Respiratory tract and bloodstream infections: microbiological profile in an intensive care unit for COVID-19

This is a retrospective cross-sectional study aimed at identifying the profile of lower respiratory tract (RTI) and bloodstream infections (BSI) in patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a Reference Hospital for COVID-19 in Recife, Pernambuco. Data were collected on the age and sex of patients, material used in cultures, microorganisms detected, and resistance and sensitivity to the antimicrobials used. The most frequent species was Acinetobacter baumannii in RTI and Staphylococcus haemolyticus in BSI, being more resistant to levofloxacin and more sensitive to linezolid. Knowing the pathogens and their respective susceptibility patterns facilitates the choice of initial therapy, as well as the establishment of action protocols for health professionals and hospital infection control committees.