Comparative Study of Antibiotic Resistance Pattern for Gram-positive Bacteria Pre and Post-COVID-19 Pandemic

Osama Q Fadhil; Sana Abdul Jabbar; Hussam H Tizkam; Worod Allak

Osama Q Fadhil Department of Pharmacy, AlSafwa University College, Iraq.
Sana Abdul Jabbar Department of Pharmacy, AlSafwa University College, Iraq.
Hussam H Tizkam Department of Pharmacy, AlSafwa University College, Iraq.
Worod Allak John Hopkins University, USA.

Keywords: COVID-19, Bacterial Resistance, Pandemic Coinfection, Antibiotic Sensitivity

Abstract

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AR) is a universal crisis that requires emergent attention and solution. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has provided a real danger to global health. In a try to surround the spread of COVID-19, a large quantity of antibiotics (AB) has been used. During COVID-19 there are real threats that could affect AB activity and potentiate AR.

Patients and Method: The study was done in eleven hospitals in Baghdad taking a time of eight months from 1 November 2019 to 30 June 2020. Seven types of AB discs were utilised; those are amoxicillin-clavulanate, azithromycin, ceftriaxone, gentamicin, levofloxacin, meropenem and vancomycin. In the current study, 1324 samples were isolated and tested to detect AR toward AB pre and post COVID-19 pandemic. The microbial isolates were confirmed by the standard microbiological tests.

Results: The study revealed that the main bacterial isolates pre-pandemic were Staphylococcus aureus, whereas post-pandemic isolates were Streptococcus species. The AR of Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumonia, and B-hemolytic streptococci to amoxicillin-clavulanate, ceftriaxone, and gentamicin was higher in COVID than non-COVID patients. While the AR was variable for the other four AB (Azithromycin, levofloxacin, meropenem, and Vancomycin).

Conclusion: Azithromycin, levofloxacin, vancomycin less resisted than amoxicillin-clavulanate, ceftriaxone, gentamycin by Gram-positive bacteria in COVID patients. Meropenem represents a golden standard AB in treating infections during the pandemic attack.

How to cite this article:
Fadhil OQ, Jabbar SA, Tizkam HH, Allak W. Comparative Study of Antibiotic Resistance Pattern for Gram-positive Bacteria Pre and Post-COVID-19 Pandemic. Special Issue - COVID-19 & Other Communicable Disease. 2022;49-55.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/0019.5138.202208

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