Introduction: bacterial infections associated with health care, in the intensive care unit (ICU), represent a significant problem at the global and local levels, in the context of the health crisis caused by COVID-19. In fact, a significant number of hospitalized patients develop dangerous secondary bacterial infections. Objective: To determine the incidence of bacterial infection associated with mechanical ventilation, in patients with COVID-19, in the ICU of the Homero Castanier Crespo Hospital. Methodology: A retrospective, descriptive study with a quantitative approach was carried out. In the period May 2020 - April 2021, the results of microbiological cultures of 70 samples of endotracheal secretion were analyzed. The study population was characterized by descriptive statistics. Results: In 71,4 % of cultures, positivity for bacteria was reported. Regarding the study population, men represented 80 %, (n=40), the average age was 56 years. 66 %, (n=33) of patients came from the province of Cañar. 40 % of the studied sample did not present a history of any morbidity, arterial hypertension represented 22 % and diabetes mellitus with 20 %, they were the main associated comorbidities. The microorganism with the highest incidence was Klebsiella pneumoniae, producer of beta lactamases and resistant to carbapenems with 90 %. Conclusion: Bacterial infections associated with mechanical ventilation had a high incidence, predominantly in males, constituting a risk factor for a poor prognosis in patients with COVID-19 as they are multi-resistant strains, especially beta-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae.