Malaria Co-infection Research Articles

Evidence of and deaths from malaria and severe pneumonia co-infections in malaria-endemic areas: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Malaria and pneumonia are the leading causes of childhood mortality in children under 5 years of age. Nevertheless, the proportions and deaths of malaria co-infection among patients with severe pneumonia, particularly in children under 5 years of age, and characteristics of co-infection remain poorly explored. Hence, the present study aimed to collate the evidence of malaria among patients with severe pneumonia, severe pneumonia among patients with malaria, and the proportion of deaths among patients with co-infections. Potentially relevant studies were searched in six databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, Ovid, and MEDLINE to identify studies on malaria and severe pneumonia co-infections that were published until 21 July 2022 with a restriction for the non-English language but no restriction for the publication year. The quality of the included studies was determined using the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE). The pooled estimates, including the pooled proportion of malaria among patients with severe pneumonia, and the proportion of deaths among patients with co-infections, were estimated by the random-effects model. Of the 4094 studies examined, 11 studies that met the eligibility criteria were included in the review. Meta-analysis results showed that the proportion of malaria (2162 cases) among patients with severe pneumonia (9738 cases) was 19% (95% CI 12–26%, I2: 98.79%, 11 studies). The proportion of severe pneumonia (546 cases) among patients with malaria (10,325 cases) was 20% (95% CI 0–40%, I2: 99.48%, 4 studies). The proportion of deaths among patients with co-infection was 13% (95% CI 2–23%, I2: 85.1%, 3 studies). In conclusion, nearly one-fifth of patients with severe pneumonia have malaria, one-fifth of patients with malaria have severe pneumonia, and about 13% of co-infections lead to deaths. This information raised the clinical importance of diagnosis and management of concurrent infections. Patients with severe pneumonia should be investigated for malaria, and vice versa. Detection of co-infections might provide the information to inform the physician to manage and cure co-infected patients who live in areas where both diseases were endemic.

Prevalence of Intestinal Helminth Coinfection in Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis in Uganda.

Although a third of people with tuberculosis (TB) are estimated to be coinfected with helminths, the prevalence is largely unknown among people with drug-resistant TB (DR-TB). We determined the prevalence of helminth coinfection among people with DR-TB in Uganda. In a multicenter, cross-sectional study, eligible Ugandan adults with confirmed DR-TB were consecutively enrolled between July to December 2021 at 4 treatment centers. Sociodemographic data were collected using a questionnaire. Participants underwent anthropometric and blood pressure measurements, and blood samples were evaluated for random blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, nonfasting lipid profile, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, and a complete blood count. Fresh stool samples were evaluated for adult worms, eggs, and larvae using direct microscopy after Kato-Katz concentration techniques. Of 212 participants, 156 (73.6%) were male, 118 (55.7%) had HIV, and 3 (2.8%) had malaria coinfection. The prevalence of intestinal helminth coinfection was 4.7% (10/212) (95% confidence interval, 2.6%-8.6%). The frequency of helminth infections was Ancylostoma duodenale (n = 4), Schistosoma mansoni (n = 2), Enterobius vermicularis (n = 2), Ascaris lumbricoides (n = 1), and Trichuris trichiura (n = 1). The prevalence of helminth coinfection was low among people with DR-TB. More studies are needed to determine the clinical relevance of helminth/DR-TB coinfection.

Prevalence of malaria and typhoid fever co-infection among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria

Prevalence of malaria and typhoid fever co-infection among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria

Fractional-Order Ebola-Malaria Coinfection Model with a Focus on Detection and Treatment Rate

Coinfection of Ebola virus and malaria is widespread, particularly in impoverished areas where malaria is already ubiquitous. Epidemics of Ebola virus disease arise on a sporadic basis in African nations with a high malaria burden. An observational study discovered that patients in Sierra Leone's Ebola treatment centers were routinely infected with malaria parasites, increasing the risk of death. In this paper, we study Ebola-malaria coinfections under the generalized Mittag-Leffler kernel fractional derivative. The Banach fixed point theorem and the Krasnoselskii type are used to analyse the model's existence and uniqueness. We discuss the model stability using the Hyers-Ulam functional analysis. The numerical scheme for the Ebola-malaria coinfections using Lagrange interpolation is presented. The numerical trajectories show that the prevalence of Ebola-malaria coinfections ranged from low to moderate depending on memory. This means that controlling the disease requires adequate knowledge of the past history of the dynamics of both malaria and Ebola. The graphical dynamics of the detection rate indicate that a variation in the detection rate only affects the following compartments: individuals that are latently infected with the Ebola, Ebola virus afflicted people who went unnoticed, individuals who have been infected with the Ebola virus and have been diagnosed with the disease, and persons undergoing Ebola virus therapy.

Longitudinal impact of asymptomatic malaria/HIV-1 co-infection on Plasmodium falciparum gametocyte transcript expression and transmission to Anopheles mosquitoes.

Despite significant developments towards malaria reduction, parasite transmission in the common context of HIV-1 co-infection and treatment for one or both infections has not been fully characterized. This is particularly important given that HIV-1 and malaria chemotherapies have the potential to alter gametocyte burden and mosquito infectivity. In this study, we examined 782 blood samples collected from a longitudinal cohort of 300 volunteers with asymptomatic parasitemia seeking HIV testing or treatment in the endemic region of Kisumu, Kenya, to define the impacts of HIV-1-malaria co-infection, antiretroviral therapy (ART) plus trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TS) and the antimalarials artemether/lumefantrine (AL) on Plasmodium falciparum gametocyte transcript prevalence and parasite transmission to the African malaria mosquito Anopheles gambiae. Volunteers were assigned to three distinct HIV-1 groups: HIV-1 positive on treatment, HIV-1 positive newly diagnosed, and HIV-1 negative. Volunteers were monitored monthly over the course of six months. Using our highly sensitive digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) assay of three gametocyte specific transcript markers, we detected gametocyte transcripts in 51.1% of 18S positive volunteers across all study groups and time points. After correcting for multiple comparisons, the factors of HIV-1 status, time, CD4+ T-cell levels and hematocrit were not predictive of gametocyte prevalence or transmission. However, among those volunteers who were newly diagnosed with HIV-1 and malaria positive by rapid diagnostic test (RDT) at enrollment, the initiation of ART/TS and AL treatment was associated with a significant reduction in gametocyte transcript prevalence in the subsequent month when compared to HIV-1 negative volunteers treated with AL. To assess gametocyte transmissibility, volunteer blood samples were used in standard membrane feeding assays (SFMA) with laboratory-reared A. gambiae, with evidence of transmission confirmed by at least one of 25 dissected mosquitoes per sample positive for at least one midgut oocyst. HIV-1 status, CD4+ T-cell levels and hematocrit were not significantly associated with successful transmission to A. gambiae. Analysis of SMFA blood samples revealed that 50% of transmission-positive blood samples failed to test positive by Plasmodium-specific 18S ribosomal RNA quantitative PCR (qPCR) and 35% failed to test positive for any gametocyte specific transcript marker by droplet digital (ddPCR), documenting that transmission occurred in the absence of molecular parasite/gametocyte detection. Overall, these findings highlight the complexity of HIV-1 malaria co-infection and the need to further define the unpredictable role of asymptomatic parasitemia in transmission to mosquitoes.

Strategies for Improving the Diagnosis and Prevention of Malaria During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Africa

The African continent is a known malaria-endemic region. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, COVID-19/malaria co-infection is of critical importance in Africa due to the similarities in the manifestation of their symptoms. To avert compromising the health status of individuals on the African continent during the COVID-19 pandemic, this commentary sought to examine the link between COVID-19 and malaria, outlining strategies for improving the diagnosis and prevention of COVID-19 and malaria in Africa. A scale-up of malaria-focused care should be considered to ensure adequate reporting of COVID-19 cases in Africa. Likewise, individuals who present for malarial testing should be linked to COVID-19 testing and treatment care in Africa. Also, surveillance activities should be scaled up to ensure accurate COVID-19 case reporting and improved case notification. Regular refresher trainings should be organized for healthcare workers to promote healthcare service delivery.

The Prevalence of Malaria and Bacteremia Co-Infections among Febrile Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Comprehensive data on the relative contribution of bacteremia to malaria outcomes in a large number of participants are lacking. Therefore, we collated data on the co-existence of malaria and bacteremia in the literature to provide evidence-based information for future studies investigating the clinical significance of this co-infection. The study protocol was registered at PROSPERO (ID: CRD42021287971). Relevant studies were identified from PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. The pooled prevalence of (1) co-existent malaria and bacteremia among febrile patients, (2) the pooled prevalence of bacteremia among patients with malaria, (3) the probability of co-infection, and (4) the pooled prevalence of deaths were estimated by the random-effects model. Fifty-one studies involving 1583 cases of co-infection were included in the analyses. Typhoidal Salmonella spp. and Staphylococcus aureus were the most common Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, respectively. The prevalence of co-existent malaria and bacteremia among febrile patients was 1.9% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.5–2.2%, I2 = 96.64%, 31 studies). The prevalence of bacteremia among patients with malaria was 7.6% (95% CI = 6.7–8.7%, and I2 = 96.68%, 43 studies). Co-infection by malaria and bacteremia did not occur by chance (p = 0.024, odds ratio = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.43–0.94, and I2 = 95.7%, 29 studies). The pooled prevalence of deaths among patients with co-infection was 15.0% (95% CI = 8.0–23.0%, I2 = 75.23%, 8 studies). On the basis of this study, we conclude that although the prevalence of co-infection was low, patients with malaria appear at greater risk of bacteremia and death.

Evaluation of Apolipoprotein Profile in Hiv/Aids Subjects in Pre and Post 12 Months Antiretroviral Therapy Using 1.5 Mg/Ml Troponin Diagnostic Cut-Off for Myocardial Infarction in Nauth Nnewi, South Eastern Nigeria

Patients infected with HIV have an increased risk of developing heart disease. HIV causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome AIDS by invading the host cells and depleting the immune system. It has been reported that acute myocardial infarction might occur at 1.5 ng/ml troponin level. Information on cardiac status in HIV infected subjects in Nigeria is scanty. The aim is to evaluate the serum apolipoproteins in HIV subjects, in pre- and post- 12 months antiretroviral therapy (ART) using 1.5ng/ml troponin diagnostic cut-off for myocardial infarction. A total of 100 HIV subjects not on ART devoid of malaria co-infection were recruited in this study. Apolipoprotein parameters were re-classified based on 1.5 ng/ml troponin diagnostic cut-off for myocardial infection. 30 out of the 100 participants that were within 1.5 ng/ml troponin diagnostic cut-off for myocardial infection were followed up on commencement of ART for 12 months. Their blood samples were drawn at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months for some apolipoproteins and CD4 analyses using standard laboratory methods. The results showed that as months of antiretroviral therapy deepened or lengthened, the numbers of HIV positive subjects with values higher than the troponin diagnostic value reduces when compared with values before therapy (p<0.05). Paired-wise comparison showed that there were significantly higher levels of CD4 counts, Apo A2, Apo C2, Apo E but lower levels ApoA1, Apo B and Apo C3 in symptomatic HIV individuals before ART when compared with values after therapy at p<0.05 respectively. These lower levels ApoA1, Apo B and Apo C3 in symptomatic HIV individuals after therapy may indicate possible cardio- protective effect of the drug on the heart, which may connote immune recovery. The troponin values were significantly higher than the diagnostic cut off for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) studied amongst the group at p<0.05 respectively. This may imply that AMI may occur at any group of study.

Co-infections of Schistosoma spp. and Malaria with Hepatitis Viruses from Endemic Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Co-infection of schistosomiasis and malaria with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are common in countries where schistosomiasis and malaria are endemic. The present systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to assess the prevalence of malaria/hepatitis viruses and Schistosoma/hepatitis viruses' co-infections. Relevant published studies on the co-infection of malaria and Schistosoma spp. with HBV and HCV were retrieved via international databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar). Regarding meta-analysis, the random-effect model was employed by forest plot with a 95% of confidence interval (CI). A total of 22 studies, including 15 studies with malaria/hepatitis viruses' co-infection and 7 studies with Schistosoma/hepatitis viruses' co-infection met the eligibility criteria. The co-infection of malaria/HCV and malaria/HBV in different populations were 15% (95% CI, 0-77%) and 5% (95% CI, 1-10%), respectively. Moreover, Schistosoma/HCV and Schistosoma/HBV co infection were detected in 7% (95% CI, 0-54%) and 2% (95% CI, 0-7%), respectively. The overlaps between Schistosoma spp. and malaria with hepatitis B and C viruses in endemic countries with lower income levels were high, which deserve further attention.

Joint COVID-19 Contact Tracing and Malaria Reactive Case Detection as Efficient Strategies for Disease Control

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) contact tracing and malaria reactive case detection (RACD) are effective strategies for disease control. The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic and the global attention COVID-19 has received in the recent past and present has hampered malaria control efforts. Among these are difficulties in finding and treating malaria-infected individuals in hypoendemic settings in the community, due to lockdown restrictions by countries. It is common knowledge that malaria cases that cannot be identified remain untreated. To sustain the gains made in malaria control, we proposed a two-pronged hybrid approach for COVID-19 contact tracing and malaria RACD in communities with COVID-19 and malaria coinfections. Such an approach would equally factor the burden of malaria cases and COVID-19 to support an effective strategy for responding to current and future pandemics.

The burden of Vector-Borne and Soil-Transmitted Polyparasitism in a Nigerian Rural Community: A cross-sectional study

Background: Concomitant parasitic infections are common in the developing world, yet most studies focused on a single parasite in a narrow age group. This study investigated the extent of polyparasitism and co-infections in a rural community in Osun State, Nigeria. Methods: Two hundred and forty-seven consenting individuals consisting of 118 males and 129 females participated in this study. Faecal specimens, venous blood, and skin snips were collected from the participants. The Kato-Katz technique was used to screen the faecal samples for soil-transmitted helminth, while Giemsa-stained blood smears were used for Plasmodium falciparum detection. Skin snips microscopy and haematoxylin-stained blood smears were used to diagnose onchocerciasis and loiasis, respectively. Demographic information was collected from all the participants. Results: The prevalence of P. falciparum, hookworms and Ascaris lumbricoides were 55.9%, 19.4% and 26.3%, respectively. The overall prevalence of the filarial infections was 4.5% for Loa loa microfilaremia, 23.5% for Onchocerca volvulus microfilarial. Thirty-eight per cent of the population harboured at least two parasites concurrently. Females (52.2%) were generally more infected with all the helminths than males (48.8%), but the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.128). For onchocerciasis prevalence, males (29.7%) were more infected than females (17.8%), and the difference was statistically significant (p=0.035). Co-infection of malaria and loiasis was observed in 1.2% of the population (p=0.051), while 13% were co-infected with malaria and onchocerciasis (p=0.903). Co-infection of malaria and hookworm was observed in 10.5% of the population. The overall mean Packed Cell Volume (PCV) of the population was 40.03±5.84, and no significant difference (p=0.224) was observed between PCV and infection status. Also, no significant association (p=0.051) was observed between the age group and infection status. The intensity of the parasites was classified into 1-9, 10-99, 100-149, and 150 and above. Almost all the helminths except Ascaris lumbricoides had a low grade of helminths (1-9). The intensity was more pronounced in Ascaris lumbricoides than in other helminths. A. lumbricoides + P. falciparum co-infection had a higher geometric mean para-sites density (GMPD) value when compared with only P. falciparum infection. There was no significant difference in co-infection of P. falciparum + loa loa, P. falciparum + O .volvulus and P. falciparum + Hookworm with P. falciparum alone. Conclusion: This study confirmed that polyparasitism is still common in rural communities in the study area. The findings can be used to design and implement appropriate intervention strategies to alleviate morbidity and co-morbidity in rural communities.

The striking mimics between COVID-19 and malaria: A review.

ObjectivesCOVID-19 is a transmissible illness triggered by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Since its onset in late 2019 in Wuhan city of China, it continues to spread universally, leading to an ongoing pandemic that shattered all efforts to restrain it. On the other hand, in Africa, the COVID-19 infection may be influenced by malaria coinfection. Hence, in this review article, we aimed to give a comprehensive account of the similarities between COVID-19 and malaria in terms of symptoms, clinical, immunological, and molecular perspectives.MethodologyIn this article, we reviewed over 50 research papers to highlight the multilayered similarities between COVID-19 and malaria infections that might influence the ontology of COVID-19.ResultsDespite the poor health and fragile medical system of many sub-Saharan African countries, they persisted with a statistically significantly low number of COVID-19 cases. This was attributed to many factors such as the young population age, the warm weather, the lack of proper diagnosis, previous infection with malaria, the use of antimalarial drugs, etc. Additionally, population genetics appears to play a significant role in shaping the COVID-19 dynamics. This is evident as recent genomic screening analyses of the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and malaria-associated-variants identified 6 candidate genes that might play a role in malaria and COVID-19 incidence and severity. Moreover, the clinical and pathological resemblances between the two diseases have made considerable confusion in the diagnosis and thereafter curb the disease in Africa. Therefore, possible similarities between the diseases in regards to the clinical, pathological, immunological, and genetical ascription were discussed.ConclusionUnderstanding the dynamics of COVID-19 infection in Sub-Saharan Africa and how it is shaped by another endemic disease like malaria can provide insights into how to tailor a successful diagnostic, intervention, and control plans that lower both disease morbidity and mortality.

Caregivers' perception of risk for malaria, helminth infection and malaria-helminth co-infection among children living in urban and rural settings of Senegal: A qualitative study.

The parasites causing malaria, soil-transmitted helminthiasis and schistosomiasis frequently co-exist in children living in low-and middle-income countries, where existing vertical control programmes for the control of these diseases are not operating at optimal levels. This gap necessitates the development and implementation of strategic interventions to achieve effective control and eventual elimination of these co-infections. Central to the successful implementation of any intervention is its acceptance and uptake by caregivers whose perception about the risk for malaria-helminth co-infection has been little documented. Therefore, we conducted a qualitative study to understand the caregivers' perspectives about the risk as well as the behavioural and social risk factors promoting malaria-helminth co-infection among pre-school and school-age children living in endemic rural and urban communities in Senegal. In June and December 2021, we conducted individual and group interviews, and participant observations, among 100 primary caregivers of children recruited from Saraya villages in southeast Senegal and among leaders and teachers of Koranic schools in Diourbel, western Senegal. Our findings showed that a majority of the study participants in the two settings demonstrated a high level of perception of risk for malaria and acceptable awareness about handwashing practices, but had misconceptions that malaria-helminth co-infection was due to a combination of excessive consumption of sugary food and mosquito bites. Our observations revealed many factors in the house structures, toilet practices and handwashing with ashes and sands, which the caregivers did not consider as risks for malaria-helminth co-infections. These findings underscore the need to promote caregivers' awareness about the existence and risk of malaria-helminth co-infection in children. This approach would assist in addressing the caregivers' misconceptions about the occurrence of the co-infection and could enhance their uptake of the strategic interventions targeted at achieving control and subsequent elimination of malaria and helminth co-infection.

Prevalence and Characteristics of Malaria and Influenza Co-Infection in Febrile Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Malaria and influenza are co-endemic in several geographical areas, and differentiation of their clinical features is difficult. The present study aimed to qualitatively and quantitatively analyze the prevalence and characteristics of malaria and influenza co-infection in febrile patients. The systematic review was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42021264525). Relevant literature that reported malaria and influenza co-infection in febrile patients were searched in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus from 20 June to 27 June 2021 and the risk of bias for each study was assessed. Quantitative analysis included pooled prevalence, and the odds of malaria and influenza virus co-infection among febrile patients were estimated using a random-effects model. Subgroup analyses were performed to summarize the effect estimate for each group. Funnel plot, Egger’s test, and contour-enhanced funnel plot were used to demonstrate any publication bias among outcomes of included studies. Among 4253 studies retrieved, 10 studies that enrolled 22,066 febrile patients with 650 co-infected patients were included for qualitative and quantitative syntheses. The pooled prevalence of malaria and influenza virus co-infection among febrile patients was 31.0% in Nigeria, 1.0% in Tanzania, 1.0% in Uganda, 1.0% in Malawi, 1.0% in Ghana, 0% in Cambodia, 7.0% in the Central African Republic, and 7.0% in Kenya. Meta-analysis also showed co-infection occurrence by chance (p = 0.097, odds ratio 0.54, 95% CI 0.26–1.12, I2 94.9%). The prevalence of malaria and influenza virus co-infection among febrile patients was heterogeneous by country, characteristics of febrile participants, and diagnostic tests for influenza virus. Further studies should investigate severe clinical manifestations or differentiate clinical outcomes between mono-infected or co-infected individuals, whether the co-infection leads to severe disease outcome.

SARS-CoV-2 and Plasmodium falciparum Co-Infection in a Returning Traveler.

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.

The Prevalence of Malaria in COVID-19 Patients among Blood Group Classification

Background: COVID‐19 is caused by SARS‐CoV‐2; it is considered a global tragedy that has astounded health care systems. Since the pandemic began, identifying the characteristics that might influence risk of infection and poor disease outcomes have been of paramount interest. Malaria is still a major global health burden particularly in the sub-Saharan Africa region with about 230 million cases annually. Blood group systems are genetically inherited features whose associations with some infectious diseases have long been debated.
 Aim: This observational study was aimed at evaluating the prevalence of malaria in covid-19 patients based on blood group in Rivers State Isolation COVID-19 centers located in Rivers state Nigeria.
 Methodology: 400 subjects participated and gave consent to be included in the study. Subjects were grouped ABO blood classification using commercially available anti-sera A, B. Microscopic method was used for the examination of malaria parasite and Giemsa staining technique.
 Results: Out of the 400 samples, 327 subjects were infected with malaria parasite while 73 were uninfected. Furthermore,91 subjects were blood group A,85 subjects were blood group B,10 subjects were blood group AB and 214 subjects were blood group O. Additionally, the number of subjects infected with malaria among blood group A, AB, B and O are 71, 69, 7 and 180 respectively. Also the distribution of covid-19 among blood group A, B, AB and O is 78.02%, 81.17%, 70.00%, and 84.11% respectively. Furthermore, the prevalence of malaria and COVID -19 infection based on blood A, B, AB and O appeared to be 14.28%, 9.41%, 0.00% and 16.82% respectively.
 Conclusion: This study has shown that most COVID-19 patients in Rivers state COVID-19 centers have blood groups O and A and had malaria co-infection. The prevalence of malaria with COVID-19 patients based on blood group was high amongst group O patient.

Assessment of co-infection of typhoid and malaria in patients attending F.M.C Umuahia Abia state

Malaria and typhoid fever are major public health problems in tropical and subtropical countries. People in endemic areas are at risk of contracting both infections concurrently. This study was aimed at assessing malaria and co-infection of typhoid fever among patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 256 patients suspected for malaria and typhoid fever from March to August 2017 at Federal Medical Centre Umuahia Abia State. Blood samples were collected for blood film preparation and widal test. The prevalence of malaria was 78.90% (n = 202). Among these age groups, (11 – 15), (16 – 20), (21 – 25) and (26 – 30) years were mostly infected. The seroprevalence of typhoid fever was found high and poor hand washing habit were associated with typhoid fever infection. Further studies should be done on malaria and typhoid fever co-infection in different seasons and different study areas.

Optimum controls to avert co-infection of Malaria - COVID-19

With a major loss to human life due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it has become a major challenge for malaria endemic countries to fight against malaria - COVID-19 coinfection. This paper formulates malaria - COVID-19 co-infection model governed by a set of non-linear ordinary differential equations. The two sub-models namely- malaria only and COVID-19 only are also studied. The local stability of the disease-free equilibrium point of each sub-model and co-infection model is established. Existence of endemic equilibria for each sub-model is carried out. Moreover, we extend our co-infection model by incorporating six-time dependent controls. Using Pontryagins maximum principle we compute necessary optimal conditions and also observe the effect of each control on co-infected population.

Malaria and HIV Co-infection among COVID-19 Cohort in Selected Healthcare Facilities in Rivers State, Nigeria

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic began while improvement in malaria control and elimination had reached a peak. COVID-19 affected routine services particularly those for other killer infectious diseases including, HIV/AIDS and Malaria. This resulted in slowing progress in achieving control programs targets.
 Aim: The study was aimed at evaluating malaria and HIV coinfection among COVID-19 cohort in selected healthcare facilities in Rivers State of Nigeria.
 Methodology: The observational study showed a snapshot sampled only patients within the COVID-19 approved centers who consented to participate within the selected study area otherwise excluded. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 400 participants, giving subjects equal opportunity of participation. The majority of the data came from primary sources, but secondary sources were also used. Malaria testing was perform using microscopic method. Result outputs were presented on tables and charts.
 Results: The study showed high prevalence of malaria infection among COVID-19 patients -327 (81.8%) but low rate of HIV co-infection- 2 (0.5%).
 Conclusion: Much consideration should be channeled towards malaria endemicity and coinfection with COVID-19 unless it confers protective advantage as postulated by some studies however, a large scale and more in-depth study is suggested.

MIS-C and co-infection with P. vivax and P.falciparum in a child: a clinical conundrum

BackgroundThe 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 presentationWe 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.ConclusionsThis 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.