Predictors of hospital-acquired bacterial and fungal superinfections in COVID-19: a prospective observational study

J Antimicrob Chemother. 2021 Mar 12;76(4):1078-1084. doi: 10.1093/jac/dkaa530.

Abstract

Background: Bacterial and fungal superinfections may complicate the course of hospitalized patients with COVID-19.

Objectives: To identify predictors of superinfections in COVID-19.

Methods: Prospective, observational study including patients with COVID-19 consecutively admitted to the University Hospital of Pisa, Italy, between 4 March and 30 April 2020. Clinical data and outcomes were registered. Superinfection was defined as a bacterial or fungal infection that occurred ≥48 h after hospital admission. A multivariate analysis was performed to identify factors independently associated with superinfections.

Results: Overall, 315 patients with COVID-19 were hospitalized and 109 episodes of superinfections were documented in 69 (21.9%) patients. The median time from admission to superinfection was 19 days (range 11-29.75). Superinfections were caused by Enterobacterales (44.9%), non-fermenting Gram-negative bacilli (15.6%), Gram-positive bacteria (15.6%) and fungi (5.5%). Polymicrobial infections accounted for 18.3%. Predictors of superinfections were: intestinal colonization by carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (OR 16.03, 95% CI 6.5-39.5, P < 0.001); invasive mechanical ventilation (OR 5.6, 95% CI 2.4-13.1, P < 0.001); immunomodulatory agents (tocilizumab/baricitinib) (OR 5.09, 95% CI 2.2-11.8, P < 0.001); C-reactive protein on admission >7 mg/dl (OR 3.59, 95% CI 1.7-7.7, P = 0.001); and previous treatment with piperacillin/tazobactam (OR 2.85, 95% CI 1.1-7.2, P = 0.028). Length of hospital stay was longer in patients who developed superinfections ompared with those who did not (30 versus 11 days, P < 0.001), while mortality rates were similar (18.8% versus 23.2%, P = 0.445).

Conclusions: The risk of bacterial and fungal superinfections in COVID-19 is consistent. Patients who need empiric broad-spectrum antibiotics and immunomodulant drugs should be carefully selected. Infection control rules must be reinforced.

Publication types

  • Observational Study

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Bacterial Infections
  • COVID-19 / complications*
  • Coinfection
  • Cross Infection / microbiology*
  • Female
  • Hospitalization
  • Humans
  • Italy
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mycoses
  • Prospective Studies
  • Risk Factors
  • Superinfection / microbiology*
  • Superinfection / virology*