Coronavirus Disease 2019 and Antibiotic Stewardship—Antibiotic Usagein Adult Patients: Is It Necessary? When Should It be Concerned?

Abstract

Antibiotic consumption rates were quite high in number, although thebacterial coinfection rates were low in coronavirus disease 2019 pneu monia. Generally, empirical antibiotic treatment is not recommendedfor uncomplicated coronavirus disease 2019 mild to moderate pneu monia cases. On the other hand, antibiotic treatment and de-escalationare recommended for intubated intensive care unit patients or criticalpatients with sepsis, septic shock, or acute respiratory distress syn drome. The presentation of patients with severe coronavirus disease2019 pneumonia can direct the clinicians to use antibiotics. We believethat wait and watch strategy can be preferred in such cases without sep sis, secondary bacterial infection findings, or procalcitonin < 0.5 ng/ mL. We think that a new wave of resistance will occur inevitably if wecannot perform the antibiotic stewardship properly.