Bacterial and fungal coinfections in COVID-19 patients hospitalized during the New York City pandemic surge

We observed bacterial or fungal coinfections in COVID-19 patients admitted between March 1 and April 18, 2020 (152 of 4,267, 3.6%). Among these patients, mortality was 57%; 74% were intubated; 51% with bacteremia had central venous catheters. Time to culture positivity was 6-7 days, and 79% had received prior antibiotics. Metallo-beta-lactamase-producing E. cloacae coinfections occurred in 5 patients.

Automated summary

Bacterial or fungal coinfections were observed in a small percentage of COVID-19 patients, with a high mortality rate and a majority requiring intubation. Half of the patients with bacteremia had central venous catheters. Metallo-beta-lactamase-producing E. cloacae coinfections occurred in 5 patients.