The Impact of COVID-19 on the Epidemiology of Carbapenem Resistance.

Background

The global COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted healthcare systems, inadvertently influencing the epidemiology of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Among the most critical AMR threats are carbapenem-resistant organisms (CROs), which include carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This review explores the pandemic's impact on carbapenem resistance patterns worldwide.

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on carbapenem resistance trends, identify key drivers, and discuss implications for clinical practice and public health policy.

Methods

A comprehensive review of peer-reviewed literature, national surveillance reports, and WHO/ECDC data from 2019 to 2025 was conducted, with emphasis on hospital-acquired infections, antimicrobial use, and infection control practices during the pandemic.

Results

The pandemic has led to increased use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, including carbapenems, often in the absence of confirmed bacterial co-infections. Overwhelmed healthcare systems and disruptions in infection prevention and control (IPC) measures have facilitated the spread of carbapenem-resistant organisms, particularly in intensive care settings. Surveillance data from multiple countries show a measurable increase in CRO prevalence during the pandemic period, with regional variations depending on healthcare capacity and stewardship infrastructure.

Conclusions

COVID-19 has accelerated the emergence and dissemination of carbapenem resistance, underscoring the need for resilient antimicrobial stewardship and IPC programs even during public health emergencies. Integrating pandemic preparedness with AMR mitigation strategies is critical for preventing further escalation of resistance.