Title: Severe Anemia Observed in a Chinese Patient with COVID-19 and Plasmodium Falciparum Malaria Co-Infection

Abstract:

Background: COVID-19 and malaria share some similar symptoms such as fever, difficulty in breathing, fatigue, and headaches of acute onset. With overlapping symptoms and travel history significant for COVID-19 and malaria, healthcare systems and professionals will face a great challenge in the case of COVID-19 and malaria co-infection.

Methods: Here we presented a patient with COVID-19 infection and refractory anemia of unknown reason. A diagnostic test for malaria was later performed.

Results: The patient was ultimately diagnosed with COVID-19 and plasmodium falciparum malaria co-infection. He recovered gradually after receiving anti-malaria treatment.

Conclusions: The present case highlights the danger of focusing only on a diagnosis of COVID-19, reminding clinicians to be vigilant about the possibility of co-infections.

Biography:

Yanzhen Wan is affiliated with the Clinical Laboratory at Women and Children’s Hospital, Qingdao University, China. Her research interests include clinical laboratory medicine and disease-related laboratory investigations. Her recent research includes work on B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and bone marrow involvement, contributing to research in hematological malignancies.