The overuse of antibiotics could have exacerbated the spread of antimicrobial resistance, according to the World Health Organization.

The World Health Organization on Friday reported “extensive” overuse of antibiotics during the COVID-19 pandemic that could have increased the spread of antimicrobial resistance.

The organization found that only 8% of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 needed antibiotics for bacterial co-infections. However, about 75% of patients were treated with antibiotics. The highest rate of use was among people with severe or critical COVID-19 at 81% on average.