Bacterial pneumonia coinfection and antimicrobial therapy duration in SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) infection

Townsend, Liam; Hughes, Gerry; Kerr, Colm; Kelly, Mary; O’Connor, Roisin; Sweeney, Eileen; Doyle, Catriona; O’Riordan, Ruth; Bergin, Colm; Bannan, Ciaran

BACKGROUND: Bacterial respiratory coinfection in the setting of SARS-CoV-2 infection remains poorly described. A description of coinfection and antimicrobial usage is needed to guide ongoing antimicrobial stewardship. OBJECTIVES: To assess the rate of empirical antimicrobial treatment in COVID-19 cases, assess the rate and methods of microbiological sampling, assess the rate of bacterial respiratory coinfections and evaluate the factors associated with antimicrobial therapy in this cohort. METHODS: Inpatients with positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR were recruited. Antibiotic prescription, choice and duration were recorded. Taking of microbiological samples (sputum culture, blood culture, urinary antigens) and culture positivity rate was also recorded. Linear regression was performed to determine factors associated with prolonged antimicrobial administration. RESULTS: A total of 117 patients were recruited; 84 (72%) were prescribed antimicrobial therapy for lower respiratory tract infections. Respiratory pathogens were identified in seven (6%) patients. The median duration of antimicrobial therapy was 7 days. C-reactive protein level, oxygen requirement and positive cultures were associated with prolonged duration of therapy. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of bacterial coinfection in SARS-CoV-2 is low. Despite this, prolonged courses of antimicrobial therapy were prescribed in our cohort. We recommend active antimicrobial stewardship in COVID-19 cases to ensure appropriate antimicrobial prescribing.