Abstract
Several experts have expressed their concerns regarding the potential increase in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) during the COVID-19 pandemic as a consequence of the increase in antimicrobial and biocide use in humans globally. However, the impact of the pandemic on antimicrobial use (AMU) and AMR in animals has yet to be discussed and evaluated. Indeed, veterinary practices have been hugely impacted by the pandemic and its restrictive measures around the world. In this perspective, we call for more research to estimate the impact of COVID-19 on AMU and AMR in both humans and animals, as well as on the environment, in coherence with the One Health approach. In addition, we argue that the current pandemic is an opportunity to accelerate the implementation of a One Health approach to tackle the AMR crisis at the global scale. Indeed, the momentum created by the increased general awareness of both the public and decision-makers for the development and maintenance of effective drugs to treat human infections, as well as for the importance of a One Health approach to prevent the emergence of infectious diseases, should be used as a lever to implement global collaborative and sustainable solutions to the complex challenges of AMR.
Highlights
When first identified in December 2019, in Wuhan (Hubei, China), coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV-2), was described as a mystery viral pneumonia outbreak [1]
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Antimicrobial Use and Antimicrobial Resistance in Humans and in the Environment In May 2016, an independent review on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) reported that AMR infections in humans were estimated to cause at least 700,000 deaths per year and this number is projected to increase up to 10 million deaths per year by 2050 globally, overtaking the number of people dying from cancer (8.2 million each year) [11]
The results of this review showed that the use of broad-spectrum antimicrobial therapy was widely reported, with 72% of COVID-19 cases receiving antibacterial therapy, while only 8% of the patients were reported as experiencing bacterial/fungal coinfections [6]
Summary
When first identified in December 2019, in Wuhan (Hubei, China), coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV-2), was described as a mystery viral pneumonia outbreak [1]. 2. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Antimicrobial Use and Antimicrobial Resistance in Humans and in the Environment In May 2016, an independent review on AMR reported that AMR infections in humans were estimated to cause at least 700,000 deaths per year and this number is projected to increase up to 10 million deaths per year by 2050 globally, overtaking the number of people dying from cancer (8.2 million each year) [11].
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