Empiric Antibiotics in COVID 19: A Narrative Review

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a febrile respiratory illness caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It may develop into respiratory failure or pneumonia. Antimicrobials have facilitated medical progress for decades. However, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) limits our ability to treat diseases and undermines efforts to attain health-related sustainable development and universal health coverage objectives. Antimicrobial resistance is a major concern that must be addressed immediately. The principles of appropriate prescription, optimal use of antimicrobials, quality diagnosis and treatment, and infection reduction and prevention have led to antimicrobial stewardship initiatives. During the current COVID-19 epidemic, there are possible hazards to antimicrobial stewardship measures and drug resistance. Many people with mild illnesses but without pneumonia or moderate infections with pneumonia are administered antibiotics. Antimicrobial therapy has no documented benefit in COVID-19 patients without microbial co-infection. COVID-19 patients may have an increased risk of developing concomitant microbial infections, which would necessitate antibiotic treatment. This review evaluated the role of empiric antibiotics in COVID-19 patients.