The co-infection of SARS-CoV-2 with atypical bacterial respiratory infections: A mini review

Abstract

In 2019, the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) rapidly spread worldwide and posed a global threat. The co-infection among COVID-19 patients was reported variable in different studies. However, it could reach 50% of non-survivor patients. Chlamydia pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Legionella pneumophila are responsible for respiratory infections and also can act as co-pathogens with COVID-19, making their detection challenging. These bacteria exhibit similar clinical signs to COVID-19, leading to potential oversight. Furthermore, treating these bacteria requires a different antibiotic regimen compared to typical respiratory bacterial agents. Thus, recognizing the clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, and outcomes of co-infections is crucial for improving understanding and treatment strategies.