Intestinal parasitic reduce covid-19
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Intestinal parasitic reduce covid-19
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Prof. Ragaa Issa
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World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: Intestinal parasitic reduce covid-19
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
Doi: 10.20959/wjpr202215-26028
Copyright (license): WJPR: All rights reserved
Summary of article contents:
1) Introduction
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted global health, revealing the complexities associated with various clinical manifestations and their severity. Certain underlying health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, obesity, chronic lung disease, and diabetes, have been identified as risk factors for severe COVID-19. This study by Prof. Ragaa Issa explores the intriguing relationship between intestinal parasitic infections and the severity of COVID-19, particularly focusing on how these infections might modulate the immune response and potentially mitigate the severity of the disease.
2) Immunomodulatory Effects of Intestinal Parasites
One of the pivotal findings of the research is the potential immunomodulatory role of intestinal parasites in reducing the severity of COVID-19. A study involving fecal samples from 136 immunocompromised patients revealed that 39.7% tested positive for intestinal parasites. The presence of these parasites was associated with significantly lower odds of developing severe COVID-19 symptoms. Specifically, co-infection with certain parasites, like Entamoeba spp., Hymenolepis nana, Schistosoma mansoni, and Trichuris trichiura, corresponded to lower probabilities of severe disease. This suggests that the immune responses driven by these parasites could dampen the hyper-inflammation often observed in severe cases of COVID-19, which is a critical factor in disease progression.
3) Co-infection and the Immune Response
The study also highlighted the complexity of the immune response to co-infections. While some evidence suggests that intestinal parasites can enhance resistance to COVID-19, there are conflicting perspectives on whether these infections might impair the immune system's ability to respond effectively to SARS-CoV-2. Chronic infections may dampen certain immune functions, potentially increasing vulnerability to severe illness. The dual nature of the relationship indicates that while parasitic infections might offer some protective effects, they could also pose risks, underscoring the need for further investigations into these interactions.
4) Implications for Health Guidelines
Given the findings, the research advocates for systematic screening and monitoring of immunocompromised patients in regions where parasitic infections are prevalent. It stresses the need for integrating parasitic infection management into COVID-19 treatment protocols, particularly for individuals receiving immunosuppressive therapies. The potential for significant reductions in the severity of COVID-19 through the presence of certain intestinal parasites suggests a pressing need for further research into the clinical implications of these co-infections and how they affect overall patient management strategies.
5) Conclusion
In conclusion, the study presents compelling evidence that intestinal parasites may play a complex role in moderating the immune response to COVID-19, possibly reducing the risk of severe outcomes. Although the findings indicate a negative relationship between co-infection and COVID-19 severity, the nuances of this interaction necessitate careful interpretation. More extensive research is essential to clarify how these infections influence vaccine efficacy and overall immune responses in the context of COVID-19. The integration of these insights into global health guidelines could prove beneficial in managing COVID-19, especially in endemic regions.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What was the main aim of the study on intestinal parasites and COVID-19?
The study aimed to investigate whether infection with intestinal parasites reduces the severity and virulence of COVID-19 and to explore the relationship between re-infection with intestinal parasites and resistance to COVID-19.
What percentage of patients had intestinal parasites in the study?
Intestinal parasites were detected in 54 out of 136 patients, accounting for 39.7% of the study population, with a notable portion experiencing diarrhea.
How did co-infection with intestinal parasites affect COVID-19 severity?
Co-infection with intestinal parasites was associated with a 60% reduction in the odds of developing severe COVID-19, suggesting a potentially protective immunomodulatory effect.
What types of intestinal parasites were identified in the study?
The study identified various parasites including Cryptosporidium parvum, Giardia lamblia, Cyclospora cayetanensis, Entamoeba histolytica, and Strongyloides stercoralis, among others.
What underlying health conditions increase the risk of severe COVID-19?
Factors like cardiovascular disease, obesity, chronic lung disease, and diabetes contribute to an increased risk of developing severe COVID-19 symptoms.
What recommendations did the researchers make for future studies?
The researchers recommended further studies to explore the negative relationship between parasitic infections and COVID-19 severity, noting the need for comprehensive research in this area.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Intestinal parasitic reduce covid-19”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Disease:
Diseases encompass a broad range of health conditions characterized by dysfunction or abnormality in bodily systems. In this research, diseases are primarily related to infectious agents, including parasitic infections that might modulate the severity of other diseases like COVID-19 and how they coexist in affected individuals.
2) Viru:
The term 'viru' appears to be a truncation of 'virus', which are tiny infectious agents that can only replicate inside the living cells of an organism. In this study, it relates specifically to SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, influencing the disease's severity and immune response.
3) Developing:
Developing indicates the process of growth or advancement. Within the study, it often refers to the progression of disease conditions or the implications of maintaining health in populations at risk, particularly how co-infections can alter disease trajectories associated with COVID-19.
4) Study (Studying):
The term 'study' refers to a systematic investigation aimed at discovering or interpreting facts related to a specific subject. In this case, it pertains to the research conducted on the impact of intestinal parasitic infections on the severity of COVID-19, contributing valuable insights to public health.
5) Inflammation:
Inflammation is a biological response to harmful stimuli, often resulting in symptoms like redness, swelling, and pain. The research focuses on inflammation related to severe COVID-19 cases where an exaggerated immune response, termed 'cytokine storm', plays a critical role in patient outcomes, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
6) Egypt:
Egypt is the geographical focus of the study, providing specific context for the population being researched. The country's health system and its endemic infections highlight the unique challenges in combating COVID-19 alongside existing parasitic diseases, impacting immune responses and overall health management strategies.
7) Species:
Species is a term referring to a group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring. In the research, it is significant while examining various parasitic species co-infecting patients, such as Entamoeba spp. and Hymenolepis nana, and their potential effects on COVID-19 severity outcomes.
8) Blood:
Blood serves as a transport medium in the body carrying oxygen, nutrients, and immune cells. In the context of the study, blood parameters may influence or signal immune responses to both parasitic infections and COVID-19, assisting in understanding patient health status during infection.
9) Nana (Na-na):
Nana appears to refer to Hymenolepis nana, a species of parasitic tapeworm often found in human intestines. The study mentions it as a specific co-infective agent in patients, highlighting its potential role in modulating the severity of COVID-19 through immune system interactions.
10) Male:
Male denotes individuals of the male sex, which is relevant in this study as demographics are analyzed, including the distribution of male and female patients among those infected with COVID-19. Gender may influence susceptibility and severity of infections, informing public health responses.
11) Life:
Life refers to the condition that distinguishes animals and plants from inorganic matter, notably the capacity for growth and reproduction. Within the study context, the life of immunocompromised individuals facing COVID-19 is heavily impacted by pre-existing parasitic infections, stressing the importance of addressing health complexities.
12) Rheumatoid arthritis:
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints. Its mention in the research underscores how underlying immune conditions can be exacerbated by viral infections, potentially serving as a comorbidity factor contributing to severe COVID-19 cases.
13) Nayana:
Nayana is likely a reference to studies or literature authored by someone with this name. It signifies contributions to understanding immune responses and allergic reactions, relevant to the immunological impact of parasites on diseases like COVID-19 and the associated inflammation outcomes.
14) Reason:
Reason refers to a cause or explanation. In the context of the study, it relates to identifying underlying factors influencing health outcomes for COVID-19 patients. Factors such as co-infection with parasites are explored to understand their protective or detrimental roles in disease severity.
15) Medium:
Medium usually describes an intermediate condition or categorization. This may refer to low and medium-income countries in the context of the study, emphasizing how different socioeconomic factors influence health outcomes and the prevalence of infectious diseases like COVID-19 and parasitic infections.
16) Worm:
Worms refer to parasitic organisms, specifically helminths, that can infect humans, causing various diseases. The research discusses the implications of such parasitic infections in combination with COVID-19, shedding light on their potential immunomodulatory effects and contributions to disease severity.
17) Pur:
Poor typically pertains to inadequate economic resources or lesser health conditions. The research indicates that health systems in poor regions face significant challenges with diseases like COVID-19, exacerbated by prevalent parasitic diseases contributing to complex health dynamics in these populations.
18) Chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that employs drugs to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells. Its mention highlights how immunocompromised patients undergoing chemotherapy may experience different health outcomes during COVID-19 infections, particularly in relation to co-infections with parasites.
19) Tuberculosis:
Tuberculosis is a contagious bacterial infection primarily affecting the lungs and can complicate health outcomes in immunocompromised individuals. In this study, its mention underscores the importance of understanding co-existing infections and their effects on the immune response concerning COVID-19 severity.
20) Education:
Education refers to the systematic instruction and training. In the context of health, education on parasitic infections and COVID-19 is critical for public health strategies, informing populations about preventive measures to improve health outcomes in endemic regions.
21) Vomiting:
Vomiting is an involuntary reflex that expels contents from the stomach, often indicating gastrointestinal distress. Its mention is related to the symptoms experienced in cases of intestinal parasitic infections, which can complicate diagnoses and health management of patients with COVID-19.
22) Attacked:
Attacked refers to the action where the immune system responds to pathogens. This relates to how the immune response is modulated by parasites and how such modulation may hinder or enhance the body's ability to fight off infections like COVID-19.
23) Anxiety:
Anxiety is a psychological condition marked by feelings of tension and worry. In the context of COVID-19 and existing health conditions, anxiety may influence patient health outcomes, complicating the management of infections and existing diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.
24) Nausea:
Nausea is a feeling of sickness with an inclination to vomit. Its mention underscores gastrointestinal symptoms often linked to parasitic infections, which can coexist with COVID-19, thereby complicating symptom assessment and patient management in healthcare settings.
25) Sharman (Sarma, Sharma, Sarman):
Sharma likely denotes a researcher or author contributing to the scientific literature referenced in the study. The work associated with this name may provide insights into the correlations between parasitic infections and COVID-19 severity, emphasizing the need for further research in this area.
26) Debate:
Debate pertains to discussions presenting varying perspectives on a subject. In this study, it highlights the ongoing discussions among scientists regarding the influences of parasitic co-infections on COVID-19 severity and the need for more empirical evidence in this area.
27) Animal:
Animal refers to living organisms in the kingdom Animalia. In the context of this study, animal models may serve as a basis for understanding how infections or immunomodulatory responses work, providing insights into the relationship between parasitic infections and viral diseases.
28) Street:
Street might refer to Al-Ahram Street in Giza, where the Research Institute of Ophthalmology is located. Thus, it may signify the location of research activities and outreach efforts pertaining to public health and disease management in the region.
29) Thirst:
Thirst is the sensation of needing to drink fluids. Within the context of the study, it may relate to symptoms of dehydration associated with gastrointestinal illnesses, affecting patient health during COVID-19 infections, particularly in cases of severe diarrhea caused by parasites.
30) Vidya:
Vidya appears to reference another author or contributor to the literature surrounding the study. Their research may offer supplementary insights into various health conditions, including diabetes and how they interrelate with infections like COVID-19 in immunocompromised populations.
31) Belli:
Belli is likely referring to the intestinal protozoan Isospora belli which is associated with opportunistic infections. Its mention in the study highlights how certain protozoa can exacerbate health issues in immunocompromised patients, particularly during COVID-19, necessitating further research.
32) Sugar:
Sugar refers to carbohydrate compounds essential for energy but can also impact health when consumed in excess. In this study, sugar's relevance may pertain to its relation with diabetes, a comorbidity factor that complicates the prognosis of COVID-19 patients.
33) Storm:
Storm usually signifies a disturbance or upheaval. In the medical context, 'cytokine storm' refers to an aggressive immune response. The study underscores its relationship to severe COVID-19 cases, where unchecked inflammation can lead to serious complications, often exacerbating patient health conditions.
34) Field:
Field refers to a particular branch of study or work. In this context, it highlights the growing area of research examining the interplay between parasitic infections and respiratory diseases, particularly COVID-19, illuminating pathways for improved public health interventions.
35) Death:
Death signifies the cessation of all biological functions that sustain a living organism. The research environment addresses mortality rates attributed to complications from COVID-19 and associated parasitic infections, emphasizing the urgency for effective healthcare strategies in vulnerable populations.
36) Fight:
Fight implies the action of combating an illness or infection. In the context of the study, it relates to how the immune system battles against COVID-19 and co-existing parasitic infections, which can intricately affect health outcomes and require tailored treatment approaches.
37) Sara (Shara):
Sara could denote the research contribution of an author/partner involved in the study. Their work potentially enhances understanding of COVID-19 and intestinal parasitic infections, allowing for more nuanced approaches to managing co-morbid patients within healthcare frameworks.
38) Food:
Food pertains to substances consumed to provide nutritional support. In the context of the study, it may relate to dietary factors affecting susceptibility to infections, emphasizing the need for appropriate dietary guidelines for immunocompromised patients undergoing treatment for COVID-19.
39) Diet:
Diet refers to the sum of food consumed by an organism, impacting health significantly. The study underscores the importance of dietary considerations for patients with COVID-19, especially those with co-infections that may influence immune responses and overall recovery.
40) Pain:
Pain signifies physical suffering or discomfort caused by illness or injury. This term is relevant as it underscores the symptoms present in individuals with parasitic infections who concurrently suffer from COVID-19, complicating the clinical picture and management requirements.
41) Post:
Post refers to the period following a particular event or condition. In this study, it may relate to post-COVID conditions, exploring how lingering symptoms, including those influenced by parasitic infections, impact recovery and the long-term health of affected individuals.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Intestinal parasitic reduce covid-19’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Immune system, Cardiovascular disease, Chronic lung disease, Acute respiratory distress syndrome, Immunocompromised patient, Toxoplasma gondii, Adjusted odds ratio, COVID-19 severity.