Pneumonia in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection: series of 17 cases in the region of Murcia

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Currently the prevalence of pneumococcal coinfection in patients with COVID-19 is unknown. In this work we present its clinical characteristics, evolution and treatment. METHODS: Retrospective data collection from August to October 2020 in two hospitals in the Murcia region. RESULTS: Eighteen patients had COVID-19 diagnosed by PCR and pneumococcal infection confirmed by antigenuria, which represented a prevalence of 2%. A total of 88% had radiological alterations upon admission (two patients had an X-ray within normality) and 29% had elevated procalcitonin. Mortality in our series was 12%. CONCLUSIONS: It could be reasonable to consider the start of antimicrobial therapy in those cases in which there is a moderate or high suspicion of bacterial coinfection, being essential the early suspension of antibiotic treatment if it is not confirmed.