Coinfection with SARS-CoV-2 among patients with Streptococcus pneumoniae in Casablanca.

BACKGROUND

During the COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2, coinfections with Streptococcus pneumoniae have emerged as a significant public health concern. The impact of these coinfections on disease severity and mortality rates remains underexplored. This study aims to address this gap by analyzing the clinical outcomes of patients coinfected with S. pneumoniae and SARS-CoV-2 at CHU Ibn Rochd in Casablanca, Morocco, between 2020 and 2022.

METHODS

A cohort of 120 hospitalized patients diagnosed with S. pneumoniae infection was studied retrospectively and prospectively. Clinical and demographic data, vaccination status, and infection characteristics were collected. Among these patients, 41 were identified as coinfected with both pathogens. Statistical analyses, including multivariate logistic regression, were performed to assess associations between coinfection and clinical outcomes, such as ICU admission and mortality.

RESULTS

Compared to non-coinfected patients, those coinfected with SARS-CoV-2 had higher ICU admission (53.7% vs. 24.05%) and mortality (39.02% vs. 13.9%) rates. Multivariate analysis identified coinfection and increasing age as independent predictors of severe outcomes. The most frequent pneumococcal serotypes were 3, 19 A, 6 B, and 9 V, with 31.7% of cases involving non-vaccine types. Most coinfected patients, especially those who died, were unvaccinated against pneumococcus or SARS-CoV-2.

CONCLUSIONS

Coinfection with SARS-CoV-2 significantly increases the risk of severe outcomes in patients with S. pneumoniae infection. These findings highlight the importance of early detection and support the implementation of comprehensive vaccination strategies targeting high-risk populations.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER

Not applicable.