Publication:

Microbiological profile of COVID-19 patients admitted in a tertiary care hospital Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India

Background The pandemic due to severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has drawn worldwide worst effect with diagnostic challenge. Every investigation has its own importance for diagnosis, care, treatment and for management of corona virus disease-2019 (COVID-19) patients. Here this prospective study aimed to investigate the microbiological profile, prevalence of co-infection, and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2.

Methods A total of 336 samples were processed in COVID laboratory, Department of Microbiology. An array of serological investigations was done by rapid card screening test. C-Reactive protein (CRP) was analyzed by nephelometer. Blood culture was done by automated system and urine culture on Cystine-Lactose-Electrolyte-Deficient (CLED) Agar. Antibiotic susceptibility tests were done by Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method.

Results Out of 336 samples tested 76%were male and 24%were female. All samples tested were negative for HIV, HBsAg, HCV, syphilis, malarial parasite. CRP and Typhi -dot with IgM and IgG antibody were positive in 89.28% and 11.42% respectively. About 27% of COVID-19 patients showed bacterial and fungal co-infections. The most prevalent organisms were MR-CoNS (26%), K. pneumoniae (19%) and less prevalent were P. aeruginosa (6%) and A. baumannii (4%).  C. albicans (11%) was the only isolated fungi. All gram positive isolates were 100% sensitive to Linezolid and vancomycin, among gram negative isolates, 100% were sensitive to colistin and polymyxin B.

Conclusions Microbiological investigation for presence of other co-infecting agents among patients with COVID-19 infection should be considered, and prompt treatment should be carried out accordingly.