Multiple microbial coinfections occurred during COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic brought to light a complex challenge: the occurrence of multiple microbial co-infections in affected individuals. In addition to the primary infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, patients often had to contend with secondary infections caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This complicated interaction of pathogens has presented significant clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic hurdles. It has been observed that co-infections can exacerbate disease severity and complicate treatment strategies, necessitating a more comprehensive approach to patient care. In addition, distinguishing between viral and bacterial/fungal coinfections based on clinical symptoms alone remains a difficult task, underscoring the need for advanced diagnostic tools. The emergence of coinfections has also heightened concerns about antimicrobial resistance due to the widespread use of antibiotics and antifungals, underscoring the importance of prudent antimicrobial stewardship. As the pandemic continues to evolve, understanding, diagnosing, and effectively managing these multiple microbial coinfections have become critical imperatives for healthcare systems and researchers worldwide. The present review illustrated the past occurrence of various microbial infections that co-existed with the COVID-19.