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Journal des sciences biomédicales

  • ISSN: 2254-609X
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Abstrait

The Role of Bioethics in Antimicrobial Resistance Response: The COVID-19 Perspective

Umeh Amaka Sarah1, Abbas Abel Anzaku2*, Olasinbo Balogun2, Abimiku Rejoice Helma3, NnekaEgbuchulam4, Ifeanyichukwu Odoh2, Ugboaja Nkechi Blessing2, Ibrahim Yusuf5 and Nurudeen Olalekan Oketade6

Background: AMR, a global health risk continues to pose a public health challenge during the COVID-19 due to an increase in the use, misuse, and overuse of antimicrobials during the pandemic. This study, therefore, aims to explore the drivers of antimicrobial resistance during the COVID-19 pandemic and the role of bioethics in guiding actions against AMR.

Methods: Google Scholar and PubMed were used to retrieve articles published between 2019 and 2022, using search terms such as: COVID-19 and antimicrobial resistance, co-infections in COVID-19 patients, including bioethics in COVID-19 response.

Results: Widespread empiric antibiotic therapy in the near absence of microbial co-infections was the most cited reason for the propagation of AMR in COVID-19 patients. AMR is at risk of being exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic due to unethical practices. The resurfacing and indiscriminate use of antimicrobials for which resistance has been recorded is alarming. Although papers concentrating on applying ethical measures to the control of antimicrobial resistance during the pandemic were lacking, we have attempted to contextualize the role of bioethics in AMR response as it relates to the COVID-19 pandemic. Countries and regulatory bodies need to develop and establish the appropriate implementation of actions to ensure the judicious use of antimicrobials during the pandemic as well as check the questionable prescription practices of healthcare professionals through well restructured antimicrobial stewardship programs in healthcare settings.

Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about an upsurge in the use of antimicrobials and consequently, the exacerbation of the problem of AMR. Bio-ethic will definitely play a massive role in mitigating the spread of AMR in the face of the persistent the COVID-19 pandemic.

Keywords

Antimicrobial resistance; COVID-19; Pandemic; Bio-ethics