Current opinion in critical care
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Curr Opin Crit Care · Oct 2024
ReviewCOVID-19 vs. non-COVID-19 related nosocomial pneumonias: any differences in etiology, prevalence, and mortality?
This review explores the similarities and differences between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related and non-COVID-related nosocomial pneumonia, particularly hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). It critically assesses the etiology, prevalence, and mortality among hospitalized patients, emphasizing the burden of these infections during the period before and after the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pandemic. ⋯ The findings suggest that COVID-19 has exacerbated the frequency and severity of nosocomial infections, particularly VAP. These complications not only extend hospital stays and increase healthcare costs but also lead to higher morbidity and mortality rates. Understanding these patterns is crucial for developing targeted preventive and therapeutic strategies to manage and mitigate nosocomial infections during regular or pandemic care.