1
|
Co-infection of COVID-19 and parasitic diseases: A systematic review. Parasite Epidemiol Control 2023; 21:e00299. [PMID: 37091061 PMCID: PMC10062795 DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2023.e00299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Co-infection of COVID-19 with other diseases increases the challenges related to its treatment management. COVID-19 co-infection with parasites is studied with low frequency. Here, we systematically reviewed the cases of parasitic disease co-infection with COVID-19. All articles on COVID-19 co-infected with parasites (protozoa, helminths, and ectoparasites), were screened through defined inclusion/exclusion criteria. Of 2190 records, 35 studies remained for data extraction. The majority of studies were about COVID-19 co-infected with malaria, followed by strongyloidiasis, amoebiasis, chagas, filariasis, giardiasis, leishmaniasis, lophomoniasis, myiasis, and toxoplasmosis. No or low manifestation differences were reported between the co-infected cases and naïve COVID-19 or naïve parasitic disease. Although there was a relatively low number of reports on parasitic diseases-COVID-19 co-infection, COVID-19 and some parasitic diseases have overlapping symptoms and also COVID-19 conditions and treatment regimens may cause some parasites re-emergence, relapse, or re-activation. Therefore, more attention should be paid to the on-time diagnosis of COVID-19 and the co-infected parasites.
Collapse
|
2
|
Rayella C, Devanandan P, Rasuri K, Yerravelly SS, Andem S, Puvvada RC. Clinical characteristics of malaria in COVID-19: A systematic review of case reports. Trop Parasitol 2023; 13:22-27. [PMID: 37415760 PMCID: PMC10321589 DOI: 10.4103/tp.tp_26_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims Severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 is a viral infection that was first discovered in Wuhan, Hubei province, China, in December 2019. Effects of COVID-19 infection could drastically influence other concomitant diseases like Malaria. Malaria and COVID-19 may mimic each other and share look-alike symptoms. The aim of this systematic review was to analyze the clinical and biochemical characteristics of malaria and COVID-19 synergism that was based on the published case reports. Subjects and Methods An extensive literature search was carried out between May 2020 and February 2022 in PubMed, Google Scholar, and EMBASE. Our study was devised according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. Results We have evaluated 16 case reports and one case series of coinfection of malaria with COVID-19. It has been observed that all the patients showed lymphopenia, fever, headache (52%), vomiting (47%), cough (38%), chills (38%), body ache (38%), myalgia (28%), and sweating (14%). Despite unprecedented times, whenever there is a suspicion, we recommend that medical practitioners should be alert to presenting plethora features of COVID-19 and confirm with polymerase chain reaction test. Conclusion We conclude that screening for COVID-19 should also be performed to mitigate missed diagnoses due to the long incubation period of novel coronavirus. Especially in vulnerable population, we should suspect other concurrent diseases and diagnoses in patients presenting with the symptoms of COVID-19 infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chandana Rayella
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, St. Peter’s Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hanamkonda, Telangana, India
| | - Praveen Devanandan
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, St. Peter’s Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hanamkonda, Telangana, India
| | - Kavitha Rasuri
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, St. Peter’s Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hanamkonda, Telangana, India
| | - Sai Sudha Yerravelly
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, St. Peter’s Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hanamkonda, Telangana, India
| | - Sanjana Andem
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, St. Peter’s Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hanamkonda, Telangana, India
| | - Ranadheer Chowdary Puvvada
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, St. Peter’s Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hanamkonda, Telangana, India
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Huang Q, Xu WJ, Wang XX, Zhang X, Pan KN, Zhang JQ, Chen HL, Ruan W, Yao LN. SARS-CoV-2 and Plasmodium falciparum Co-Infection in a Returning Traveler. Front Public Health 2022; 10:871374. [PMID: 35991037 PMCID: PMC9389161 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.871374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Since December 2019, the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has become a non-neglectable context for the whole healthcare system. Under the background of COVID-19, the detection and diagnosis of malaria cases are under challenge. Here, we reported a COVID-19 and malaria co-infection traveler who has a long living history in Cameroon. The case was administered with dihydroartemisinin and piperaquine tablets for malaria, Lopinavir and Ritonavir tablets, Arbidol, recombinant human interferon α-2b and Compound Maxing Yifei mixture for COVID-19, and Zolpidem Tartrate tablets, Diazepam, Paroxetine Hydrochloride tablets, Thymosin α1, and Lianhua Qinwen Jiaonang during the second hospitalization of the patient since the patient has a certain level of anxiety and insomnia with no evidence of inflammatory reactions. After being tested negative two times for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in 48 h, the patient met China's COVID-19 discharge standards and was discharged with stable vital signs and mental state. Since most countries in the sub-Saharan region have a fragile health system, co-infection for both Plasmodium and SARS-CoV-2 may not be uncommon, and raise a challenge in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention for both diseases. We add to the literature on co-infection of P. falciparum malaria and COVID-19 and offer operational advice on diagnosis, prevention, and treatment for the co-infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qian Huang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou Xixi Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wen-Jie Xu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Xiao Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xuan Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ke-Nu Pan
- Medical Laboratory, Xixi Hospital of Hangzhou, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jia-Qi Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hua-Liang Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wei Ruan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Wei Ruan
| | - Li-Nong Yao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Scalisi M, Giordano S, Canduscio LA, Failla MC, Messina L, Sferrazza E, Rubino R, Siracusa L, Vanella V, Cascio A, Colomba C. MIS-C and co-infection with P. vivax and P. falciparum in a child: a clinical conundrum. Ital J Pediatr 2022; 48:130. [PMID: 35897103 PMCID: PMC9327400 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-022-01311-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The ongoing Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic represents an unprecedented global health challenge. Many COVID-19 symptoms are similar to symptoms that can occur in other infections. Malaria should always be considered in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection returning from endemic areas. Case presentation We present the first case of multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) and Plasmodium vivax-falciparum and SARS-CoV2 coinfection in children. Despite clearance of parassitaemia and a negative COVID-19 nasopharyngeal PCR, the patient’s clinical conditions worsened. The World Health Organization (WHO) criteria were used to make the diagnosis of MIS-C. Treatment with intravenous immunoglobulins and methylprednisolone was effective. Conclusions This case emphasizes the importance of considering malaria diagnosis in patients returning from endemic areas, even in the COVID 19 era. Malaria and SARS-CoV2 co-infection may increase the risk of MIS-C, for which early detection is critical for proper management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michela Scalisi
- Division of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, "G. Di Cristina" Hospital, ARNAS Civico, Palermo, Italy
| | - Salvatore Giordano
- Division of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, "G. Di Cristina" Hospital, ARNAS Civico, Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Maria Concetta Failla
- Division of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, "G. Di Cristina" Hospital, ARNAS Civico, Palermo, Italy
| | - Luca Messina
- Division of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, "G. Di Cristina" Hospital, ARNAS Civico, Palermo, Italy
| | - Elisa Sferrazza
- Division of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, "G. Di Cristina" Hospital, ARNAS Civico, Palermo, Italy
| | - Raffaella Rubino
- Department of Health Promotion, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Lucia Siracusa
- Division of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, "G. Di Cristina" Hospital, ARNAS Civico, Palermo, Italy
| | - Veronica Vanella
- Division of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, "G. Di Cristina" Hospital, ARNAS Civico, Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonio Cascio
- Department of Health Promotion, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Claudia Colomba
- Division of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, "G. Di Cristina" Hospital, ARNAS Civico, Palermo, Italy. .,Department of Health Promotion, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Osei SA, Biney RP, Anning AS, Nortey LN, Ghartey-Kwansah G. Low incidence of COVID-19 case severity and mortality in Africa; Could malaria co-infection provide the missing link? BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:78. [PMID: 35065613 PMCID: PMC8783581 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07064-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite reports of malaria and coronavirus diseases 2019 (COVID-19) co-infection, malaria-endemic regions have so far recorded fewer cases of COVID-19 and deaths from COVID-19, indicating a probable protection from the poor outcome of COVID-19 by malaria. On the contrary, other evidence suggests that malaria might contribute to the death caused by COVID-19. Hence, this paper reviewed existing evidence hypothesizing poor outcome or protection of COVID-19 patients when co-infected with malaria. Methods PRISMA guidelines for systematic review were employed in this study. Published articles from December 2019 to May 2021on COVID-19 and malaria co-infection and outcome were systematically searched in relevant and accessible databases following a pre-defined strategy. Studies involving human, in vivo animal studies, and in vitro studies were included. Results Twenty three (23) studies were included in the review out of the 3866 records identified in the selected scientific databases. Nine (9) papers reported on co-infection of COVID-19 and malaria. Five (5) papers provided information about synergism of malaria and COVID-19 poor prognosis, 2 papers reported on syndemic of COVID-19 and malaria intervention, and 7 studies indicated that malaria protects individuals from COVID-19. Conclusions Low incidence of COVID-19 in malaria-endemic regions supports the hypothesis that COVID-19 poor prognosis is prevented by malaria. Although further studies are required to ascertain this hypothesis, cross-immunity and common immunodominant isotopes provide strong evidence to support this hypothesis. Also, increase in co-inhibitory receptors and atypical memory B cells indicate synergy between COVID-19 and malaria outcome, though, more studies are required to make a definite conclusion. Low incidence and mortality rate of COVID-19 in malaria endemic regions There have been reports of malaria and COVID-19 co-infection Malaria could be the link for the reported low incidence of COVID-19 in Africa Cross immunity and common immunodominant epitopes between Malaria and COVID-19, and antimalaria drugs could be the reason for observed low fatality and incidence rate of COVID-19 in malaria endemic regions. Malaria infection and deaths could increase amid the COVID-19 pandemic due to interrupted malaria control interventions.
Collapse
|
6
|
Wilairatana P, Masangkay FR, Kotepui KU, Milanez GDJ, Kotepui M. Prevalence and characteristics of malaria among COVID-19 individuals: A systematic review, meta-analysis, and analysis of case reports. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009766. [PMID: 34597315 PMCID: PMC8486116 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The world population is currently at a very high risk of Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). People who live in malaria-endemic areas and get infected by SARS-CoV-2 may be at increased risk of severe COVID-19 or unfavorable disease outcomes if they ignore their malaria status. Therefore, the present study aimed to synthesize, qualitatively and quantitatively, information on the prevalence and characteristics of malaria infection among COVID-19-infected individuals. The findings will help us better understand this particular comorbidity during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS The systematic review protocol was registered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) with the identification number: CRD42021247521. We searched for studies reporting on the coinfection of COVID-19 and malaria in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus from inception to March 27, 2021 using Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms. The study's methodological quality in the search output was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Tools for cross-sectional study. The pooled prevalence of Plasmodium spp. infection among patients infected with COVID-19 was estimated using the random effect model and then graphically presented as forest plots. The heterogeneity among the included studies was assessed using Cochrane Q and I2 statistics. The characteristics of patients co-infected with COVID-19 and malaria were derived from case reports and series and were formally analyzed using simple statistics. RESULTS Twelve of 1,207 studies reporting the coinfection of COVID-19 and malaria were selected for further analysis. Results of quantitative synthesis show that the pooled prevalence of Plasmodium spp. infection (364 cases) among COVID-19 individuals (1,126 cases) is 11%, with a high degree of heterogeneity (95% CI: 4%-18%, I2: 97.07%, 5 studies). Most of the coinfections were reported in Nigeria (336 cases), India (27 cases), and the Democratic Republic of Congo (1 case). Results of qualitative synthesis indicate that patients with coinfection are typically symptomatic at presentation with mild or moderate parasitemia. An analysis of case reports and series indicates that co-infected individuals often display thrombocytopenia, lymphopenia, and elevated bilirubin levels. Among four patients (30%) who required treatment with intravenous artesunate, one experienced worsened clinical status after administering the drug. One serious outcome of coinfection involved a pregnant woman who experienced fetal abortion due to the initial misdiagnosis of malaria. CONCLUSIONS All individuals in malaria-endemic regions who are febrile or display symptoms of COVID-19 should be evaluated for malaria to avoid serious complications. Further prospective studies are required to investigate the burden and outcomes of COVID-19 in malaria-endemic regions. Prompt management is required to prevent serious outcomes in individuals co-infected with COVID-19 and malaria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Polrat Wilairatana
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Frederick Ramirez Masangkay
- Department of Medical Technology, Institute of Arts and Sciences, Far Eastern University-Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Kwuntida Uthaisar Kotepui
- Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Tha Sala, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Giovanni De Jesus Milanez
- Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
| | - Manas Kotepui
- Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Tha Sala, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Caglar B, Karaali R, Balkan II, Mete B, Aygun G. COVID-19 and Plasmodium ovale Malaria: A Rare Case of Co-Infection. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2021; 59:399-402. [PMID: 34470091 PMCID: PMC8413863 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2021.59.4.399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to be a major health problem worldwide. Timely diagnosis of co-infections mimicking COVID-19, such as malaria, might be challenging particularly in non-endemic areas. We report the first case of COVID-19 and Plasmodium ovale malaria co-infection from our region aiming to highligt the importance of travel history and prophylaxis in malaria management in the context of pandemic. The galloping sound can sometimes be a harbinger of zebra besides the horse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bilge Caglar
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ridvan Karaali
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ilker Inanc Balkan
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Bilgul Mete
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gokhan Aygun
- Department of Microbiology, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Jochum J, Kreuels B, Tannich E, Huber S, Schulze zur Wiesch J, Schmiedel S, Ramharter M, Addo MM. Malaria in the Time of COVID-19: Do Not Miss the Real Cause of Illness. Trop Med Infect Dis 2021; 6:tropicalmed6020040. [PMID: 33810597 PMCID: PMC8103267 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed6020040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
We report a case of Plasmodium falciparum malaria in a patient asymptomatically co-infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In the current ongoing coronavirus pandemic, co-infections with unrelated life-threatening febrile conditions may pose a particular challenge to clinicians. The current situation increases the risk for cognitive biases in medical management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Jochum
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine & I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (B.K.); (M.R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-40428180
| | - Benno Kreuels
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine & I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (B.K.); (M.R.)
| | - Egbert Tannich
- National Reference Centre for Tropical Pathogens, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany;
| | - Samuel Huber
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (S.H.); (J.S.z.W.); (S.S.); (M.M.A.)
| | - Julian Schulze zur Wiesch
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (S.H.); (J.S.z.W.); (S.S.); (M.M.A.)
| | - Stefan Schmiedel
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (S.H.); (J.S.z.W.); (S.S.); (M.M.A.)
| | - Michael Ramharter
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine & I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (B.K.); (M.R.)
| | - Marylyn M. Addo
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (S.H.); (J.S.z.W.); (S.S.); (M.M.A.)
| |
Collapse
|