Bacterial and viral coinfection among patients with COVID-19: a case report study

Abstract

Background: Various studies suggest that coinfection with two or more respiratory pathogens is common. Coinfection with two viruses affects the host and exerts synergic effect as well and can influence the disease pathogenesis, immune system responses and treatment and outcome. Influenza and COVID-19 respiratory viruses have very similar symptoms and for this reason, bring about problems including delayed treatment and right diagnosis. This report describes three cases of coinfection with COVID-19 and influenza. Case Presentation: First case is a 46 years old Iranian housewife with the history of chronic coughs from two months ago who presented with exacerbation of coughs together with dyspnea. The second case is a 62 years old Iranian housewife with history of diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM-2) who presented with productive coughs, dyspnea and weakness. The third case is an Iranian pregnant housewife who presented with myalgia, fever and chills and dry coughs from a week ago. All three cases were tested positive for influenza and COVID-19 PCR tests. Conclusion: coinfection with two viruses can result in synergism of pathogens. Moreover, coinfection with a bacterial pathogen can make further problems. In these cases, coinfection with two viruses and mycobacterial infection in one of the cases along with comorbidities and pregnancy implied that these conditions entail immediate diagnosis as well as appropriate treatment choices.