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Bacterial infections
Know the negative
The HAP/VAP recap
Dispel the MBL
Fungal infections
Police the yeast
Viral infections
Antiviral resistance (AVR) can’t be forgotten. Particularly in immunocompromised patient populations – it’s mainly driven by viral replication and prolonged drug exposure.1
WHO (World Health Organization) have not yet released a list of priority viral pathogens to match the equivalent records for bacterial and fungal pathogens, but we must take AVR seriously. We are now in a situation where resistance has developed to most antivirals.1
While the relentless rise in multi-drug resistant infections poses a significant threat to global health, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has been one of the most profound health challenges of our time. Pandemic-related issues may have caused us to lose progress in combatting wider antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and could play a part in the development of resistance to approved COVID-19 medications.2–5
Due to difficulties distinguishing COVID-19-related pneumonia from other bacterial, fungal, or viral causes, broad-spectrum antimicrobials are frequently inappropriately prescribed to patients hospitalized with COVID-19. This potentially acts as a catalyst for the development of overall AMR.4
While equivalent WHO guidance on viral priority pathogens does not yet exist, the underlying principles of antimicrobial stewardship still apply. Any time antimicrobials are used, they can contribute to resistance.2 But when antimicrobials are needed, we must use them early (at the right time) and at the right dose, to optimize patient outcomes. It’s more important than ever to use them judiciously.
Need more information on AMR and what to do about it?
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