SUPERINFECTIONS IN PATIENTS INFECTED WITH COVID-19: A SINGLE-CENTER EXPERIENCE

Bacterial and fungal co-infections with SARS-CoV-2 in solid organ recipients: a retrospective study

Background

SARS-CoV-2, a novel corona virus, has caused clusters of fatal pneumonia worldwide. Immune compromised patients are among the high risk groups with poor prognosis of the disease. The presence of bacterial or fungal co-infections with SARS-CoV-2 is associated with increased mortality.

Methods

The electronic data of the liver and kidney recipients, hospitalized in COVID-19 intensive care unit in an 8-month period in 2020 were retrospectively assessed. The documented bacterial or fungal infections alongside with outcome and risk factors were recorded and analyzed by binary logistic regression model and multivariate analyses.

Results

Sixty-Six liver and kidney recipients with positive RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 were included this study. Twenty one percent of the patients had at least one episode of co-infection during their COVID-19 course. Bacterial and fungal co-infections contributed to a significantly higher mortality. Urine and sputum were the most common sites of pathogen isolation (45.45% and 36.36%; respectively). The majority of infections were caused by vancomycin- resistant Enterococci (30%). Escherichia coli stood in the next position with 23.3%. Prior hospitalization and high doses of corticosteroids were associated with co-infections (p < 0.001 and p = 0.02; respectively.)

Conclusions

Bacterial and fungal co-infections with COVID-19 are more prevalent in solid organ recipients compared to the general population. Prior hospitalizations and use of broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents lead to emergence of multi-drug resistant pathogens in this susceptible patient population. Early detection and treatment of co-infections as well as antibiotic stewardship is recommended in solid organ recipients.

Serratia marcescens outbreak in a COVID-19 intensive care unit - Are there any factors specific to COVID-19 units that facilitate bacterial cross-contamination between COVID-19 patients?

COVID-19 dedicated units were created early in the pandemic. Despite their need, factors specific to these units can possibly increase the risk of bacterial cross-contamination between COVID-19 patients. We report a Serratia marcescens outbreak in a COVID-19 intensive care unit, later discussing factors specific to COVID-19 units that may facilitate bacterial cross-contamination in such units, and raising awareness for such an issue.