KUMJ | VOL. 22 | NO. 3 | ISSUE 87 | JULY-SEPTEMBER 2024
Co-infection of COVID-19 with Malaria and Dengue -A Hospital based Study in Kathmandu, Nepal
Bajracharya B, Shrestha P, Shrestha D, Karna AK, Mahato RK, Shrestha S, Baral B, Bhandari P, Sah P, Bastola A, Pandey BD
Abstract: Background
In tropical countries like Nepal, the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded within a population
already grappling with various tropical infectious diseases. Co-infection with malaria
and dengue holds clinical significance when managing COVID-19 patients in regions
endemic to these diseases.
Objective
To identify malaria and dengue infections in febrile or symptomatic patients suspected
of COVID-19 at the Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital, Kathmandu.
Method
Over two months, a prospective study was conducted on febrile or symptomatic
patients suspected of COVID-19 visiting Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease
Hospital, Kathmandu. One hundred and twenty-three patients suspected of
COVID-19 were tested for SARS-CoV-2 through RT-PCR as well as for malaria and
dengue infection using rapid diagnostic test kits.
Result
Out of 123 patients suspected of COVID-19, 64 were confirmed to have COVID-19. No
evidence of SARS-CoV-2 and malaria co-infection was found among the 123 tested
patients. However, two patients admitted for COVID-19 tested positive for dengue
virus infection. The patients with co-infections with dengue or scrub typhus were
likely to have a longer hospital stays (OR 2.5; 95% CI: 0.22-29.26), though lacking a
significant association.
Conclusion
The two patients diagnosed with dengue virus and SARS-CoV-2 were identified
during their hospital visit and both recovered after receiving treatment. Given that
COVID-19 patients manifest symptoms resembling many tropical infectious diseases,
the study underscores the clinical importance of testing for multiple circulating
infections in patients from endemic areas. This approach ensures appropriate and
timely management reducing the risk of severity or mortality.
Keyword : Co-infection, COVID-19, Dengue, Malaria, Nepal
