Role of interferon gamma in SARS-CoV-2-positive patients with parasitic infections.
Gut Pathog
; 13(1): 29, 2021 May 04.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1216931
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
By 27 June 2020, almost half a million people had died due to COVID-19 infections. The susceptibility and severity of infection vary significantly across nations. The contribution of chronic viral and parasitic infections to immune homeostasis remains a concern. By investigating the role of interferon (IFN)-γ, we conducted this study to understand the connection between the decrease in numbers and severity of COVID-19 cases within parasitic endemic regions. Our research included 375 patients referred to hospitals for diagnosis of COVID-19 infection. Patients were subjected to full investigations, in particular severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 nucleic acid and Toxoplasma IgM and IgG antibody detection, stool examination, and quantitative IFN-γ measurement.RESULTS:
The majority of the studied cases had chest manifestation either alone (54.7%) or in association with gastrointestinal (GIT) manifestations (19.7%), whereas 25.6% had GIT symptoms. We reported parasitic infections in 72.8% of mild COVID-19 cases and 20.7% of severe cases. Toxoplasma gondii, Cryptosporidium, Blastocyst, and Giardia were the most common parasitic infections among the COVID-19 cases studied.CONCLUSION:
The remarkable adaptation of human immune response to COVID-19 infection by parasitic infections with high levels of IFN-γ was observed in moderate cases compared with low levels in extreme cases. The potential therapeutic efforts aimed at the role of parasitic infection in immune system modulation are needed if this hypothesis is confirmed.
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Type of study:
Prognostic study
Language:
English
Journal:
Gut Pathog
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
S13099-021-00427-3
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