Antimicrobial resistance among refugees and asylum seekers: a global systematic review and meta-analysis

Refugees and asylum seekers might have an increased risk of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) carriage or infection due to several factors, with conflict and war known to accelerate the spread of AMR. However, data are scarce on prevalence and risk factors for AMR among refugees and asylum seekers and how they are affected globally; in addition, how their risk compares to that of the host-country population is unclear. We aimed to explore and assess global AMR data among refugees and asylum seekers. Ovid (MEDLINE and Embase) and PubMed were searched for peer-reviewed primary research articles from Jan 1, 2015, to Oct 23, 2023, and articles were included if they reported carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed drug-resistant organisms in refugees or asylum seekers from any country. Of 884 articles identified, 41 reported prevalence of AMR among 16 970 refugees and asylum seekers and were included in the study. The most common phenotypes reported were multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (n=26; prevalence ranged from 4·2% to 60·8%), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (n=24; 0·92% to 73%), and extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Gram-negative bacteria (n=20; 1·6% to 61·1%). Refugees and asylum seekers had a higher likelihood of carriage or infection with any AMR than the host-country population (n=7849 vs n=81 283, respectively; odds ratio 2·88, 95% CI 2·61–3·18; I²=94%). Refugees and asylum seekers are at an increased risk of AMR carriage and infection, with our data suggesting that refugees and asylum seekers might be exposed to conditions that support the emergence of drug resistance (including living in overcrowded camps and facing barriers to health and vaccine systems). Hence, more global and regional data on AMR are needed through strengthened surveillance programmes and health-care facilities, especially in low-income and middle-income countries. Increased efforts are needed to drive improvements in infection prevention and control (including vaccination), antimicrobial stewardship, treatment strategies tailored to groups at high risk, accessiblity to quality health care in these populations at risk globally, and address risk factors such as poor living and transit conditions.