Evaluation of antibiotic resistance changes in in the era of COVID-19 in Northern Iran.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

During the coronavirus pandemic, the overuse of antibiotics to reduce coinfections and mortality may be contributing to the rise of antimicrobial resistance. In this study, we aim to investigate the antibiotic resistance changes of post-COVID-19 pandemic in Northern Iran.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The current study is a cross-sectional study. Between 2022 and 2023, 2190 clinical samples were collected from patients with healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) at four hospitals in Sari, which served as corona centers after the COVID-19 pandemic. Antimicrobial sensitivity was determined using standard broth macro-dilution, and resistance genes were detected using multiplex PCR.

RESULTS

Based on the results co-amoxiclav had a resistance rate of 100%, while piperacillin/tazobactam showed the least resistance rate of 29.82%. In terms of GM MIC values, colistin was the most potent against multi-drug resistant isolates. The frequency of , and genes were 100%, 99.12%, 90.35%, and 69.30% respectively.

CONCLUSION

Our study revealed high multi-drug resistance rates. Piperacillin/tazobactam recommended for treating multi-drug resistant infections in Northern Iran.