CDC reports 2022 drug resistant infections remained above pre pandemic levels

Antimicrobial-resistant infections remained above pre-pandemic levels in 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported June 16. CDC data show that infections, which increased 20% during the pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic period - peaked in 2021.

"The increases in antimicrobial resistance (AR) burden seen in 2020 and 2021 are likely due in part to the impact of COVID-19, which pushed healthcare facilities, health departments and communities near their breaking points," the agency notes. "This resulted in longer hospital stays for hospitalized patients (including those diagnosed with COVID-19), challenged the implementation of infection prevention and control practices and increased inappropriate antibiotic use."

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