A Case Report of a Co-Infection with SARS-CoV-2 and Rhinovirus at the Beginning of the Pandemic in Bulgaria

The evaluation of the impact of co-infections was greatly hampered during the peaks of the COVID-19 pandemic. Retrospective studies of cases, taking into account the presence of more than one respiratory pathogen, could reveal the mechanisms of pathogen interactions. Case report: The laboratory findings, clinical management, and the outcome in a patient with co-infection of SARS-CoV-2 and rhinovirus in the beginning of the pandemic in Bulgaria, are reported in this case report. The patient had undergone a coronary bypass in the past and suffered non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. After more than 2 weeks of influenza-like symptoms, the patient sought medical attention. No clearance of either coronavirus or rhinovirus infection was observed within the two months of hospital stay. The patient passed away after 58 days in hospital. Conclusions: The lethal outcome is largely due to the poor premorbid terrain and the existence of a co-infection.