Systematic review and meta-analysis on antimicrobial resistance and drug resistance in Saudi Arabia

Background

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and drug resistance have emerged as major global health concerns, threatening the effectiveness of antimicrobial agents and compromising patient outcomes [21]. The rapid spread of resistant pathogens poses significant challenges to healthcare systems worldwide, leading to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs [20].

Methods

Search Strategy

To find pertinent studies released up until September 2023, a thorough search was done in electronic databases like PubMed, Embase, and Scopus. The search method combined terms linked to Saudi Arabia, drug resistance, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The specific search terms and Boolean operators used were tailored to the requirements and functionalities of each database.

Results

The systematic review includes 25 papers in total, representing various Saudi Arabian healthcare environments and patient groups. The prevalence of AMR varied across different pathogens and antimicrobial agents. The most resistant Enterobacteriaceae were carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), extended-spectrum -lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL), and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The full manuscript will report the pooled prevalence rates and 95% CIs for each resistance type. The rates for such bacteria were 38.7%, 26.4%, and 15.2% respectively suggesting an imminent need for improvement in surveillance measures & interventions to reduce the burden of AMR (Antimicrobial Resistance).

Conclusion

The prevalence of antibiotic resistance (AMR) is alarmingly high in Saudi Arabia. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of AMR across different types of pathogens and antimicrobial agents. A meta-analysis was conducted to quantify the pooled prevalence of each type of resistance across hospitals, environments, and food samples from Saudi Arabian locations. The study identified three types of resistance: carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), extended-spectrum -lactamaseproducing Enterobacilli (ESBL), and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Furthermore, the study identified several risk factors associated with AMR, including prior antibiotic use, healthcare-associated infections, and prolonged hospital stays.