Bacteriological Study of the lower Respiratory Tract in Adult Patients with COVID-19

Abstract

Background: Due to the secondary bacterial and fungal infections in COVID-19 patients, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Iraq was significant which led to high morbidity and mortality rates.one the main complication secondary bacterial and fungal infection post the viral infection wich led to damage of the respiratory tract mild to sever infection . Aim of the study : Amied To evaluate the type of bacterial infections that are concomitant with COVID-19 patients, to identify the antibiotics used to reduce mortality and morbidity in the selected group of patients. Patients and methods: Covid-19 patients at multi-isolation hospitals in Iraq (Baghdad and Al-Anbar provinces) were included in this study. Sputum specimens were studied by sputum direct smear and culture. Multiple blood parameters were studied as part of this research including white cells counts and their differential counts, C-reactive protein titer, procalcitonin titer and D-dimer titer  Ethical approval was granted by the Ethical Approval Committee/the University of Anbar. Results: A total of Seventy-four (74) patients both male and female were showing symptoms of lymphopenia with include increased neutrophile count and other parameters. The number of Gram-positive bacterial isolates was (49), while Gram-negative bacterial isolates were (22). The number of Fungal isolates was(15) Mycoplasma pneumonia was (8), and a negative isolation result was found in one patient. Conclusion: Severe bacterial and fungal infections were associated with sepsis syndromes.The antibiotics used according to the result of the sputum investigation are to cover Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and Mycoplasma. Similarly, the treatment of fungal infection.