PULMONARY FUNGAL INFECTIONS IN PATIENT WITH COVID-19

Abstract

Background: The incidence of pulmonary fungal infections in patients with COVID-19 disease is not well described. Isolation and identication of these infections may improve patient's outcome. Therefore, the objective of the study is to nd out the incidence of pulmonary fungal co- infections and to isolate and identify the fungal pathogens in COVID positive patients. Methods: This retrospective observational study was conducted at Tejas Microdiagnostics during 30 April 2021 to 30 June 2021. A total of 59 patients with severe COVID-19 infection requiring admission in SRN Hospital, Prayagraj were included in the study. Sputum specimen was sent for culture and sensitivity to Tejas Microdiagnostics within eight hours of admission for the evaluation of fungal infections. Results: Out of 59 COVID positive cases, 53 cases were identied with fungal infections. The mean age of patients with infections was 61.29 + 7.84 years with males being about 73.6% and females about 26.4%. The pulmonary fungal infection comprised of Candida glabrata (13.21%), Candida tropicalis (33.96%), Candida albicans (9.43%), Candida cruzi (15.09%), Candida parapsilosis (18.87) Mucour (3.77%), Penicillium (1.89%), Rhizopus (1.89%) Aspergilluss fumigatus (1.89). Mortality was observed in 7.5% cases. Conclusion: Our study illustrates that 89.8 % COVID positive patients were infected with pulmonary fungal infections. The reason for such a high incidence can be the wide spread use of empirical antibiotics and steroids which may increased the risk of fungal infections in patients with COVID-19. Isolation and identication of such infections is prudent and may reduce the morbidity and mortality of the patients.