Bacterial respiratory infections in patients with COVID-19: A retrospective study from a tertiary care center in Lebanon

BACKGROUND

Despite multiple reports of increased incidence of bacterial respiratory tract infections following COVID-19 globally, the microbiology is not yet fully elucidated. In this study, we describe the microbiology of bacterial infections and the prevalence of multidrug resistant organisms (MDROs) in hospitalized COVID-19 patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), and hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) which includes both non-ventilated hospital acquired pneumonia (NVHAP) and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). To our knowledge, this is the first study that compares the microbiology of VAP and NVHAP in COVID-19 patients.

METHODS

This is a longitudinal retrospective cohort study conducted at the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC), a tertiary-care centre in Lebanon. Adult patients with confirmed COVID-19 and concurrent bacterial respiratory infections with an identifiable causative organism who were hospitalized between March 2020 and September 2021 were included. Bacterial isolates identified in hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) were divided into 3 groups based on the time of acquisition of pneumonia after admission: hospital day 3-14, 15-28 and 29-42.

RESULTS

Out of 1674 patients admitted with COVID-19, 159 (9.5%) developed one or more respiratory infections with an identifiable causative organism. Overall, Gram-negative bacteria were predominant (84%) and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia was the most common pathogen, particularly in HAP. Among 231 obtained isolates, 59 (26%) were MDROs, seen in higher proportion in HAP, especially among patients with prolonged hospital stay (> 4 weeks). Non-fermenter Gram-negative bacilli (NFGNB) (OR = 3.52, p-value<0.001), particularly S. maltophilia (OR = 3.24, p-value = 0.02), were significantly more implicated in VAP compared to NVHAP.

CONCLUSIONS

NFGNB particularly S. maltophilia were significantly associated with COVID-19 VAP. A high rate of bacterial resistance (25%), especially among Gram-negative bacteria, was found which may compromise patients' outcomes and has important implications in guiding therapeutic decisions in COVID-19 patients who acquire bacterial respiratory infections.

Epidemiology and microbiology of catheter-associated urinary tract infections: A 14-year surveillance study at a tertiary care center in Lebanon

BACKGROUND

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are the most common device-associated healthcare-acquired infections and pose a significant burden on patients and healthcare systems worldwide. However, there is a paucity of data on CAUTI epidemiology and microbiology in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, including Lebanon.

METHODS

This 14-year retrospective cohort study was conducted at a tertiary care center in Lebanon. It analyzed data on all adult patients diagnosed with CAUTI between January 2009 and December 2022 in intensive care units (ICUs) and between June 2011 and December 2022 in regular units. Incidence rates, urinary catheter utilization ratios, and microbiological profiles were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 620 CAUTI cases were identified during the study period. The overall CAUTI rate was 2.4 per 1000 catheter-days, with higher rates in ICUs (3.2 per 1000 catheter-days) compared to regular units (1.4 per 1000 catheter-days). No significant changes in the rates were noted despite implementing many interventions. The most common pathogens were Gram-negative bacteria, with Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae being predominant. Multidrug-resistant organisms represented 48% of all isolates. Enterobacterales were largely extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) producing, and most Acinetobacter baumannii isolates showed multidrug resistance.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides important insights into CAUTI epidemiology and microbiology in a tertiary care center in Lebanon, addressing the knowledge gap in this area in the MENA region. Despite implementing prevention measures, CAUTI rates remained stable over the 14-year period. The findings highlight the need for continuous improvement in infection prevention practices, diagnostic stewardship, and antimicrobial stewardship, especially given the rising threat of antimicrobial resistance. These results can serve as a guide for the development of targeted preventive strategies to reduce the burden of CAUTIs, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where antimicrobial resistance is a major issue.

Breast cancer knowledge in Lebanese females with positive family history

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women and the second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Positive family history increases the likelihood of developing this disease. As late-stage presentation and poor survival rates are associated with a lack of knowledge about breast cancer and its screening methods, this study aimed to evaluate the knowledge of Lebanese women with first-degree relatives who were diagnosed with breast cancer. In this cross-sectional study, 200 women with a positive family history accompanying their relatives to oncology clinics or the infusion center at the American University of Beirut Medical Center, completed an online survey after institutional review board approval was granted. Demographic information and answers to questions related to breast cancer risk factors, warning signs, and screening techniques were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. Eighty-one percent of the study participants agreed that a history of breast cancer is associated with a higher disease risk. The smaller portions were aware of other potential risk factors, such as hormone replacement therapy, alcohol consumption, late menopause, early menarche, and overweight and sedentary lifestyles. Also, 93% to 96.5% of the participants recognized breast self-examination and mammography as useful tools for early detection. Furthermore, younger participants who reached university level and were employed had more insights into breast cancer. Breast cancer knowledge and early diagnosis are key elements in preventing late presentations and reducing the associated morbidity and mortality. Further educational and awareness campaigns should be conducted in Lebanon to improve women knowledge of breast cancer.