Abstract
Objectives Data on the coinfection of malaria and COVID-19 is highly limited especially in Africa due to the novel nature of the pandemic COVID-19. Malaria and COVID-19 share striking similarities in their symptoms. A cross-sectional randomized study was conducted to investigate the role of sex in the coinfection of malaria and COVID-19 as well as some associated factors in Rivers State, Nigeria. Methods Ethical approval was obtained from the Rivers State Health and Ethics Committee before the commencement of this study, and the study was conducted at the COVID-19 Treatment Center Medical Laboratory, Rivers State, Nigeria. Intravenous blood samples from three hundred randomly selected consenting study participants were examined for Plasmodium species using Giemsa microscopy, while pretested questionnaires were used to obtain data on sex, risk factors, and symptoms. All data generated were analyzed statistically using the Chi-square test with a P < 0.05 value considered significant. Results All study participants had Plasmodium species (100% prevalence) with varying parasite loads, and P. falciparum was the only species observed. Study participants (irrespective of sex) with low and high parasitaemia had the highest and least prevalence, respectively (P > 0.05). Male study participants experienced more symptoms than females (P > 0.05) except for sore throat which had an equal value among males and females. Travel history was the only risk factor that showed significant association with sex, and males had a higher value than females (P < 0.05). Conclusion Malaria and COVID-19 are major public health issues in Nigeria; more researches on these diseases especially in epidemiology, pathology, diagnosis, treatment, and vaccine production are vital.
Highlights
Malaria is a major public health issue in Africa especially in the sub-Saharan region
Malaria is mainly transmitted through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes
[2] The International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) named the virus “SARS-CoV2” and the disease “COVID-19.” [3, 4] COVID-19 is mainly transmitted to susceptible humans through infected nasal droplets which are released via coughing, talking, or sneezing
Summary
Malaria is a major public health issue in Africa especially in the sub-Saharan region. It is the main cause of morbidities and mortalities in young children (0-5years) and pregnant women in many developing countries [1]. [5] There is very little data on malaria and COVID-19 co-infection globally especially in African countries which experience both diseases with significant number of cases (morbidities and mortalities) daily. Initial data from China and other countries globally have highlighted similar numbers of confirmed COVID-19 cases between men and women [6]. The present study was conducted to evaluate the role of sex (biological factor) in the co-infection of malaria and COVID-19 as well as some associated factors in Rivers State, Nigeria
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
