Community-acquired Co-infection Research Articles

Not all severe malaria cases are severe: Is it time to redefine severity criteria for malaria in non-endemic regions?

BackgroundThe current definition of severe malaria in non-endemic areas follows WHO criteria, which mainly target children in malaria-endemic areas, potentially misclassifying cases in non-endemic regions. We assessed the performance of a modified severe malaria classification criteria within our patient cohort. MethodsA cohort study of patients managed for malaria in a non-endemic setting (2005–2023) was analyzed. We classified patients into severe malaria (SM) using WHO 2013 criteria except for hyperparasitemia, where 2 % threshold was applied. Patients with SM were distinguished as very severe malaria (VSM) when presenting at least one of the following conditions: parasitemia >10 %, pulmonary edema, impaired consciousness, seizures, renal failure, metabolic acidosis or hyperlactatemia, shock or hypoglycemia. In patients with SM and no criteria for VSM, less severe malaria (LSM) was defined by: 2–10 % parasitemia, hyperbilirubinemia, prostration, anemia or minor bleeding. The primary composite outcome was death or the need for a life-saving intervention, as analyzed in the three comparative groups. Secondary outcome was the prevalence of co-infections. ResultsAmong 506 patients with malaria, 176 (34.8 %) presented with SM. A total of 37 (7.3 %) patients developed a life-threatening condition, namely death (n = 4) and/or the need for life-saving interventions (n = 34). All fatalities and 33 out of the 34 life-saving interventions occurred in the VSM group. Patients in LSM group did not develop any life-threatening conditions. As to co-infections, 28 (5.5 %) patients had a community-acquired co-infection, with no differences between groups (p = 0.763). ConclusionsSeverity criteria definitions would benefit from a review when assessing patients with malaria in non-endemic areas. Within the spectrum of SM, patients reclassified as LSM have a low risk of developing a life-threatening condition and present low co-infection incidence and could benefit from management out of intensive care units and a restrictive use of empirical antibiotics.

Impact of respiratory bacterial infections on mortality in Japanese patients with COVID-19: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundAlthough cases of respiratory bacterial infections associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have often been reported, their impact on the clinical course remains unclear. Herein, we evaluated and analyzed the complication rates of bacterial infections, causative organisms, patient backgrounds, and clinical outcome in Japanese patients with COVID-19.MethodsWe performed a retrospective cohort study that included inpatients with COVID-19 from multiple centers participating in the Japan COVID-19 Taskforce (April 2020 to May 2021) and obtained demographic, epidemiological, and microbiological results and the clinical course and analyzed the cases of COVID-19 complicated by respiratory bacterial infections.ResultsOf the 1,863 patients with COVID-19 included in the analysis, 140 (7.5%) had respiratory bacterial infections. Community-acquired co-infection at COVID-19 diagnosis was uncommon (55/1,863, 3.0%) and was mainly caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Hospital-acquired bacterial secondary infections, mostly caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, were diagnosed in 86 patients (4.6%). Severity-associated comorbidities were frequently observed in hospital-acquired secondary infection cases, including hypertension, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. The study results suggest that the neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (> 5.28) may be useful in diagnosing complications of respiratory bacterial infections. COVID-19 patients with community-acquired or hospital-acquired secondary infections had significantly increased mortality.ConclusionsRespiratory bacterial co-infections and secondary infections are uncommon in patients with COVID-19 but may worsen outcomes. Assessment of bacterial complications is important in hospitalized patients with COVID-19, and the study findings are meaningful for the appropriate use of antimicrobial agents and management strategies.

P442 Bacterial and fungal infection in COVID-19 diagnosed cases in a tertiary care ICU setting in the wake of second wave in Kolkata, India

Poster session 3, September 23, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PMFungal and bacterial infections increase the mortality rate of COVID-19-positive patients. In addition to the risk factors that we cannot change, invasive procedures should be avoided, constant blood sugar regulation should be applied, and unnecessary antibiotics use should be avoided. To investigate the incidence of bacterial and fungal infection of hospitalized patients intensive care units with confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in this retrospective observational study in a tertiary care hospital in Kolkata in the wake of second-wave in India. A retrospective study of hospitalized patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 by PCR was analyzed study in a tertiary care hospital in Kolkata in the wake of second-wave from February 2021 to October 2021. The records of 327 patients hospitalized in ICU with the diagnosis of COVID-19 were investigated from electronic health records and hospitalization files. The demographic characteristics (age, gender), the number of ICU hospitalization days and mortality rates, APACHE II scores, accompanying diseases, antibiotic-steroid treatments taken during hospitalization, and microbiological results (blood, urine, tracheal aspirate samples) of the patients were recorded. Blood cultures, respiratory samples, pneumococcal or Legionella urinary antigens, and respiratory viral PCR panels were obtained from COVID-19 patients, respectively. The average APACHE II score of the patients was 28 ± 6. A positive blood culture was identified in 60 patients (7.1%), of which 39 were classified as contaminants. Bacteremia resulting from respiratory infection was confirmed in two cases (one each community-acquired Klebsiella pneumoniae and ventilator-associated Enterobacter cloacae). Line-related bacteremia was identified in six patients (three Candida, two Enterococcus spp., and one Pseudomonas aeruginosa). All other community-acquired bacteremias (n = 16) were attributed to non-respiratory infections. Zero concomitant pneumococcal, Legionella or influenza infection was detected. A low yield of positive respiratory cultures was identified; Staphylococcus aureus was the most common respiratory pathogen isolated in community-acquired coinfection (4/24; 16.7%), with pseudomonas and yeast identified in late-onset infection. Invasive fungal infections (n = 3) were attributed to line-related infections. Opportunistic fungal infection was detected in 58 patients (17.37%) of 327 patients monitored in ICU with a COVID-19-positive diagnosis. Candida albicans was the opportunistic fungal agent isolated from most blood samples taken from COVID-19-positive patients. The mortality rate of COVID-19-positive patients with candidemia was 80%. While 2/3 patients (66.6%) for whom fungi were grown from their tracheal aspirate died, one patient (33.3%) was transferred to the ward. Prolonged mechanical ventilation support was associated with the development of nosocomial candidemia and bacteremia. Parallel to the developments in the field of diagnosis and treatment, an increase in the incidence of fungal infections and the number of patients who are in the risk group for the development of opportunistic fungal infections have been observed in recent years. Among the hospitalized patients, those most at risk in terms of fungal infections are intensive care unit (ICU) patients. The rate of Candida infections amongst critical care patients is very and may pose severe mortality if not diagnosed, treated, and handled effectively, and promptly.

The Effect of Nosocomial Infection on the Severity and Outcome of the Disease in Patients with Severe and Extremely Severe COVID-19

The mechanisms of development of nosocomial infectious complications in COVID-19 and the contribution of bacterial and mycotic superinfection to the formation of extremely high mortality among patients with severe and extremely severe course of this disease have not yet been fully revealed. The objective: to study epidemiology, risk factors for the development of nosocomial superinfection, and its effect on the severity and outcome of the disease in patients with COVID-19.Subjects and Methods. 383 cases of severe and extremely severe COVID-19 were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic data, the presence of concomitant diseases, community-acquired co-infection at the time of hospitalization, data on the methods used to treat new coronavirus infection, severity of the course of the disease, developed infectious complications and their etiology, and the disease outcome were studied. Risk factors for the development of secondary infectious complications and the contribution of nosocomial superinfection to the severity of COVID-19 and the disease outcome were evaluated.Results. Risk factors for the development of secondary infectious complications include age over 65 years (OR 1.04; 95% CI 1.03–1.06; p < 0.0001), concomitant cardiovascular pathology (OR 3.82; 95% CI 2.02‒7.19; p < 0.0001), chronic kidney disease, including requiring renal replacement therapy (OR 2.01; 95% CI 1.33–3.02; p = 0.0007), and glucocorticoid therapy (OR 1.62; 95% CI 1.02–2.69; p = 0.04). The development of nosocomial infectious complications in patients with COVID-19 is associated with a more severe course of the disease and unfavorable prognosis (OR 13.44; 95% CI 8.23‒21.92; p < 0.0001).Conclusion. Identification of risk factors for the development of secondary infectious complications in COVID-19 allows developing differentiated approaches to the pathogenetic treatment of patients with severe COVID-19, increasing alertness in terms of the development of nosocomial infections, ensuring their timely diagnosis and treatment.

343. RURAL-COVID-19 Trial: Retrospective Analysis of COVID-19 Coinfections in Hospitalized Urban and Rural Adults

BackgroundThe impact of COVID-19 in rural communities has been well described. However, little is known regarding differences in coinfections among COVID-19 patients in rural vs. urban settings. Our primary objective is to evaluate community acquired coinfection (CACo) rates (< 72 hrs from admission) and healthcare-associated infection (HAI) rates ( > 72 hrs from admission) in these populations. Secondary objectives include use of empiric antibiotics, pathogen prevalence, and patient outcomes. MethodsRetrospective analysis of the first 255 adult patients admitted to a tertiary medical center with symptomatic COVID-19 and confirmed by PCR. Rural and urban categories were determined using patient address and county census data. Isolated pathogens were individually evaluated and considered coinfections if the patient met predetermined criteria. Predetermined Coinfection Criteria ResultsThe rates of CACo for rural (n = 90) and urban (n = 165) residents were 11.1% and 13.3%, respectively. Non-respiratory coinfections, such as bloodstream and urinary tract infections, were more common in urban residents; however, empiric antibiotics were started in 75.1% of all subjects. Methicillin susceptible staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were the most common pathogens isolated on admission in both populations. HAI rates were 13.3% in the rural residents vs 13.9% in the urban residents with Methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus as the most common respiratory pathogen, although Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most prevalent overall pathogen. There was no significant difference in hospital length of stay or 30-day all-cause mortality among both populations. Patient Outcomes Among Rural and Urban Populations ConclusionThere was no significant difference in the rate of CACo or HAI among rural or urban populations. Despite the high rate of antibiotic use to empirically cover community acquired respiratory infections at the start of the pandemic, only 1.9% of the subjects had a possible or proven respiratory coinfection on admission. Despite prior research showing worse outcomes for rural populations with COVID-19, our data demonstrates that coinfection rates and patient outcomes were similar among these populations when receiving medical care at an academic hospital. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

340. Outcomes of COVID-19 in Hospitalized SOT Recipients: Experence in Colombia, South America

BackgroundSOTs (SOT) recipients with COVID‐19 are considered to be at high risk of severe clinical outcomes. Several descriptive studies have reported a high frequency of intensive care unit admission and death rates. There is a lack of evidence regarding the best approach for immunosuppressive therapy in SOT recipients with COVID-19.MethodsWe performed a single-centered, retrospective, observational study of all SOT recipients with SARS-CoV-2 confirmed infection RT-PCR from nasopharyngeal swab specimens who were admitted to the emergency department from March 25 to September 1, 2020. Glucocorticoid therapy was administered according to the criteria of the attending physician. We classified glucocorticoid dose as low dose therapy if the patient received dexamethasone 6 mg/day or methylprednisolone 40 mg/day, and a high dose if the patient received methylprednisolone 80–160 mg/day. Specimens collected within the first 48 hourswere defined coinfection, while specimens collected after 48 hours were defined as hospital-acquired superinfection.ResultsOf a total of 43 SOT recipients with COVID-19, 17 (39%) required intensive care unit admission. 32 (74.4%) required glucocorticoid therapy: 13 received low dose and 19 high dose. 15 (34.8%) had secondary infections. A total of 12 (27.9%) presented hospital-acquired bacterial superinfections, mostly caused by P. aeruginosa, most of isolations were from respiratory tract cultures. The median time from hospital admission to superinfection diagnosis was 9 (7-13) days. Community-acquired co-infection at COVID-19 diagnosis was documented only in 3 (6.9%) patients, mostly caused by K. Pneumoniae, all isolations were from urine culture. Glucocorticoid therapy was indicated in 32 (80%) patients, 19 received high dose and 13 low doses. Overall hospital mortality was 17.5%. ICU mortality was 41%. Overall mortality in the high dose steroids group was 37 % vs . 0% in the low dose group.ConclusionOur results showed a higher frequency of superinfection in SOT recipients with COVID-19 compared to previous reports, and higher ICU mortality. Further studies are needed to establish the best approach for glucocorticoid therapy in SOT recipients with COVID-19.Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Incidence of co-infections and superinfections in hospitalized patients with COVID-19: a retrospective cohort study

ObjectivesTo describe the burden, epidemiology and outcomes of co-infections and superinfections occurring in hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). MethodsWe performed an observational cohort study of all consecutive patients admitted for ≥48 hours to the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona for COVID-19 (28 February to 22 April 2020) who were discharged or dead. We describe demographic, epidemiologic, laboratory and microbiologic results, as well as outcome data retrieved from electronic health records. ResultsOf a total of 989 consecutive patients with COVID-19, 72 (7.2%) had 88 other microbiologically confirmed infections: 74 were bacterial, seven fungal and seven viral. Community-acquired co-infection at COVID-19 diagnosis was uncommon (31/989, 3.1%) and mainly caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus. A total of 51 hospital-acquired bacterial superinfections, mostly caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli, were diagnosed in 43 patients (4.7%), with a mean (SD) time from hospital admission to superinfection diagnosis of 10.6 (6.6) days. Overall mortality was 9.8% (97/989). Patients with community-acquired co-infections and hospital-acquired superinfections had worse outcomes. ConclusionsCo-infection at COVID-19 diagnosis is uncommon. Few patients developed superinfections during hospitalization. These findings are different compared to those of other viral pandemics. As it relates to hospitalized patients with COVID-19, such findings could prove essential in defining the role of empiric antimicrobial therapy or stewardship strategies.

Community-acquired Coinfection in Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Retrospective Observational Experience.

Community acquired co-infection in COVID-19 is not well defined. Current literature describes co-infection in 0-40% of COVID-19 patients. In this retrospective report, co-infection was identified in 3.7% of patients and 41% of patients admitted to intensive care (p<0.005). Despite infrequent co-infection, antibiotics were used in 69% of patients.

Bacterial and fungal coinfection among hospitalized patients with COVID-19: a retrospective cohort study in a UK secondary-care setting

ObjectivesTo investigate the incidence of bacterial and fungal coinfection of hospitalized patients with confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in this retrospective observational study across two London hospitals during the first UK wave of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). MethodsA retrospective case series of hospitalized patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 by PCR was analysed across two acute NHS hospitals (20 February–20 April 2020; each isolate reviewed independently in parallel). This was contrasted to a control group of influenza-positive patients admitted during the 2019–2020 flu season. Patient demographics, microbiology and clinical outcomes were analysed. ResultsA total of 836 patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 were included; 27 (3.2%) of 836 had early confirmed bacterial isolates identified (0–5 days after admission), rising to 51 (6.1%) of 836 throughout admission. Blood cultures, respiratory samples, pneumococcal or Legionella urinary antigens and respiratory viral PCR panels were obtained from 643 (77%), 110 (13%), 249 (30%), 246 (29%) and 250 (30%) COVID-19 patients, respectively. A positive blood culture was identified in 60 patients (7.1%), of which 39 were classified as contaminants. Bacteraemia resulting from respiratory infection was confirmed in two cases (one each community-acquired Klebsiella pneumoniae and ventilator-associated Enterobacter cloacae). Line-related bacteraemia was identified in six patients (three Candida, two Enterococcus spp. and one Pseudomonas aeruginosa). All other community-acquired bacteraemias (n = 16) were attributed to nonrespiratory infection. Zero concomitant pneumococcal, Legionella or influenza infection was detected. A low yield of positive respiratory cultures was identified; Staphylococcus aureus was the most common respiratory pathogen isolated in community-acquired coinfection (4/24; 16.7%), with pseudomonas and yeast identified in late-onset infection. Invasive fungal infections (n = 3) were attributed to line-related infections. Comparable rates of positive coinfection were identified in the control group of confirmed influenza infection; clinically relevant bacteraemias (2/141; 1.4%), respiratory cultures (10/38; 26.3%) and pneumococcal-positive antigens (1/19; 5.3%) were low. ConclusionsWe found a low frequency of bacterial coinfection in early COVID-19 hospital presentation, and no evidence of concomitant fungal infection, at least in the early phase of COVID-19.

Community-acquired bacterial co-infection predicts severity and mortality in influenza-associated pneumonia admitted patients.

Influenza is frequently complicated by bacterial co-infection, causing additional hospitalization and mortality. We determined the incidence, risk factors and outcomes of patients with influenza-associated community-acquired bacterial co-infection. This was a retrospective, observational study. Influenza was diagnosed using the polymerase chain reaction. Co-infection had to be confirmed using standard bacteriological tests. The primary endpoint was presence of community-acquired co-infection, and the secondary endpoint was in-hospital mortality. During the 8 influenza seasons from 2010 to 2018, of the 209 influenza-associated pneumonia admitted patients, 41 (19.6%) were identified with community-acquired bacterial co-infections and Staphylococcus aureus was the predominant strain. Compared with patients without co-infection, patients with co-infection had similar demographic characteristics and co-morbidities, obtained a higher APACHE II score and a higher SOFA score, and had higher ratio of sepsis shock, invasive mechanical ventilation, and ICU requirement. In-hospital mortality independently associated with bacterial co-infection (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 2.619; 95%CI 1.252-5.480; p=0.011); in subgroup S.aureus (aHR 6.267; 95%CI 2.679-14.662; p<0.001) and other pathogens (aHR 2.964; 95%CI 1.160-7.577; p=0.023); and in subgroup positive findings in bloodstream (aHR 7.420; 95%CI 2.712-20.302; p<0.001) and positive findings in other site (aHR 3.427; 95%CI 1.514-7.757; p=0.003). Community-acquired bacterial co-infection was frequent in influenza-associated pneumonia, without risk factor identified yet. Bacterial co-infection was likely to predict severity, and was an independent risk factor for in-hospital mortality. Co-infection of Staphylococcus aureus with influenza was identified as a lethal synergism, and should be targeted when developing clinical antibiotic strategies.

Increased incidence of co-infection in critically ill patients with influenza.

Co-infection is frequently seen in critically ill patients with influenza, although the exact rate is unknown. We determined the rate of co-infection, the risk factors and the outcomes associated with co-infection in critically ill patients with influenza over a 7-year period in 148 Spanish intensive care units (ICUs). This was a prospective, observational, multicentre study. Influenza was diagnosed using the polymerase chain reaction. Co-infection had to be confirmed using standard bacteriological tests. The primary endpoint of this analysis was the presence of community-acquired co-infection, with secondary endpoints including ICU, 28-day and hospital mortality. Of 2901 ICU patients diagnosed with influenza, 482 (16.6%) had a co-infection. The proportion of cases of co-infection increased from 11.4% (110/968) in 2009 to 23.4% (80/342) in 2015 (P<0.001). Compared with patients without co-infection, patients with co-infection were older [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.1, 95% confidence interval 1.1-1.2; P<0.001] and were more frequently immunosuppressed due to existing HIV infection (aOR 2.6 [1.5-4.5]; P<0.001) or preceding medication (aOR 1.4 [1.1-1.9]; P=0.03). Co-infection was an independent risk factor for ICU mortality (aOR 1.4 [1.1-1.8]; P<0.02), 28-day mortality (aOR 1.3 [1.1-1.7]; P=0.04) and hospital mortality (aOR 1.9 [1.5-2.5]; P<0.001). Co-infection in critically ill patients with influenza has increased in recent years. In this Spanish cohort, age and immunosuppression were risk factors for co-infection, and co-infection was an independent risk factor for ICU, 28-day and hospital mortality.