Streptococcus pneumoniae Coinfection in COVID-19: A Series of Three Cases

Bacterial coinfections are not uncommon with respiratory viral pathogens. These coinfections can add to significant mortality and morbidity. We are currently dealing with the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, which has affected over 15 million people globally with over half a million deaths. Previous respiratory...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Chaitanya Pal, Paulina Przydzial, Ogechukwu Chika-Nwosuh, Shrey Shah, Pratik Patel, Nikhil Madan
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2020-01-01
Series:Case Reports in Pulmonology
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2020/8849068
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Summary:Bacterial coinfections are not uncommon with respiratory viral pathogens. These coinfections can add to significant mortality and morbidity. We are currently dealing with the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, which has affected over 15 million people globally with over half a million deaths. Previous respiratory viral pandemics have taught us that bacterial coinfections can lead to higher mortality and morbidity. However, there is limited literature on the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and associated coinfections, which reported infection rates varying between 1% and 8% based on various cross-sectional studies. In one meta-analysis of coinfections in COVID-19, rates of Streptococcus pneumoniae coinfections have been negligible when compared to previous influenza pandemics. Current literature does not favor the use of empiric, broad-spectrum antibiotics in confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections. We present three cases of confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections complicated by Streptococcus pneumoniae coinfection. These cases demonstrate the importance of concomitant testing for common pathogens despite the need for antimicrobial stewardship.
ISSN:2090-6846
2090-6854