Report names factors leading to higher antimicrobial resistance during COVID

A Health and Human Services Department report describes how the COVID-19 pandemic led to a 15% increase in drug-resistant hospital-acquired infections and antimicrobial resistant-related deaths. Factors included severely sick patients who needed mechanical ventilation; long hospital stays and increased caseloads; fears of under-treatment; and lack of clear and timely guidelines. Nearly 80% of U.S. hospitalized COVID-19 patients received antibiotics from March to October 2020, likely contributing to rising AMR rates. The report calls for better data, communication, resources and planning to return to pre-pandemic rates of AMR, as well as incorporating AMR management in public health emergency preparedness. (The Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy news article, 1/15/25)