Data Challenge_AMR pathogen prevalence

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a major threat to human health. While it is challenging to continue surveillance within resource limited settings worldwide, identifying and targeting the highest priority pathogens in different locations considered a highly important aspect in combating with rising AMR trends. According to CDC reports, COVID-19 hindered the surveillance on AMR. There were numerous studies focused on prevalence of secondary bacterial infections (8.4%-39.9% [n=81 studies]), bacterial co-infections (4.9%-8.4% [n=55 studies]) and unspecified bacterial infections (11.2%-44.5% [n=30 studies]) in people admitted to the hospitals due to COVID-19. Among those, prevalence of AMR pathogens ranged from 4.8% to 100%. However, these studies did not provide the societal effect of AMR during COVID-19. Furthermore, many nations were affected by lack of resources due to disruptions to importing medicines and limited access to health facilities given travel restrictions imposed. Objectives: To investigate how prevalence of AMR pathogens in regional populations affected by the COVID-19. Methodology: Identify the top-most prevalent AMR pathogens during the COVID-19 pandemic period (2020-2023) and compare the same with data from 2016-2019 based on the population surveillance (regions: Europe, Africa/Middle east, Asia, North America, Latin America and the Caribbean, Oceania) available through Vivil AMR register and publicly available data. Then, analyse the differences in prevalence for different antibiotic resistance groups (Beta-lactamase negative/positive, ESBL, MBL, MRSA, MSSA, MDR) across two time periods and identify the rate of AMR prevalence changes. Data analysis: Descriptive epidemiological and statistical techniques and Meta analysis will be utilised. Outcomes: This study will provide insights into understanding changes in prevalence of AMR causing pathogens at different regions. It will provide physicians, surveillance organizations, diagnostic test developers, testing laboratories, and the pharmaceutical industry with detailed information on priority pathogens in each global region, along with comprehensive data on the extent of antimicrobial resistance changes. Overall, the study will inform antimicrobial stewardship.