ArticleBMC infectious diseases2026
Bacterial colonization of the respiratory tract in COVID-19 patients: potential source of bacterial infection.
Article in BMC infectious diseases, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
backgroundSecondary bacterial infections of the respiratory system are one of the biggest medical concerns in patients undergoing hospitalization with a diagnosis of COVID-19. Opportunistic upper respiratory tract bacterial colonization or carriage typically precedes the majority of lower respiratory tract infections and pneumonia. Few studies have examined the relationship between the SARS-CoV-2 virus and bacterial colonization in COVID-19 patients.
aimThis study looked into the link between COVID-19 patients who have SARS-CoV-2 illness and respiratory system bacterial colonization and how this colonization could impact on COVID-19 clinical presentation.
methodsThis research thus examines this relationship by conducting an analytical, cross-sectional study with 210 COVID-19 patients. The patients are categorized into mild and moderate-to-severe cases, which will be compared with 50 non-COVID-19 controls. All participants provided sputum samples that were subjected to microbiological culture analysis. To identify specific microbes, a VITEK Compact automatic microbiology analyzer was employed.
resultThe findings of the research highlighted that, as the severity of COVID-19 infection increased, significant changes in bacterial colonization patterns emerged. A normal oral flora was found to be present in the control group, while a notable increase in pathogenic bacteria was evident in those with moderate-severe COVID-19. Furthermore, severe cases presented with Gram-positive bacteria, particularly Staphylococcus aureus. Additionally, Gram-negative bacteria (i.e., Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Haemophilus influenzae) were commonly identified in moderate-severe cases, indicating more extensive bacterial colonization.
conclusionThe need to develop more comprehensive approaches to diagnosing COVID-19 and creating targeted treatment plans is highlighted through the increasing presence of Gram-negative bacteria and polymicrobial colonization in COVID-19 cases at admission. Thus, this research highlights the importance of monitoring bacterial colonization in the upper respiratory tracts of individuals diagnosed with COVID-19. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable
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