Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the profile of healthcare-associated skin and soft tissue infections

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the microbiological profile of skin and soft tissue infections in 2019–2020 and compare it with 2023–2024, as well as to assess possible associations between clinical outcomes and comorbidities of patients treated in a hospital in Paraná. Methods: Observational, retrospective, case-control study including 190 patients from the University Hospital of Ponta Grossa with healthcare-associated skin and soft tissue infection, divided into two groups (transition and post-pandemic) for comparison. Clinical and microbiological variables and infection outcomes were analyzed using statistical tests. Results: An increase in infections by Enterobacteriaceae and resistant microorganisms was observed in the post-pandemic period, with emphasis on the association between bacteria with Klebsiella pneumoniae Carbapenemase resistance mechanism and mortality (p = 0.001). Despite the increase in deaths in the post-pandemic period, the statistical relationship between period and outcome was not established (p = 0.134). There was also an increase in the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics such as polymyxins and glycopeptides. Conclusion: Length of hospital stay and mortality outcome were not statistically related, and there is a trend toward increased incidence of infections caused by gram-negative bacteria carrying resistance mechanisms, among which Klebsiella pneumoniae Carbapenemase stands out.