Abstract
Objective: To describe the main characteristics and consequences of secondary infections in patients hospitalized by COVID-19. Literature review: COVID-19 infection presents a variability of signs and symptoms that can lead to complications and progress to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. The need for admission to Intensive Care Units and mechanical ventilation is related to the increase in the rates of coinfections and superinfections and worse clinical outcomes. The pathogens most frequently associated with these infections are Gram positive at the beginning of the coinfection, with a change in profile to Gram negative throughout the hospital stay. Viral and fungal coinfection was also observed, influencing the severity of the condition. The use of immunosuppressive drugs, with the purpose of curbing the exacerbated inflammatory activity in these patients and the recurrent need for invasive procedures, are well-described risk factors for the development of infections. Final considerations: It is essential that strict infectious surveillance is routinely implemented in care centers for patients with COVID-19, and studies should be expanded in order to optimize the treatment of secondary infections, reduce their impacts and, ideally, prevent them whenever possible.