Associated Bacterial Coinfections in COVID-19-Positive Patients

Abstract

<i>Background and Objectives</i>: The aim of this study was to identify specific rhino- and oropharyngeal microbiological pathogens as well as associated comorbidities that favor SARS-CoV-2 infection and corelate them. <i>Materials and Methods</i>: This prospective clinical study enrolled 61 patients (28 COVID-19-positive and 33 controls) who were tested for other comorbidities and co-existence of associated oral pathogenic microbiota. <i>Results</i>: A total of 247 bacterial isolates were identified in the bacterial cultures in both groups. Viral hepatitis type A was more prevalent in the COVID-19-positive group (<i>p</i> = 0.026), as was the presence of oral candidiasis (<i>p</i> = 0.006). In the control group, a moderate direct relationship was observed between the <i>Beta hemolytic streptococcus</i> group G and dermatitis, and strong direct relationships were observed between the <i>Beta hemolytic streptococcus</i> group G and external otitis, <i>Streptococcus pyogenes</i> and dental alveolitis, and <i>Streptococcus pyogenes</i> and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. In the test group, strong direct relationships were observed between <i>Hemophilus influenzae</i> and pulmonary thromboembolism; <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> and autoimmune thyroiditis; post-viral immunosuppression, chronic coronary syndrome, and hypernatremia; <i>Beta hemolytic streptococcus</i> group C and rheumatoid polyneuropathy; <i>Beta hemolytic streptococcus</i> group G and hyperkalemia, hypothyroidism, secondary anemia, and splenomegaly; and active oral candidiasis and SARS-CoV-2 viral pneumonia. The following relationships were strong, but inverse: <i>Beta hemolytic streptococcus</i> group G and acute respiratory failure, and active oral candidiasis and SARS-CoV-2 viral bronchopneumonia. <i>Conclusions</i>: Briefly, COVID-19-positive patients have the predisposition to build up associated comorbidities and coinfections, which can be the expression of the immune burden that this virus generates to the host.