Igala M, Bivigou EA, Kombila UD, Ngoua SN, Ngomas JF, Mougougou A, Makao AI, Manomba C, Mistoul IA, Ebang GA, Mbourou AA, Essandone M, Pemba LF, Mfoumou AF, Loembe FCA, Rerambiah LK, Boguikouma JB, and Akotet MKB
The purpose of this study was to report the cases of co-infection of malaria and COVID-19, after systematic search for plasmodium in patients treated in the COVID Infectious Disease Department (SiCOV) of the Libreville University Hospital (LUH). We conducted a prospective, observational study in the LUH SiCOV from April to July 2020. Patients of both sexes, aged over 18 years, with positive Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test for SARS-CoV-2 with thick blood smear result available, were included. For each patient, demographics (age, gender, weight, height), history and clinical and biological examination results were reported in the Excel file. Of a total of 253 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 8 had malaria associated with positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR. These were women (3) and men (5), with an average age of 36.9 years (25- 53 years). The mode of transmission was unknown in 7/8. All patients were febrile, 6/8 had headaches and 5/8 had respiratory discomfort. Less than half of patients had otolaryngeal (anosmia, ageusia) or digestive (diarrhea) manifestations. One patient with severe form died on day 5 of hospitalization. Clinical similarities between malaria and COVID-19 can lead to confusion in malaria endemic areas. The co-infection of malaria and COVID-19 did not result in severe clinical forms., Competing Interests: Les auteurs ne déclarent aucun conflits d´intérêts., (Copyright: Marielle Igala et al.)