SARS-CoV-2 caused a surge in antibiotic consumption causing a silent pandemic inside the pandemic. A retrospective analysis of Italian data in the first half of 2022

Background. - The phenomenon of antibiotic resistance shows no sign of stopping, despite global policies to combat it that have been in place for several years. The risk of forms of pathogenic microorganisms that are increasingly resistant to common antibiotics has led health authorities around the world to pay greater attention to the phenomenon. The worrying sit-uation, has led to further recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO) and national recommendations in Italy through the new National Plan against Antibiotic Resistance 2022-2025 (PNCAR 2022-2025). Aim. - This manuscript aims to raise the awareness of all health professionals to follow what is suggested by regulatory agencies and scientific societies. Method. - We conducted a retrospective study of antibiotic pharmacoutilization in Italy, in the Campania region at the Azienda Sanitaria Locale (ASL) Napoli 3 Sud, on consumption in the first half of 2022 in a population of more than 1 million people. Result. - The results indicate that consumption, based on defined daily doses (DDDs), is above the national average. Probably the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced this growth in prescrip-tions. Conclusions. - Our study suggests an informed and appropriate use of antibiotics, so as to embark on a virtuous path in the fight against antibiotic resistance.& COPY; 2023 Academie Nationale de Pharmacie. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Despite global policies to combat antibiotic resistance, the phenomenon continues to be a concern. Italy has introduced a new national plan and calls on health professionals to follow regulatory recommendations. A retrospective study in the Campania region suggests higher antibiotic consumption, possibly influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. The study emphasizes the importance of informed and appropriate antibiotic use to address resistance.