Pattern of antibiotic use and bacterial co-infection in hospitalized Covid-19 patients

Background There is evidence that bacterial co-infection in respiratory viruses leads to morbidity and mortality. Patients with decreased immunity are prone to bacterial co-infection. A lack of judicious use of antibiotics leads to the spread of multi-drug resistant bacteria (MDR) that have a long-term negative impact. In this study, we attempted to observe the pattern of antibacterial use and its impact on secondary bacterial infection. Methods An observational study was conducted at Alexandria Main University Hospital (AMUH) (Alexandria University) from June 2021- February 2022. Study participants were admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) with confirmed Covid-19 (by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Computed tomography (CT) scan). The following data was collected (Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data).In this study, the Pattern of antibiotic use as well as the occurrence of secondary bacterial infections were reported. Results Among 121 patients included in the present study, all received antibiotics empirically. Upon admission (19.8%) showed urinary tract infection, (11.5%) had bloodstream infection, and (57.7%) had respiratory tract infection. After 10 days secondary bacterial infection occurred in 38 patients (61.2%) with (24.1%) Urinary tract infection (UTI), (12.9%) Bloodstream infection (BSI), and (72.2%) respiratory tract infection. The respiratory sample size was (45) patients due to Infection Control (IC) restrictions on the aerosol-producing procedure. Conclusion Upon admission, all patients received broad-spectrum antibiotics while the incidence of bacterial co-infection was low.