Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy最新文献

{"title":"Ursodeoxycholic acid and COVID-19 outcomes: a cohort study and data synthesis of state-of-art evidence.","authors":"Yang Yu, Guo-Fu Li, Jian Li, Lu-Yao Han, Zhi-Long Zhang, Tian-Shuo Liu, Shu-Xin Jiao, Yu-Wei Qiao, Na Zhang, De-Chuan Zhan, Shao-Qiu Tang, Guo Yu","doi":"10.1080/14787210.2024.2376153","DOIUrl":"10.1080/14787210.2024.2376153","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The potential of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) in inhibiting angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 was demonstrated. However, conflicting evidence emerged regarding the association between UDCA and COVID-19 outcomes, prompting the need for a comprehensive investigation.</p><p><strong>Research design and methods: </strong>Patients diagnosed with COVID-19 infection were retrospectively analyzed and divided into two groups: the UDCA-treated group and the control group. Kaplan-Meier recovery analysis and Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the recovery time and hazard ratios. Additionally, study-level pooled analyses for multiple clinical outcomes were performed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In the 115-patient cohort, UDCA treatment was significantly associated with a reduced recovery time. The subgroup analysis suggests that the 300 mg subgroup had a significant (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.63 [95% CI, 1.01 to 2.60]) benefit with a shorter duration of fever. The results of pooled analyses also show that UDCA treatment can significantly reduce the incidence of severe/critical diseases in COVID-19 (adjusted odds ratio: 0.68 [95% CI, 0.50 to 0.94]).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>UDCA treatment notably improves the recovery time following an Omicron strain infection without observed safety concerns. These promising results advocate for UDCA as a viable treatment for COVID-19, paving the way for further large-scale and prospective research to explore the full potential of UDCA.</p>","PeriodicalId":12213,"journal":{"name":"Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2024-07-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141554457","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the utilization and quality of antibiotic use in the primary care setting in England, March 2019-March 2023: a segmented interrupted time series analysis of over 53 million individuals.","authors":"Amanj Kurdi, Najla Al Mutairi, Kirmanj Baker, Karwan M-Amen, Omeed Darweesh, Hardee Karwi, Andrew Seaton, Jacqueline Sneddon, Brian Godman","doi":"10.1080/14787210.2024.2368816","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/14787210.2024.2368816","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, we evaluated the short-term impact of COVID-19 on antibiotic use in primary care in England, focusing on both antibiotic quantity (overuse) and quality (misuse) of use.</p><p><strong>Research design and methods: </strong>A population-based segmented interrupted analysis was applied on monthly dispensed antibiotics prescriptions using the Prescription Cost Analysis dataset (March/2019-March/2023). The quantity was assessed using number of items dispensed per 1000 inhabitants (NTI) and defined daily doses per 1000 inhabitants per day (DID), while quality was evaluated using WHO's Access Watch Reserve (AWaRe) classification, the proportion of '4C' antibiotics and the percentage of broad- to narrow-spectrum antibiotics.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Findings indicate 8.6 (17.2%) and 0.4 (2.6%) increase in the NTI and DID, respectively, with a statistically significant uptick in trend noted after the second lockdown (β₅) for 'total antibiotics' for NTI only (β₅ = 1.6; 95% CI:0.17, 3.1). Quality assessment showed an increase in 'Access' antibiotics from 77% in March/2019 to 86% in March/2023; however, COVID-19 had no significant impact on WHO AWaRe classes.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>COVID-19's impact on antibiotic use quality and quantity appeared to be minimal, though an increase in utilization post-second lockdown coincided with healthcare system recovery. This suggests a nuanced impact of the pandemic, highlighting the importance of continued antimicrobial stewardship.</p>","PeriodicalId":12213,"journal":{"name":"Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141467288","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effectiveness of azvudine against severe outcomes among hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Xinjiang, China: a single-center, retrospective, matched cohort study.","authors":"Abiden Kapar, Songsong Xie, Zihao Guo, Yan Nan, Yaling Du, Xi Yin, Tao Gong, Xiu Gu, Yang Zhou, Wenli Lu, Aimin Yang, Zhaohui Luo, Jianghong Dai, Kailu Wang, Shi Zhao, Kai Wang","doi":"10.1080/14787210.2024.2362900","DOIUrl":"10.1080/14787210.2024.2362900","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Since the end of 2022, Azvudine was widely used to treat hospitalized coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients in China. However, data on the real-world effectiveness of Azvudine against severe outcomes and post-COVID-19-conditions (PCC) among patients infected by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron variants was limited. This study evaluates the effectiveness of Azvudine in hospitalized COVID-19 patients during a SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.5 dominance period.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>From 1 November 2022 to 1 July 2023, an SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.5 dominant period, we conducted a single-center retrospective cohort study based on hospitalized patients with laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection from a tertiary hospital in Shihezi, China. Patients treated with Azvudine and usual care were propensity-score matched (PSM) at a 1:1 ratio to a control group in which patients received usual care only, with matching based on covariates such as sex, age, ethnicity, number of preexisting conditions, antibiotic use at admission, and baseline complete blood cell count. The primary outcomes were all-cause death and short-term (60 days) PCC post discharge. The secondary outcomes included the initiation of invasive mechanical ventilation and PCC at long-term post discharge (120 days). Cox proportional hazards (PH) regression models were employed to estimate the hazard ratios (HR) of Azvudine treatment for both all-cause death and invasive mechanical ventilation, and logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratios (OR) for short-term and long-term PCC. Subgroup analyses were performed based on a part of the matched covariates.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 2,639 hospitalized patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection were initially identified, and 2,069 ineligible subjects were excluded from analyses. After matching, 297 Azvudine recipients and 297 matched controls were eligible for analyses. The incidence rate of all-cause death was relatively lower in the Azvudine group than in control group (0.007 per person, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.001, 0.024 vs 0.128, 95% CI: 0.092, 0.171), and the use of Azvudine was associated with a significantly lower risk of death (HR: 0.049, 95% CI: 0.012, 0.205). Subgroup analyses suggested protection of Azvudine against the risks of all-cause death among men, age over 65, patients without the preexisting conditions, and patients with antibiotics dispensed at admission. Statistical differences were not observed between the Azvudine group and the control group for the risks of invasive mechanical ventilation or short and long-term PCC.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Our findings indicated that Azvudine was associated with lower risk of all-cause death among hospitalized patients with Omicron BA.5 infection in a real-world setting. Further investigation is needed to explore the effectiveness of Azvudine against the PCC after discha","PeriodicalId":12213,"journal":{"name":"Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2024-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141186243","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The prevalence of antimicrobial drug resistance of non-typhoidal Salmonella in human infections in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis.","authors":"Yonatan Amir, Muna Omar, Amos Adler, Sereen Abu-Moch, Eric S Donkor, Dani Cohen, Khitam Muhsen","doi":"10.1080/14787210.2024.2368989","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/14787210.2024.2368989","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Non-typhoidal <i>Salmonella</i> (NTS) bacteremia is common in sub-Saharan Africa. We examined the prevalence of antibiotic resistance to fluoroquinolones, third-generation cephalosporins, and multi-drug resistance (MDR) in NTS human isolates from sub-Saharan Africa.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systematic review was conducted using a search in Ovid Medline, Embase, and African Index Medicus of publications between 2000 and 2021. A random-effects model meta-analysis was performed using data from 66 studies that included 29,039 NTS blood and 1,065 stool isolates.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The pooled prevalence proportions of MDR were 0.685 (95% CI 0.574-0.778) and 0.214 (0.020-0.785) in blood vs. stool isolates. The corresponding estimates of fluoroquinolones resistance were 0.014 (0.008-0.025) vs. 0.021 (0.012-0.036) and third-generation cephalosporins resistance 0.019 (0.012-0.031) vs. 0.035 (0.006-0.185). Similar results were found for children and adults. Resistance prevalence to these antibiotics in blood isolates increased between 2000-2010 and 2011-2021. The guidelines employed to determine antimicrobial resistance and epidemiological characteristics (e.g. sample size, study duration) correlated with the resistance prevalence.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The prevalence of MDR and resistance to fluoroquinolones and third-generation cephalosporins in NTS in sub-Saharan Africa is alarming.</p><p><strong>Expert opinion: </strong>Standardized surveillance of antimicrobial drug resistance in NTS in sub-Saharan Africa is warranted to guide healthcare policymaking and antibiotic stewardship programs.</p>","PeriodicalId":12213,"journal":{"name":"Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2024-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141450172","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Association of outpatient fluoroquinolone prescribing with the National Medical Products Administration announcements of label changes in China.","authors":"Houyu Zhao, Yexiang Sun, Xi Yao, Peng Shen, Hongbo Lin, Siyan Zhan","doi":"10.1080/14787210.2024.2368823","DOIUrl":"10.1080/14787210.2024.2368823","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>In 2017 and 2021, the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) announced to revise the drug label of fluoroquinolones. We aimed to evaluate the association of fluoroquinolone prescribing with the NMPA announcements of label changes.</p><p><strong>Research design and methods: </strong>Monthly prevalence of fluoroquinolone prescriptions for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (uUTI), acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis (AECB), and acute sinusitis (AS) between 2016 and 2022 was calculated, and interrupted time series analysis was applied to assess the impacts of NMPA label changes on fluoroquinolone use.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Prevalence of fluoroquinolone prescriptions decreased by 2.39% (95% CI, -4.72% to -0.07%) for uUTI but increased by 3.02% (95% CI, 1.71% to 4.34%) for AS immediately after the 2017 label change. Moreover, after the 2021 label change, fluoroquinolone use decreased shortly in all the three indications. However, a significant increasing trend was observed in fluoroquinolone use for AECB episodes, and fluoroquinolons were used for 61.4% of treated uUTI, 31.6% of treated AECB, and 5.42% of treated AS at the end of 2022, respectively.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The label changes issued by the NMPA had no substantial impacts on fluoroquinolone prescribing in the study region in China. Fluoroquinolone prescribing was still highly prevalent for uUTI and AECB and thus requiring further antimicrobial stewardship.</p>","PeriodicalId":12213,"journal":{"name":"Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2024-06-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141330702","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Drug Inspector as an antibiotic Steward: challenges and recommendations to implement national action plan of Pakistan on antimicrobial resistance.","authors":"Mishal Bajwa, Shairyar Afzal, Sadaf Areej Sheikh, Zikria Saleem","doi":"10.1080/14787210.2024.2368825","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/14787210.2024.2368825","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Despite significant measures, low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including Pakistan, struggle to curtail non-prescription antibiotic sales, enforce regulations, and implement National Action Plan (NAP) against antimicrobial resistance (AMR). NAP Pakistan entails drug inspectors (DIs) to ensure prescription-based sales of antibiotics. This study seeks to understand the perspective of DIs regarding antimicrobial sales without prescription, underlying factors, and policy implementation status.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A qualitative study employing a semi-structured interview guide using in-depth interviews with purposively selected 17 DIs was conducted. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, and data were analyzed following a thematic analysis framework utilizing MAXQDA 2022 software.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Five main themes emerged after data analysis: (1) drug inspector - the regulator of the antimicrobial armamentarium, (2) the policy context, (3) awareness regarding AMR, (4) barriers to combatting AMR, and (5) the way forward: strategies and recommendations.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>A weak regulatory framework, low level of awareness, quackery, vested interests, and socio-economic factors augment inappropriate antibiotic utilization. Opting for better policies and strengthening the DI fraternity as outlined in NAP Pakistan is recommended. Recognizing drug inspectors as effective surveilling units and mobilizing field force against irrational antibiotic utilization is the need of the hour and requires policy reformation.</p>","PeriodicalId":12213,"journal":{"name":"Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2024-06-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141316921","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the utilisation and quality of antibiotic use in the Scottish primary care setting: a population-based segmented interrupted time-series analysis.","authors":"Hayam Al Balushi, Amanj Kurdi, Najla Almutairi, Kirmanj Ismail Baker, Karwan M Amen, Hardee Karwi, Andrew Seaton, Brian Godman","doi":"10.1080/14787210.2024.2363485","DOIUrl":"10.1080/14787210.2024.2363485","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Inappropriate use of antibiotics is expected to increase during the COVID-19 pandemic, but there are limited data on COVID-19's long-term impact. We assessed the impact of COVID-19 on the quantity and quality of antibiotic use in Scotland.</p><p><strong>Research design and methods: </strong>A segmented interrupted time series was applied to monthly dispensed antibiotics using prescription cost analysis data from March/2019 to March/2023. Antibiotic use was quantified using the number of items dispensed/1000 inhabitants (TIDs) and defined daily dose/1000 inhabitants/day (DIDs). The quality of antibiotic use was assessed using key quality indicators including the WHO AWaRe classification, proportion of broad-spectrum and \"4C\"-antibiotics.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Overall, for all antibiotics, there was a non-significant increase in TIDs and DIDs before the first lockdown (March/2020) (β₁), but a decline in the level immediately after the first (β₂) and second lockdowns (β₄) (November/2020), albeit non-significant. However, a significant increase in the time trend after the second lockdown (β₅) for all antibiotic classes was observed. COVID-19 had no negative impact on AWaRe utilisation, with the proportion of all antibiotics from the Access group increasing from 76% in March/2019 to 90% in March/2023. The proportion of \"4C\" antibiotic reduced significantly after the second lockdown.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Neither the utilisation nor the quality of total antibiotic use appeared to have been significantly affected by COVID-19.</p>","PeriodicalId":12213,"journal":{"name":"Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2024-06-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141247683","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of mesenchymal stem cell therapy on parasitic drug resistance.","authors":"Soheil Sadr, Pouria Ahmadi Simab, Mahta Niazi, Zahra Yousefsani, Narges Lotfalizadeh, Ashkan Hajjafari, Hassan Borji","doi":"10.1080/14787210.2024.2360684","DOIUrl":"10.1080/14787210.2024.2360684","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The emergence of antiparasitic drug resistance poses a concerning threat to animals and humans. Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) have been widely used to treat infections in humans, pets, and livestock. Although this is an emerging field of study, the current review outlines possible mechanisms and examines potential synergism in combination therapies and the possible harmful effects of such an approach.</p><p><strong>Areas covered: </strong>The present study delved into the latest pre-clinical research on utilizing MSCs to treat parasitic infections. As per investigations, the introduction of MSCs to patients grappling with parasitic diseases like schistosomiasis, malaria, cystic echinococcosis, toxoplasmosis, leishmaniasis, and trypanosomiasis has shown a reduction in parasite prevalence. This intervention also alters the levels of both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, the combined administration of MSCs and antiparasitic drugs has demonstrated enhanced efficacy in combating parasites and modulating the immune response.</p><p><strong>Expert opinion: </strong>Mesenchymal stem cells are a potential solution for addressing parasitic drug resistance. This is mainly because of their remarkable immunomodulatory abilities, which can potentially help combat parasites' resistance to drugs.</p>","PeriodicalId":12213,"journal":{"name":"Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2024-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141156750","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Can we use azithromycin eye drops for gonococcal ophthalmia prophylaxis in the United States?","authors":"Susannah Franco, Margaret R Hammerschlag","doi":"10.1080/14787210.2024.2359725","DOIUrl":"10.1080/14787210.2024.2359725","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Neonatal ocular prophylaxis with 0.5% erythromycin ophthalmic ointment is mandated by law in many U.S. states despite its lack of efficacy in preventing chlamydial ophthalmia and the low incidence of gonococcal ophthalmia today. The current shortage of 0.5% erythromycin ophthalmic ointment is bringing into question what alternatives exist for neonatal ocular prophylaxis for the prevention of gonococcal ophthalmia. Providers in states with mandates are concerned with the implications of administering intramuscular ceftriaxone to every newborn. Azithromycin eye drops are being considered as an alternative.</p><p><strong>Areas covered: </strong>This article discusses 1% azithromycin eye drops as an alternative to 0.5% erythromycin ophthalmic ointment. Clinical experience, side effects, resistance, logistics, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics are considered.</p><p><strong>Expert opinion: </strong>Azithromycin eye drops are not an appropriate alternative to 0.5% erythromycin ophthalmic ointment for ocular prophylaxis. Prenatal screening and treatment of pregnant women is the most effective way to prevent neonatal ophthalmia. Mandates for universal prophylaxis should be withdrawn to avoid unnecessary medication administration, healthcare costs, and potential harm.</p>","PeriodicalId":12213,"journal":{"name":"Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2024-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141087526","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Healthcare professionals' understanding and perception of drug-related issues linked to off-label pharmacological medications used for COVID-19.","authors":"Muhammad Zeeshan Munir, Amer Hayat Khan, Tahir Mehmood Khan","doi":"10.1080/14787210.2024.2310004","DOIUrl":"10.1080/14787210.2024.2310004","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>To evaluate the opinions of healthcare workers regarding drug therapy problems linked to anti-infective medicines used for the treatment of COVID-19 infection in Pakistan.</p><p><strong>Research methodology: </strong>This cross-sectional study was conducted from January to October 2022 using a self-administered questionnaire developed by the authors, having three sections: demographics, knowledge, and perception. The study was validated by research experts and pilot-tested on 30 subjects. The study included medical doctors, nurses, pharmacists from Punjab's government and private medical institutes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In this study, 382 of 400 participants replied. The mean knowledge score was 9.52 (SD 2.97), showing that participants had adequate knowledge of COVID-19 pharmacological interventions. The knowledge scores were significantly higher of those who treated COVID-19 patients and were from Lahore. Many doctors considered that elderly patients and those with blood disorders were at greater risk of experiencing drug-related problems. Most pharmacists support electronic prescription systems. Many doctors thought the lack of unified treatment guidelines, multiple prescribers, and self-medication were key obstacles in managing COVID-19 patients.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Most respondents had adequate knowledge. Older patients with comorbidities are at risk of adverse effects. Self-medication, polypharmacy, and multiple prescriptions can lead to misdiagnosis and complications. Electric prescriptions, team effort, and training programs can decrease these issues.</p>","PeriodicalId":12213,"journal":{"name":"Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2024-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139541792","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}