Are we missing the silver lining of COVID-19 pandemic: An analytical study to determine effects of three COVID-19 peaks on antimicrobial susceptibility of <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> isolates.

Abstract

Given the evolving nature of COVID-19, for better understanding of its effect on antimicrobial resistance of <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> (<i>S. aureus</i>), it becomes crucial that we follow the resistance patterns across different surges of COVID-19 cases. This prospective surveillance study extended over two years from January 2020-March 2022 and was conducted in a healthcare center of North India. Susceptibility patterns of <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> during January-March 2020 were considered as prepandemic patterns. Processing of clinical specimens, identification of <i>S. aureus</i>, and in-vitro antibiotic susceptibility testing were performed in accordance with standard microbiological testing procedures and Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute guidelines. Lowest prevalence (38.9%) of Methicillinresistant <i>S. aureus</i> was reported during January-March 2021 and July-September 2021. More than 50% <i>S. aureus</i> isolates were susceptible to linezolid, cotrimoxazole, tetracycline, and gentamicin in January-March 2020. In January-March 2021, ≥50% of <i>S. aureus</i> isolates from clinical specimens were additionally susceptible to clindamycin and erythromycin. Antibiotic agents of linezolid, tetracycline, clindamycin, and cotrimoxazole were susceptible in ≥50% of <i>S. aureus</i> isolates in January-March 2022. This study reveals a sharp decline in overall resistance to commonly prescribed antibiotic agents for <i>S. aureus</i> isolates after first peak of COVID-19 cases. However, same trend was not observed in subsequent peaks and probably we are approaching the same resistance levels that were seen prior to COVID-19 pandemic.