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Coronaviruses

COVID-19 Pandemic Exacerbates Antibiotic Use Among Hospitalized Adults in South America

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A study published in the Open Forum Infectious Diseases journal has revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in antibiotic use among hospitalized adults in Argentina, Brazil, and Chile. Investigators from Hospital Alemao Oswaldo Cruz in Sao Paulo, Brazil, evaluated the impact of the pandemic on antibiotic use in healthcare facilities in the three countries. The study found that increases in antibiotic use were observed in four out of six South American hospitals included in the study.

Key Takeaways:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant increase in antibiotic use among hospitalized adults in Argentina, Brazil, and Chile.
  • In four out of six South American hospitals, antibiotic use increased during the pandemic, with a notable rise in broad-spectrum antibiotic use.
  • The high rates of antibiotic use may contribute to the further emergence of antibiotic resistance, highlighting the need for careful prescribing practices.
  • The study's findings emphasize the importance of understanding the relationship between antibiotic use and bacterial infections during the pandemic.
  • Jose M. Munita, MD, a researcher at Hospital Alemao Oswaldo Cruz, received grants and research support from BioMerieux, MSD, and Pfizer.
  • Conclusions: "Increases in AU among hospitalized adults were observed in 4 of 6 South American HCFs included in this study. The high rates of broad-spectrum antibiotic use in the HCFs may impact further emergence of antibiotic resistance."

Statistics:

  • 1573. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Antibiotic Use among Hospitalized Adults in Argentina, Brazil, and Chile.
  • In four out of six South American hospitals, antibiotic use increased by 24.5% during the pandemic.
  • The median antibiotic use for all antibiotics combined increased by 12.1% in the 12-month pandemic period compared to the pre-pandemic period.
  • Broad-spectrum antibiotics accounted for 22.5% of all antibiotics used during the pandemic, up from 14.2% in the pre-pandemic period.

Sources:

  • 1573. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Antibiotic Use among Hospitalized Adults in Argentina, Brazil, and Chile. Open Forum Infectious Diseases, 2022,9(Supplement_2). (Open Forum Infectious Diseases - https://academic.oup.com/ofid)
  • Medical Letter on the CDC & FDA. January 8, 2023; p 268.
  • NewsRx. Hospital Alemao Oswaldo Cruz Researcher Adds New Study Findings to Research in COVID-19 (1573. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Antibiotic Use among Hospitalized Adults in Argentina, Brazil, and Chile) (1573. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic ...).

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