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