Frequency Of Bacterial Co-Infections Isolated from Covid-19 Positive Patients From Tertiary Care Hospital Of Karachi

Objective: This study aims to determine the frequency of bacterial co-infections in COVID-19-positive patients.
 Methodology: A prospective cross-sectional was conducted Department Microbiology, Pakistan, from November 15, 2021, April 2022. Blood and respiratory tract samples were collected, including sputum, bronchial lavage, tracheal aspirate. Clinical specimens inoculated onto a Sheep blood agar plate, Chocolate plate (aerobic with 5% CO2), MacConkey’s agar. Identification followed by specific standard microbiological protocols. COVID-19 confirmed qualitative PCR. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing performed using Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method.
 Results: total 202 clinical samples, blood, aspirates, collected patients. Male patients more common sputum while female cultures. The majority over 60 years age. Acinetobacter baumannii predominantly isolated exhibiting multidrug resistance, but showing complete sensitivity towards Colistin. Klebsiella pneumonia exhibited high prevalence resistance observed Cephalosporins Co-trimoxazole.
 Conclusion: concludes superadded co-infections, caused most prominently baumannii, pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa. these are multidrug-resistant pathogens, therefore, urgent action is required control spread nosocomial infections resistant strains, which responsible for mortality rate among critical