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Detection of Polymicrobial Infection in Critically Ill COVID-19 Patient

T2Bacteria enabled the detection of polymicrobial infection and the detection of a subsequent Enterococcus faecium infection in a patient where cultures remained negative. Rapid species identification led to targeted therapy and eventual discharge.

Klinik Favoriten | Vienna, Austria

Patient History

Age and Sex: 53-year-old male
History: The patient had no history of chronic diseases
Presentation: The patient was admitted to the hospital with COVID-19 and respiratory failure and was mechanically ventilated
Risk Factors: The patient had multiple risk factors for infection.

  • Presence in ICU
  • Broad spectrum antimicrobial therapy
  • Mechanical ventilation

Evaluation and Treatment

Initial presentation
The patient was admitted to the hospital eight days after the onset of symptoms and then admitted to the ICU with COVID-19 and respiratory failure. The patient was mechanically ventilated.

Weaning was complicated due to ventilator-associated pneumonia.

T2Bacteria Result
The T2Bacteria Panel was positive for Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, and targeted therapy was initiated before culture results were returned.

Culture Result
A bronchoalveolar lavage sample was also positive for Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.

Patient Deterioration
10 days later, the patient developed septic shock from an unknown source. Several blood, bronchoalveolar, and urine cultures were taken, but no growth occurred.

Another T2Bacteria Panel was run and was positive for Enterococcus faecium, leading to targeted therapy. A transesophageal echocardiogram revealed endocarditis of the native aortic valve.

Day 42
After 42 days in the ICU, the patient was discharged to a rehabilitation facility.

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According to the CDC, of the 154 million prescriptions for antibiotics written in doctors’ offices and emergency departments each year, 30% are unnecessary.12