Lessons Learned from COVID-19 Pandemic in Combating Antimicrobial Resistance-Experience of Hong Kong, China

Overview

Journal Microorganisms

Specialty Microbiology

Date 2025 Jan 8

PMID 39770837

Authors

Edmond Siu-Keung Ma

Shuk-Ching Wong

Vincent Chi-Chung Cheng

Hong Chen

Peng Wu

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

The world has gone through the COVID-19 pandemic and has now returned to normalcy. We reviewed the strategies and public health actions conducted in Hong Kong during the COVID-19 pandemic, and reflected on the lessons learned, which are potentially useful in the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR). We recommended extending wastewater surveillance for AMR, apart from SARS-CoV2. We suggested exploring the use of rapid tests in outpatients to aid clinical diagnosis and reduce antibiotic use for viral infections. Stringent infection control measures are crucial to prevent nosocomial transmission of resistant microorganisms, such as vancomycin-resistant enterococci and carbapenemase-producing in hospitals and in elderly homes. Taking COVID-19 experiences as a reference, transparent data, the prompt dissemination of information, and strategic risk communication should be adopted to maintain sustained behavioral changes in AMR. We also encouraged the adoption of information technology, artificial intelligence, and machine learning in antimicrobial stewardship programs. We also discussed the potential merits and limitations of these strategies. The lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic may provide insights into the long battle against AMR.

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