities linked to AMR surpassed 1.2 million in 2019, with a foreseen escalation to approximately 10 million deaths annually by 2050 if inadequate measures are implemented to curb AMR
"When a patient requires antibiotics, the benefits often outweigh the risks associated with side effects or antibiotic resistance. However, when they are unnecessary, they offer no benefit while posing risks, and their use contributes to the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance," said Dr Silvia Bertagnolio, WHO Unit Head for Surveillance, Evidence, and Laboratory Strengthening Division for AMR.
"These data call for improvements in the rational use of antibiotics to minimise unnecessary negative consequences for patients and populations."
The report will be presented in a WHO scientific poster at the ongoing ESCMID Global Congress, in Barcelona, Spain being held from April 27-30.
Dr Sangeeta Sharma, Professor & Head, Department of Neuro psychopharmacology, Institute of Human Behaviour & Allied Sciences (IHBAS), Delhi called the report a wakeup call. “Antibiotics work against bacteria only, not viruses like the common cold or flu as many believe. By not demanding antibiotics at the OTC or when visiting doctors, a patient can play a pivotal role in advocating for responsible antibiotic use and help combat one of the most pressing global challenges i.e. AMR.”
The WHO data underscores the urgent need for more prudent and targeted use of antibiotics to curb the spread of AMR and preserve the effectiveness of these crucial medications.
