Identifying risk factors for bacterial infections and drivers of antibiotic use in patients without bacterial infections during the COVID-19 pandemic in a low-middle-income country.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Bacterial infections complicate COVID-19 and contribute to adverse outcomes. Despite low prevalence, antibiotics are frequently prescribed empirically, raising concerns for antimicrobial resistance. This study aimed to identify risk factors for bacterial infections in hospitalized COVID-19 patients and explore drivers of antibiotic use in those without infection.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, including 5383 adults hospitalized with PCR- or antigen-confirmed COVID-19. Patients were classified by presence of bacterial infection, defined by positive cultures or procalcitonin > 5 ng/mL. Logistic regression identified predictors of bacterial infection, antibiotic use in patients without infection, and associations

SUBMITTER: Fazal W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12645245 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature