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The inappropriate prescribing of antimicrobials increases antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which poses an appreciable threat to public health, increasing morbidity and mortality. Inappropriate antimicrobial prescribing includes their prescribing in patients hospitalized with COVID-19, despite limited evidence of bacterial infections or coinfections. Knowledge of current antimicrobial utilization in Saudi Arabia is currently limited. Consequently, the objective of this study was to document current antimicrobial prescribing patterns among Saudi hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study included patients with or without COVID-19 who were admitted to five hospitals in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Data were gathered using the Global PPS methodology and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Out of 897 hospitalized patients, 518 were treated with antibiotics (57.7%), with an average of 1.9 antibiotics per patient. There were 174 culture reports collected, representing 36.5% of all cases. The most common indication for antibiotics use was community-acquired infections, accounting for 61.4% of all cases. 'Watch' antibiotics were the most commonly prescribed antibiotics, with the cephalosporins and carbapenems representing 38.7% of all antibiotics prescribed, followed by the penicillins (23.2%). Notably, Piperacillin/Tazobactam and Azithromycin were prescribed at relatively higher rates for COVID-19 patients. These findings highlight the need for continuous efforts to optimize the rational use of antibiotics through instigating appropriate antimicrobial stewardship programs in hospitals and, as a result, reduce AMR in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herbal medications are being widely used as dietary supplements worldwide. A large percentage of the population uses medicinal herbs to treat certain diseases or symptoms. This study is aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the general population. This cross-sectional study was carried out in Makkah Province from November 30th to December 31st, 2021. Data were collected and analyzed using an online questionnaire, and the survey questionnaire was validated. Response to questions was analyzed with the SPSS program. A total of 391 participants participated. Most participants were male (54.7%), and the average age was between 35-44 years old. 78.6% had college or higher education, and 66% of the participants were from Makkah. Only 13.9% of the participants said they have very good knowledge of herbal medicine. In terms of attitude, more than 91% of the respondents agreed that herbal drugs have some value in treating diseases. 65% of the participants get their knowledge from social media and the internet; the rest are about friends, TV, the medical journal, and others. the study showed that most respondents had low experience in herbal medicine and relied heavily on the internet for information. On the other hand, there was a positive attitude toward using herbal medicine. The government and Food and Drug Administration must encourage institutions to devote functionally dedicated programs and activities to enhance public awareness of herbal medicine use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Objective To identify commonly reported community-acquired organisms and antimicrobial resistance patterns exhibited by Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens among pilgrims visiting emergency care departments in Makkah. Method The study was designed as a retrospective audit of all patients (pilgrims) admitted to two hospitals and residing in the city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Results Among 374 isolates, Gram-negative pathogens accounted for 280 (75%), while the remaining 94 (25%) were Gram-positive organisms. Among all isolated pathogens, the highest resistance was observed for amoxicillin–clavulanic acid. Klebsiella pneumoniae had the highest resistance to amoxicillin–clavulanic acid and ampicillin. Most of the organisms were sensitive to tobramycin except Acinetobacter baumannii ( n = 3, 50%), Escherichia coli ( n = 4, 57%), and K. pneumoniae ( n = 6, 46%). Conclusion Overall, a high resistance was observed for beta-lactam antibiotics. In addition, a high resistance was noted for ceftazidime with A. baumannii species ( n = 16, 77%). However, for quinolones, the highest resistance to ciprofloxacin was observed for E. coli , A. baumannii , methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus , and K. pneumoniae . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]