AUTHOR=Briones Claudett Killen Harold , Briones-Claudett Mónica H. , Murillo Vasconez Roger , Benitez Sólis Jaime G. , Briones Zamora Killen H. , Freire Amado X. , Barberan-Torres Pedro , Grunauer Michelle 

TITLE=Bronchoscopy and molecular diagnostic techniques to identify superimposed infections in COVID-19-associated ARDS: a case series from Ecuador during the second wave

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Medicine

VOLUME=11

YEAR=2024

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/medicine/articles/10.3389/fmed.2024.1409323

DOI=10.3389/fmed.2024.1409323

ISSN=2296-858X

ABSTRACT=<sec id="sec1"><title>Introduction</title><p>COVID-19-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome (CARDS) poses significant challenges in resource-limited settings. This case series explores the role of bronchoscopy and molecular techniques in identifying superimposed infections in CARDS patients during the second wave of the pandemic in Ecuador.</p></sec><sec id="sec2"><title>Methods</title><p>Nine critically ill CARDS patients underwent bronchoscopy and molecular testing to detect co-infections and superinfections. Clinical presentations, diagnostic findings, and outcomes were analyzed.</p></sec><sec id="sec3"><title>Results</title><p>Bronchoscopy and molecular techniques identified a range of secondary infections, including multidrug-resistant pathogens such as <italic>Acinetobacter baumannii</italic> and <italic>Klebsiella pneumoniae</italic>. The case series highlights the complexities of managing severe COVID-19 cases in resource-constrained environments.</p></sec><sec id="sec4"><title>Discussion</title><p>Early identification of microorganisms using PCR methods allows for rapid and accurate diagnosis, facilitating targeted management of critically ill CARDS patients. The study underscores the importance of advanced diagnostic tools and adaptable strategies in pandemic situations, particularly in low-resource settings.</p></sec>