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The Role of Bacterial and Fungal Superinfection in Critical COVID-19

Tamara Seitz1, Johannes Holbik1, Alexander Grieb1

  • 1Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Klinik Favoriten, 1100 Vienna, Austria.

Viruses
|December 23, 2022
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Severe COVID-19 patients frequently develop superinfections, particularly fungal infections like candidemia. These infections significantly increase hospital stay and mortality, highlighting the need for greater clinical awareness.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Critical Care Medicine
  • Pulmonology

Background:

  • Bacterial and fungal superinfections are common in severe COVID-19.
  • Reported rates vary widely, indicating inconsistent reporting standards.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the incidence of bacterial and fungal superinfections in severe COVID-19 patients.
  • To differentiate between true infections and contamination.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 117 Intensive Care Unit patients with severe COVID-19.
  • Application of predefined criteria to identify and classify superinfections.

Main Results:

  • 55% of patients experienced superinfections; 13.6% had fungal superinfections (5.9% candidemia, 7.7% CAPA).
  • Ventilator-associated pneumonia occurred in 65.2% of patients.
  • Superinfections, especially candidemia, correlated with longer hospital stays and increased mortality. Diabetes and heart failure increased risk.

Conclusions:

  • High rates of superinfections, particularly fungal, necessitate increased clinical vigilance in severe COVID-19 cases.
  • Standardized reporting is crucial for accurate epidemiological assessment.
Keywords:
CAPACOVID-19SARS-CoV-2candidemiafungal infectionsuperinfection

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