The international health body WHO has released revised recommendations for the clinical management of individuals with COVID-19, which, it said, are based on evidence forged from recent meta-analyses of results of patients treated with antibiotics for COVID-19.
Updated Guidelines Emphasise Antimicrobial Stewardship
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a significant update to its clinical management guidelines for COVID-19, cautioning against the routine use of antibiotics—even in severe cases—unless there is clear clinical suspicion of a concurrent bacterial infection.
The guidance, released this week, is rooted in new evidence from a recent meta-analysis that evaluated outcomes of patients treated with antibiotics during their COVID-19 infection. According to the findings, empirical antibiotic use in patients without confirmed bacterial co-infection provided no clinical benefit and may contribute to the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
No Antibiotics in Mild or Severe Cases Without Bacterial Evidence
“For patients with non-severe COVID-19 and low clinical suspicion of a bacterial infection, we recommend no empirical antibiotics. For patients with severe COVID-19 under similar conditions, we suggest no empirical antibiotics,” the WHO stated.
This shift underscores the importance of targeted treatment over broad-spectrum medication use, particularly in a post-pandemic world where COVID-19 care is being integrated into general healthcare services.
COVID-19 Has Changed — So Have Guidelines
The WHO highlighted that COVID-19’s epidemiology and clinical severity have evolved significantly since the initial outbreak in 2020. With lower infection rates, milder disease, and the removal of emergency measures, the healthcare environment in 2024 has changed.
“Notable changes to COVID-19 disease over this time have been overall reduced infection rates and reduced disease severity,” the WHO said. Care for COVID-19 is now more streamlined within routine health systems, prompting a comprehensive review and update of existing guidelines.
Combating Antibiotic Misuse and Resistance
The updated recommendations aim to curb unnecessary antibiotic use and address the global threat of antimicrobial resistance, which has been exacerbated by overprescription during the pandemic.
By aligning clinical practices with emerging evidence, the WHO hopes to strengthen patient safety and promote the sustainable use of antibiotics worldwide.