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2026, Number 4

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Med Crit 2026; 40 (4)

Bacterial and fungal superinfections in hospitalized COVID-19 patients: a retrospective cohort study

Ruiz BMD, Garduño GJJ, García CD

Language: Spanish
References: 30
Page: 308-315
PDF size: 759.49 Kb.


ABSTRACT

Introduction: bacterial and fungal superinfections are relevant complications in hospitalized patients with COVID-19, particularly in those with severe disease, exposure to invasive devices, and prolonged hospital stay. Objective: to describe the clinical characteristics, microbiological findings, and antimicrobial resistance profiles of bacterial and fungal superinfections in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Material and methods: a single-center, observational, descriptive, retrospective cohort study was conducted at the Regional General Hospital No. 251 of the IMSS from July 2020 to July 2021. Adult patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection by RT-PCR, hospital stay ≥ 48 hours, and at least one positive culture were included. Demographic data, sample type, isolated microorganisms, invasive devices, clinical outcomes, and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: a total of 197 positive cultures from 62 patients were analyzed. Mean age was 49 years and 71% were male. Overall mortality was 58.1%. Blood cultures were the most frequent samples. Bacterial superinfection accounted for 85% of cases and fungal superinfection for 15%, with predominance of Gram-negative bacteria. The most frequently isolated microorganisms were Staphylococcus spp., Acinetobacter spp., Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella spp., showing high antimicrobial resistance rates. Conclusions: bacterial and fungal superinfections were frequent in hospitalized COVID-19 patients and were associated with high mortality, with predominance of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative pathogens.


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