Procalcitonin impact in bacterial co-infection among Iraqi patients with SARS-CoV-2 virus

Abstract

The thyroid gland produces a protein known as procalcitonin (PCT) in reaction to inflammation. The identification of PCT as a biomarker has been established for the purpose of distinguishing between bacterial and viral infections. The contentious nature of the role of procalcitonin (PCT) in the medical management of COVID-19, which is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has been noted. The SARS-CoV2 virus is known for its high level of infectivity and pathogenicity, with a primary impact on the respiratory system. The present investigation involved the enrollment of 300 patients who had received laboratory confirmation of COVID-19 in Iraq during the period that extended from February to May of the year 2022. The objective of this investigation is to demonstrate the potential utility of measuring PCT levels as a diagnostic indicator for bacterial co-infections in individuals with COVID-19. The study involved the examination of 75 patients with varying degrees of SARS-CoV2 infection (mild, acute, and severe) and 75 healthy controls, with consideration given to gender and the presence of the patient. The results of this study could aid in the promotion of antimicrobial stewardship and the enhancement of patient outcomes. The findings of this study indicate that barely 21.3% of the overall patient population exhibits PCT levels within the normal range, which is defined as less than 0.05 ng/mL. Conversely, the majority of patients, comprising 78.8% of the sample, display PCT levels that fall outside of the normal range, exceeding 0.05 ng/mL. To sum up, procalcitonin (PCT) has the potential to serve as a biomarker for the detection of bacterial coinfections in patients with COVID-19. This could aid in the implementation of antimicrobial stewardship and lead to better clinical results.