Challenges to Antimicrobial Stewardship in the Countries of the Arab League: Concerns of Worsening Resistance during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Proposed Solutions
Nesrine A. Rizk,
Rima Moghnieh,
Nisrine Haddad,
Marie-Claire Rebeiz,
Rony M. Zeenny,
Joya-Rita Hindy,
Gabriella Orlando,
Souha S. Kanj
Affiliations
Nesrine A. Rizk
Division of Infectious Diseases, Internal Medicine Department, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon
Rima Moghnieh
Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Makassed General Hospital, Beirut P.O. Box 11-6301, Lebanon
Nisrine Haddad
Pharmacy Department, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon
Marie-Claire Rebeiz
Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon
Rony M. Zeenny
Pharmacy Department, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon
Joya-Rita Hindy
Division of Infectious Diseases, Internal Medicine Department, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55902, USA
Gabriella Orlando
Infectious Disease Clinic, Policlinico University Hospital, 41122 Modena, Italy
Souha S. Kanj
Division of Infectious Diseases, Internal Medicine Department, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon
The COVID-19 pandemic is expected to worsen the global problem of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). There is a heightened interest in understanding this effect and to develop antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) interventions accordingly to curb this threat. Our paper aims to evaluate the potential magnitude of COVID-19 on AMR and AMS with a focus on the countries of the Arab league, given the social, political, and economic environments. We also evaluate obstacles in applying the rational use of antibiotics, monitoring resistance trends in the midst of the pandemic, and evaluating the impact of the economic crisis in some countries. We aim to raise awareness about the potential effects of antibiotic overuse during the pandemic and to propose practical approaches to tackle this issue.
