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One of the many consequences of our response to the novel coronavirus pandemic may well be the emergence of dangerous, drug-resistant bacteria and fungi, according to a New York Times report.
The report notes that a number of pathogens, considered very dangerous, have emerged as hospitals struggled to meet the challenges of the pandemic. Of particular concern is the fungus candida auris, which has been described by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as a “global health threat”.
Candida auris is extremely difficult to detect and is very resistant to drugs. According to the report, there are now around 250 confirmed cases in Los Angeles County alone, while before the pandemic there were only a “handful” of cases.
Other pathogens noted on the rise in the article include the life-threatening carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter, which is called an “urgent health threat” by the CDC.
The report notes that a number of factors may have contributed to the spread of these other drug-resistant pathogens.
First, during the early stages of the pandemic, a number of facilities were forced to reuse protective equipment that was lacking at the time. Second, the emphasis on laser-like testing for COVID-19 has hampered the ability of medical providers to properly test and screen for these pathogens.
Third, the coronavirus pandemic has led to a sharp increase in the use of ventilators, which are known collectors of dangerous pathogens, especially for long-term patients. And fourth, the strain on the medical system may have led to a breakdown in “infection control” for pathogens like C. auris, as medical staff focus on COVID-19 protocols to the exclusion of medical measures. remediation that has been implemented to stop the spread. of the fungus in 2019.
In addition, we may not yet know the extent of the spread of many of these pathogens, as their screening remains largely on hold due to the emergency presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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