MICROBIAL PATTERNS AND DRUG SENSITIVITY TEST OF BACTERIAL AND FUNGAL INFECTION IN COVID-19 PATIENTS AT THE NATIONAL REFERRAL HOSPITAL IN NORTH SUMATRA, INDONESIA.

BACKGROUND

Bacteria or fungi in COVID-19 involves several mechanisms that can affect immune system and also can increase severity of symptoms. The incidence of bacterial or fungal infections is common in patients with viral respiratory tract infections. The aim of this study was to determine the microbial patterns and sensitivity tests of bacterial and fungal infection in COVID-19 patients at National Referral Hospital in North Sumatra, Indonesia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional design, where data was obtained from a 100 COVID-19 patients medical records, from December 2020 to April 2021. This study employed total sampling, those that fit the inclusion and exclusion criteria.

RESULTS

A total population of 100 COVID-19 patients were included, with bacterial infections in 26 patients (26%), fungi in 5 patients (5%), bacteria and fungi in 5 patients (5%). The most common bacterial pathogen was in 14 patients (45.1%), followed with in 5 patients (16.1%), in 5 patients (16.1%) and in 3 patients (9.6%). The most sensitive antibiotic in was Amikacin (57.14%). The most common fungal infection was in 5 patients (50.0%) and mostly sensitive to Fluconazole, Voriconazole, Caspofungin, Amphotericin B, Micafungin and Flucytosine (60.0%).

CONCLUSION

Bacterial and fungal infections can occur in COVID-19 patients, bacterial infection most commonly found in this study. The most sensitive antibiotic or anti-fungal is different for each bacterial or fungal found, and can be used as a basis for antibiotic selection for COVID-19 patients.