Country data on AMR in Kuwait in the context of community-acquired respiratory tract infections: links between antibiotic susceptibility, local and international antibiotic prescribing guidelines, access to medicine and clinical outcome

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the biggest threats to global public health. Selection of resistant bacteria is driven by inappropriate use of antibiotics, amongst other factors. COVID-19 may have exacerbated AMR due to unnecessary antibiotic prescribing. Country-level knowledge is needed to understand options for action. Objectives: To review AMR in Kuwait and initiatives underway addressing it. Identifying any areas where more information is required will provide a call to action to minimize any further rise in AMR within Kuwait and to improve patient outcomes. Methods: National initiatives to address AMR, antibiotic use and prescribing, and availability of susceptibility data, particularly for the key community-acquired respiratory tract infection (CA-RTI) pathogens Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae, were identified. National and international antibiotic prescribing guidelines commonly used locally for specific CA-RTIs (community-acquired pneumonia, acute otitis media and acute bacterial rhinosinusitis) were also reviewed, plus local antibiotic availability. Insights from a clinician in Kuwait were sought to contextualize this information. Conclusions: In Kuwait there have been some initiatives addressing AMR such as annual campaigns for proper use of antibiotics. Antibiotic use is high but there appears to be a low understanding in the general public about their appropriate use. However, there is legislation in place prohibiting over-the-counter purchase of antibiotics. Only international guidelines for CA-RTIs are used. A more standardized inclusive approach in developing local guidelines, using up-to-date surveillance data of isolates from community-acquired infections in Kuwait, could make management guideline use more locally relevant for clinicians. This would pave the way for a higher level of appropriate antibiotic prescribing and improved adherence. This would, in turn, potentially limit AMR development and improve clinical patient outcomes.

Automated summary

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant threat to global public health, with Kuwait having implemented initiatives to address AMR but facing challenges such as high antibiotic usage and low public understanding of appropriate antibiotic use. Standardized local guidelines and utilization of up-to-date surveillance data may be crucial in reducing AMR development and improving clinical outcomes for patients.