Identification and characterization of Staphylococcus spp. Isolated in co-infection with respiratory viruses from children in ICUs

Healthcare-associated infections are among the most significant complications in hospitalized patients, posing a major challenge due to the antimicrobial resistance of pathogenic agents such as Staphylococcus spp. The study aims to identify and evaluate the phenotypic and molecular resistance profile of Staphylococcus spp. in co-infection with respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, as a respiratory virus, in samples from children admitted to ICUs. Nasopharyngeal samples from the biorepository were stored at -80 °C in medium containing gentamicin and amphotericin B. Bacterial strains were isolated, and antibiograms were performed using the Kirby-Bauer method with antimicrobials specific to Staphylococcus spp. and the method of evaluating molecular resistance, carrying out the amplification of resistance genes, using specific oligonucleotides. A multidrug-resistant profile was observed in Staphylococcus spp., highlighting the need for monitoring to ensure appropriate treatment. Antimicrobial resistance emphasized the importance of strict control over antibiotic use in hospital environments. This study contributes to the understanding of antimicrobial resistance in bacterial co-infections, providing insights for more effective treatments and HAI control strategies.