ABSTRACT
Malaria-endemic areas of the world are noted for high morbidity and mortality from malaria. Also noted in these areas is the majority of persons in the population having acquired malaria immunity. Though this acquired malaria immunity does not prevent infection, it resists the multiplication of Plasmodium parasites, restricting disease to merely uncomplicated cases or asymptomatic infections. Does this acquired malaria immunity in endemic areas protect against other diseases, especially outbreak diseases like COVID-19? Does malaria activation of innate immunity resulting in trained or tolerance immunity contribute to protection against COVID-19? In an attempt to answer these questions, this review highlights the components of malaria and viral immunity and explores possible links with immunity against COVID-19. With malaria-endemic areas of the world having a fair share of cases of COVID-19, it is important to direct research in this area to evaluate and harness any benefits of acquired malaria immunity to help mitigate the effects of COVID-19 and any possible future outbreaks
Subject(s)
Humans , COVID-19 , Immunity, Innate , MalariaABSTRACT
Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited lifelong hemolytic disorder affecting many children in sub-Saharan Africa; especially in West and Central Africa. There is a limited public health education on SCD in Ghana with only two information centers in Accra and Kumasi; respectively.Methodology: This cross-sectional study evaluated the knowledge of SCD among people living in Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis. Churches; saloons; internet cafes and bus stations were randomly selected in the center of the city with proximity to the central market.Results: A total of 621 individuals were recruited; 52.5 (326) had knowledge of their hemoglobin (Hb) electrophoretic pattern while 47.5 (295) had none. In addition; 93.4 individuals had knowledge of SCD while 6.6 had no knowledge of SCD. Older individuals exhibited better knowledge of their Hb electrophoretic pattern than the younger ones (P = 0.019). Individuals with tertiary education and married couples exhibited higher knowledge of SCD when compared to their counterparts (P 0.001).Conclusion: Despite the relatively high knowledge of SCD and Hb electrophoretic pattern observed in this study; it is very important to increase neonatal screenings and health care services to the region. In addition; more emphasis is needed to increase public awareness of SCD especially in schools; churches; hospitals and the media