Review of Existing Antibiotic Stewardship and Impact on Antimicrobial Resistance during COVID-19 in the Health Sector of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Abstract

This study examined the present situation of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and prevailing Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs (ASP), and its impact during COVID-19 globally and specifically in Abu Dhabi, UAE aiming to identify and define the problem(s) resulting in increasing trends of antibiotic resistance during COVID, potential impact factors, anticipated outcomes and provide a conclusion to aid our approach towards sustainable antimicrobial stewardship program and combat against antimicrobial resistance. The ongoing global AMR crisis is an escalating worldwide challenge and may have been intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic due to uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 treatment, which has resulted in a surge in antibiotic usage, interruptions in infection prevention and control measures within overburdened healthcare systems, and the diversion of both human and financial resources have been redirected from monitoring and addressing AMR threats. Consequently, there is a heightened urgency to emphasize actions aimed at containing AMR and enhancing the ability to swiftly detect, understand, and respond to emerging AMR threats. The Emirate of Abu Dhabi is not immune to this escalating challenge. With resources diverted from antimicrobial stewardship to meet urgent healthcare needs, and evidence of significant pre-emptive antibiotic use in COVID-19 patients potentially impacted levels of resistance and resulted in readmissions. Consequently, the threat of AMR remains substantial, leading to a reevaluation of an existing stewardship program in in-patient settings prompted by the pandemic. The review revealed a shortage of adequate data to determine the extent to which COVID-19 has impacted the current stewardship program in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.