Neutrophil and monocyte dysfunctional effector response towards bacterial challenge in critically ill COVID-19 patients

In this study, we aim to evaluate the relation between COVID-19 and bacterial secondary superinfections. We assessed the functional responses of neutrophils and monocytes isolated from acute and recovery COVID-19 patients upon bacterial infection using Flow-cytometry and proteomics based assays. Both neutrophils and monocytes showed impared intracellular microbicidal capacity along with a decreased functional response. Determination of plasma cytokines levels showed a significant association of certain cytokines towards secondary bacterial infection.