BLOODSTREAM INFECTIONS IN COVID-19 PATIENTS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN NORTH INDIAVARUN GOEL, SAVITA GUPTA, MANISH KUMAR SINGH AND HARMESH MANOCHAAbstract Many COVID-19 studies are about epidemiological and clinical features but information about secondary bacterial infections is limited. The presentstudy was conducted to determine the prevalence andcharacteristics of bloodstream infections in COVID-19 patients admitted to a tertiary care academic healthcare organization. All blood samples were obtained from patients with COVID-19 admitted were includedin the study. Blood cultures were performed using BD BACTEC ⢠FX40, and the diagnosis and bacterialidentification and antimicrobial sensitivity was performed by manual method. 2200 patients with COVID-19 were hospitalized during a 6-month study period in which 315 blood cultures were performed. Of these,24 (7.61%) were positive. The median age of patients with positive blood culture was 38 years and included13 males and 11 females. Seventeen patients (70.83%) needed intensive care in the ICU. Significantcorrelations with blood culture positivity have been noted with parameters such as admission to the ICU,availability of accommodation, basic illness and adverse clinical outcomes. Bloodstream infectionsprevalence in COVID-19 patients is low. However, antibiotic prophylaxis needs to be used with caution, andimmediate discontinuation should be made based on clinical judgment. |