Impact of Novel coronavirus on antimicrobial resistance: concerning for human health and environment

Abstract:

Before the novel corona Virus pandemic, antimicrobial resistance is the showstopper to the threat to global health and the economy. However, COVID 19 has eclipsed the charm of antimicrobial resistance. With regards to infection prevention and control procedures; additional measures are recommended regarding transmission prevention. These include precautions around direct contact with potentially contaminated surfaces, droplets, and aerosols. These may not become routine management options within clinical settings following the COVID-19 pandemic; however, many of these practices may also reduce the dissemination of AMR bacteria at a local and global scale.

The use of antimicrobial soaps and disinfectant cleaners by members of the community and in the hospital will have increased hugely over the last few months. Higher usage is likely to continue, and may even remain high following the outbreak due to changes in infection and control policy or individual habits. These increased/improved hygiene practices may reduce the spread of AMR.

And on the other hand, the negative impact of increased use of such products, as many of them contains biocides. Higher concentrations of biocides are likely to be detected in wastewater treatment plants and receiving waters during this pandemic. This may increase levels of AMR in the environment, posing a human health risk for individuals exposed to these environments.

Increased antibiotic consumption to treat or prevent secondary bacterial infections in COVID-19 patients, or as a potential therapy for COVID19, will also result in increased concentrations of antibiotics in the wastewater system and receiving environments. Again, this increased selective pressure may result in selection for AMR.

We are studying the clinical pathogens, whether the above practices may have changed the structure, pathogenicity, and resistance in the pathogens.

Keywords: Novel coronavirus, Antimicrobial resistance, Antibiotics, human health, Minimum inhibitory concentration