Abstract
BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the impact of secondary fungal infections on patient outcomes. This single-center study explores asymptomatic fungal infections in COVID-19-positive and COVID-19-negative pneumonia cases, elucidating the intricate relationship between viral respiratory illnesses and fungal co-infections. METHODS: Conducted at a single center, this cross-sectional study examines the prevalence, risk factors, and clinical implications of asymptomatic fungal infections in patients with COVID-19-positive and COVID-19-negative pneumonia. Various demographic, clinical, and laboratory parameters were analyzed. RESULTS: Fungal infections were significantly more prevalent in COVID-19 positive pneumonia cases (60%) compared to COVID-19 negative pneumonia cases (36%), with a notable P value of 0.016309. Furthermore, COVID-19-positive patients exhibited distinct clinical characteristics, including increased use of remdesivir (94%), higher rates of invasive mechanical ventilation (36%), and a prolonged hospital stay (14.29 days). CONCLUSION: This study sheds light on the heightened vulnerability to asymptomatic fungal infections in COVID-19-positive pneumonia cases. Understanding these infections prevalence and their associated factors is crucial for comprehensive patient care and may influence treatment strategies, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions in viral respiratory illnesses.