The Change in Antimicrobial Resistance During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Türkiye

• DOI: 10.5578/mb.20239943
• Publication Date: 2023-10-25T11:21:34Z
• Authors: Nisel Yılmaz; Gülşen Altınkanat...; Güner Söyletir; Arzu İlki; Aynur Eren Topkaya; Ayşe İstanbullu T...; Devrim Dündar; Duygu Öcal; Ebru Evren; Erdal Özbek; Esra Özkaya; Filiz Yarımçan; Füsün Cömert; Gülşen Hazırolan; Halil Er; Hüseyin Güdücüoğlu; Irmak Baran; Mehmet Soylu; Melike Yaşar Duman; Mervenur Demir Çuha; Mihrican Yücel; Murat Telli; Nezahat Akpolat; Reyhan Yiş; Serap Yağcı; Ufuk Hasdemir; Yeliz Tanrıverdi ...; Zehra Kipritçi
• Keywords: Pandemic

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the most important problems threatening human health worldwide. The impact Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on AMR continues to be discussed. Some researchers argue that will increase rates, while others suggest opposite. aim this study was investigate change in Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus strains three cross-sectional periods Türkiye, first before COVID-19 pandemic, second third during pandemic. antibiotic susceptibility isolated from urine, blood, lower respiratory tract samples patients hospitalized intensive care units wards hospitals (November 2019) 2020 July 2021) investigated study. A total 17 voluntary hospitals, members Antibiotic Susceptibility Surveillance Study Group (ADSI) Society for Clinical Microbiology Specialists (KLIMUD), participated Identification bacteria performed with automated bacterial identification systems (VITEK2, bioMérieux, France or Phoenix, BD, USA). tests were center Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method other centers test USA), results evaluated according European Committee Testing (EUCAST) criteria. ratios statistically analyzed using either chi-square Fisher's exact test. p-value < 0.05 considered significant. a 4030 strains; 1152, 1139, 1739 belonging November 2019, 2020, 2021, respectively; examined. While cefotaxime ceftazidime rates E.coli increased period compared previous (p= 0.04, p= 0.001, respectively); nitrofurantoin sensitivity 0.02) extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) (p< 0.001) found decreased. It determined all examined antimicrobials did not statistically. observed antibiotics K.pneumoniae isolates decreased period, but ESBL between 2019-2020 0.01) 2020-2021 0.02). after ciprofloxacin 0.0001), levofloxacin 0.003), gentamicin 0.005) S.aureus period. No significant changes rates. Methicillin (MRSA) 0.03) again 2021 0.04) returned pre-pandemic rate. Our measures taken reduce spread (such as quarantine practices, hand hygiene, mask use, national/international travel restriction) may such ESBL-producing rate MRSA, which hygiene indicator. later stages recalls relaxation compliance rules. decrease due inappropriate excessive use However, we believe these data should supported by studies conducted nowadays when rules are back if has ended.