The COVID-19 pandemic brought to light a complex challenge: the occurrence of multiple microbial co-infections in affected individuals. In addition to the primary infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, patients often had to contend with secondary infections caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This complicated interaction of pathogens has presented significant clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic hurdles. It has been observed that co-infections can exacerbate disease severity and complicate treatment strategies, necessitating a more comprehensive approach to patient care. In addition, distinguishing between viral and bacterial/fungal coinfections based on clinical symptoms alone remains a difficult task, underscoring the need for advanced diagnostic tools. The emergence of coinfections has also heightened concerns about antimicrobial resistance due to the widespread use of antibiotics and antifungals, underscoring the importance of prudent antimicrobial stewardship. As the pandemic continues to evolve, understanding, diagnosing, and effectively managing these multiple microbial coinfections have become critical imperatives for healthcare systems and researchers worldwide. The present review illustrated the past occurrence of various microbial infections that co-existed with the COVID-19.

Glycyrrhiza glabra, commonly known as licorice, has traditionally been used in various medicinal preparations as expectorant, antimicrobial, antiviral, anticancer, anti allergic agent. It has also prominent role in skin whitening and has anti-inflammatory and esterogenic properties. This study aims to the characterization of the bioactive constituent glabridin in plant extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra in ethanol, methanol and ethyl acetate using UV-VIS and FTIR and HPLC. A wavelength scan (200-600 nm) by UV-Vis spectrophotometer was performed and the characteristic peaks were recorded. The scan confirmed presence of glabridin with λmax at 281 nm with a small number of additional phytochemicals indicated by the extra peaks. FTIR spectrum of 62% pure glabridin was compared to the spectra shown by the three extracts. Presence of glabridin in all the three extracts was corroborated by HPLC analysis with the retention time of 4.05 minute. Glabridin was also evaluated for its antibacterial activity against Propionibacterium acne, causative agent of Acne vulgaris and found to have the detrimental effect at concentration 500, 1000 and 1500 ppm.