Antimicrobial resistance among refugees and asylum seekers: a global systematic review and meta-analysis

A study examining global antimicrobial resistance (AMR) data among refugees and asylum seekers found that they have a higher risk of carriage or infection than the host-country population. The most common phenotypes reported were multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Gram-negative bacteria. Refugees and asylum seekers may be exposed to conditions that support drug resistance, such as living in overcrowded camps and facing health and vaccine barriers. The study suggests that more global and regional data on AMR is needed, particularly in low-income and middle-income countries, and increased efforts to improve infection prevention, control, treatment strategies, access to quality healthcare, and address risk factors.