Antimicrobial Resistance in the Time of COVID-19

Dear Colleagues,

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and COVID-19 are the two main pandemics around the world, and pose a significant threat to public health in a global sense. Infections due to AMR are expected to affect 10 million lives globally annually by 2050. AMR and COVID-19 are interacting emergencies that have a mutual impact due to the overuse and misuse of antibiotics for treating patients of COVID-19. The cost of novel therapeutics for treatments is so high that no new drugs are being trialed, and this may result in the end of conventional drug discovery. To combat antimicrobial infections the WHO have proposed guidelines that do not legalize the use of antibiotics for patients with slight bacterial co-infections; however, in cases of extreme COVID-19 symptoms, empirical antibiotics can be used. Since there is no perfect strategy for dealing with COVID-19, the guidelines for strengthening antimicrobial stewardship along with the prevention of AMR have been properly laid out. The ongoing pandemic has likely worsened the already-challenging AMR across the world. We have seen the inappropriate use of antibiotics in COVID-19 patients, which poses a major threat toward AMR. The antimicrobial resistance in the time of COVID-19 topic will cover, but is not restricted to, the following subjects (review or research articles are welcome):

• Challenges in antibiotic choice for COVID-19 patients in low- and middle-income countries;
• Spread of antimicrobial-resistant genes via disposable masks;
• Excessive use of detergent, biocides, and other chemicals, leading to AMR;
• The synergy between bacterial and viral pathogens;
• Impact of AMR on COVID-19 clinical care.

Dr. Kushneet Kaur Sodhi
Dr. Chandra Kant Singh
Dr. Ram Prasad
Topic Editors