The Effect of COVID-19 On Antibiotic Resistance

Authors

Debra A. Woo DDS, MA, Dugoni School of Dentistry/UOPFollow
Karen A. Schulze DDS, PhD, Dugoni School of Dentistry/UOPFollow
Mali K. McGuire DDS, MS, Dugoni School of Dentistry/UOPFollow

Abstract

Over three years have passed since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. During these times we have experienced significant changes in all areas of our life. In healthcare, more attention was focused on COVID-19 than other concerns. An unexpected consequence of the pandemic was a silent progression of an increased spread of multi-resistant pathogens. While antibiotic use during the pandemic varied across healthcare settings, antibiotics were prescribed for COVID-19 patients, even though antibiotics are known not to be effective against viruses.¹ In dentistry, antibiotics were prescribed to prevent potential dental infections, since many dental offices were not open. Antimicrobial resistance was one of our greatest public health concerns prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, and it remains so.

Recommended Citation

Woo, Debra A. DDS, MA; Schulze, Karen A. DDS, PhD; and McGuire, Mali K. DDS, MS (2023) "The Effect of COVID-19 On Antibiotic Resistance," Pacific Journal of Health: Vol. 6: Iss. 1, Article 12.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56031/2576-215X.1039
Available at: https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/pjh/vol6/iss1/12