Pandemia por COVID-19 e o impacto na resistência bacteriana em uma cidade da região da Campanha Gaúcha

Abstract

COVID-19 has brought a great challenge to healthcare professionals. Given the epidemiological scenario of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, several therapies were being tested and empirically prescribed, with the urgency that the situation demanded. Several classes of medications have been widely tested, from antiretrovirals to corticosteroids, antimalarials, antiparasitics and antibiotics. This study aimed to analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic as an event that increases bacterial resistance in a hospital environment. Data collection was carried out by analyzing the results of microbiological tests and the antibiotic sensitivity profile through reports generated in the electronic laboratory management system (Madya) in a clinical analysis laboratory that serves two hospitals in the city of Bagé-RS. [...] The risk analysis highlighted the threat of antimicrobial resistance with a notable increase in both the number of antibiotics and the number of bacteria with the potential to develop resistance during the pandemic period. The Acinetobacter genus, in particular, demonstrated a 45.5 times greater risk of acquiring resistance to the antibiotic amikacin. It is understood that the pandemic has increased the risk of microorganisms developing resistance to antibiotics, this growing trend of resistance represents a serious challenge for public health.