Is malaria immunity a possible protection against severe symptoms and outcomes of COVID-19?
Ghana Med. J. (Online)
; 55(2): 56-63, 2021.
Article
in English
| AIM (Africa)
| ID: biblio-1337553
Responsible library:
CG1.1
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
Full text:
Available
Health context:
SDG3 - Health and Well-Being
/
Neglected Diseases
/
SDG3 - Target 3.3 End transmission of communicable diseases
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SDG3 - Target 3.4 Reduce premature mortality due to noncommunicable diseases
Health problem:
Target 3.3: End transmission of communicable diseases
/
Malaria
/
Neglected Diseases
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COVID-19
/
Malaria
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Pneumonia
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Other Respiratory Diseases
Database:
AIM (Africa)
Main subject:
COVID-19
/
Immunity, Innate
/
Malaria
Limits:
Humans
Language:
English
Journal:
Ghana Med. J. (Online)
Year:
2021
Document type:
Article
Institution/Affiliation country:
Centre for Malaria Research, Institute for Health Research, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho/GH
/
Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho/GH
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Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho/GH
/
Institute of Health Research, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho/GH