Jameela Al Salman1, Laila Al Dabal2, Matteo Bassetti3, Wadha A Alfouzan4, Muna Al Maslamani5, Basem Alraddadi6, Ashraf Elhoufi7, Faryal Khamis8, Eiman Mokkadas9, Ingy Romany10, Mushira Enani11, Ali Somily12, Souha S Kanj13. 1. Arabian Gulf University, Manama, Bahrain. Electronic address: JSalman@health.gov.bh. 2. Rashid Hospital, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. 3. Infectious Diseases Clinic, Department of Health Sciences University of Genoa and Policlinico San Martino Hospital, Genoa, Italy. 4. Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait; Farwanyia Hospital, Ministry of Health, Kuwait City, Kuwait. 5. Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar. 6. King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. 7. Dubai Hospital, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. 8. The Royal Hospital, Muscat, Oman. 9. Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait. 10. Pfizer Gulf FZ LLC, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. 11. King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. 12. King Saud University and King Saud University Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. 13. American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon. Electronic address: sk11@aub.edu.lb.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial resistance is a significant global issue that presents an increasing threat to patients' wellbeing. Although a global concern, the emergence of multi-drug resistant organisms is of particular significance in the Middle East. In recent years, this region has seen an alarming increase in antimicrobial resistance presenting a major challenge to physicians managing various infectious diseases. METHODS: A Working Group comprising experts in infectious diseases from Arab countries of Middle East assembled to review similarities and differences in antimicrobial practices and management of multi-drug resistant organisms across the region and assess the barriers to achieving cross-regional collaboration. The Working Group conducted an anonymous online survey to evaluate current practice and understanding of management of multi-drug resistant organisms across the region. RESULTS: A total of 122 physicians from Arab countries of the Middle East responded to the survey. Their responses demonstrated heterogeneity between countries in awareness of local epidemiology, management of multi-drug resistant organisms and antimicrobial stewardship practices. The Working Group recognized similarities and differences in the management of multi-drug resistant organisms across the region, and these were validated by the data collected in the survey. Overall, the similarities across the region reflect several key issues that can have an impact on the management of multi-drug resistant organisms and the prevention of antimicrobial resistance. CONCLUSIONS: This paper highlights the urgency of addressing antimicrobial resistance in Arab countries of the Middle East. The Working Group identified key barriers to effective management which may guide the development of future coherent strategies to promote effective antimicrobial stewardship in the region. Here, we outline a call to action for the region, with a need to focus on training and education, capacity building, infrastructure, regional research, and regional surveillance.
BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial resistance is a significant global issue that presents an increasing threat to patients' wellbeing. Although a global concern, the emergence of multi-drug resistant organisms is of particular significance in the Middle East. In recent years, this region has seen an alarming increase in antimicrobial resistance presenting a major challenge to physicians managing various infectious diseases. METHODS: A Working Group comprising experts in infectious diseases from Arab countries of Middle East assembled to review similarities and differences in antimicrobial practices and management of multi-drug resistant organisms across the region and assess the barriers to achieving cross-regional collaboration. The Working Group conducted an anonymous online survey to evaluate current practice and understanding of management of multi-drug resistant organisms across the region. RESULTS: A total of 122 physicians from Arab countries of the Middle East responded to the survey. Their responses demonstrated heterogeneity between countries in awareness of local epidemiology, management of multi-drug resistant organisms and antimicrobial stewardship practices. The Working Group recognized similarities and differences in the management of multi-drug resistant organisms across the region, and these were validated by the data collected in the survey. Overall, the similarities across the region reflect several key issues that can have an impact on the management of multi-drug resistant organisms and the prevention of antimicrobial resistance. CONCLUSIONS: This paper highlights the urgency of addressing antimicrobial resistance in Arab countries of the Middle East. The Working Group identified key barriers to effective management which may guide the development of future coherent strategies to promote effective antimicrobial stewardship in the region. Here, we outline a call to action for the region, with a need to focus on training and education, capacity building, infrastructure, regional research, and regional surveillance.
Authors: Mira El Masri; Nisrine Haddad; Therese Saad; Nesrine A Rizk; Ramia Zakhour; Souha S Kanj; Rony M Zeenny Journal: Front Cell Infect Microbiol Date: 2022-03-25 Impact factor: 5.293