RESUMO
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused significant morbidity and mortality and new cases are on the rise globally, yet malaria-endemic areas report statistically significant lower incidences. We identified potential shared targets for an immune response to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) by immune determinants' shared identities with P. falciparum using the Immune Epitope Database and Analysis Resource Immune 9.0 browser tool. Probable cross-reactivity is suggested through HLA-A∗02:01 and subsequent CD8+ T-cell activation. The apparent immunodominant epitope conservation between SARS-CoV-2 (N and open reading frame (ORF) 1ab) and P. falciparum thrombospondin-related anonymous protein (TRAP) may underlie the low COVID-19 incidence in the malaria-endemic zone by providing immunity against virus infection to those previously infected with Plasmodium. Additionally, we hypothesize that the shared epitopes which lie within antigens that aid in the establishment of the P. falciparum erythrocyte invasion may be an alternative route for SARS-CoV-2 via the erythrocyte CD147 receptor, although this remains to be proven.
RESUMO
Cardiac hydatid is rare at any age, accounting for less than 2% of all hydatid disease. The case is discussed of a 48-year-old female with a cardiac hydatid cyst attached intracavitary in the posterior wall of the right atrium. The Echinococcus cyst grows very slowly and, unless located in a critical anatomic site, it takes many years to evolve. Since the introduction of two-dimensional echocardiography, more cases are being diagnosed. The cyst was discovered incidentally by X-ray computed tomography and confirmed by trans-oesophageal echocardiography utilizing the wall-sign criteria developed by the authors. The cyst was removed surgically and the patient recovered by medical therapy.
