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Bacterial co-infections with SARS-CoV-2

Rasoul Mirzaei1,2, Pedram Goodarzi3, Muhammad Asadi4

  • 1Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.

IUBMB Life
|August 10, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Bacterial co-infections increase COVID-19 severity and mortality. Overusing antibiotics like azithromycin contributes to antibiotic resistance, complicating treatment for viral respiratory infections such as COVID-19.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has had a global impact with no definitive antiviral therapies.
  • Viral respiratory infections, including COVID-19, can lead to secondary bacterial co-infections, increasing disease severity and mortality.
  • Antibiotics like azithromycin are used to manage bacterial co-infections in viral respiratory illnesses.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review bacterial co-infections and secondary bacterial infections in respiratory viral infections, with a focus on COVID-19.
  • To highlight the role of bacterial co-infections in COVID-19 severity and mortality.
  • To address concerns regarding antibiotic resistance due to overuse in managing these infections.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review summarizing existing research on bacterial co-infections in viral respiratory infections.
  • Analysis of the impact of bacterial co-infections on COVID-19 outcomes.
  • Discussion of antibiotic use and the emerging issue of antibiotic resistance.

Main Results:

  • Bacterial co-infections are significant risk factors for increased severity and mortality in COVID-19 patients.
  • Some COVID-19 deaths may be attributable to bacterial pneumonia rather than the virus itself.
  • Widespread antibiotic use, including azithromycin, raises concerns about the development of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains.

Conclusions:

  • Bacterial co-infections and secondary infections are critical factors influencing COVID-19 outcomes.
  • The rise of antibiotic resistance due to overuse necessitates careful consideration in treatment strategies.
  • Further research and strategic management are needed to combat both viral infections and associated bacterial complications.
Keywords:
COVID-19SARS-CoV-2antibioticbacterial co-infectionviral infection

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