Global Spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 and Malaria: An Epidemiological Paradox in the Early Stage of A Pandemic

Abstract

In the current work, we discovered and analyzed the epidemiological paradox between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and malaria. From the analysis of distribution data, the endemic presence of malaria seems to protect some populations from COVID-19 outbreak, particularly in the least developed countries. Molecular and genetic variations associated with malaria (i.e. ACE2) may play a protective effect against coronavirus infection. Of note, the mechanism of action of some antimalarial drugs (e.g. antiviral function) suggests their potential role in the chemoprophylaxis of the epidemic. All these data provide important suggestions and insights on the possible prevention and management of the pathology.

Note: Funding: The authors received no specific funding for this work.

Declaration of Interest: The authors declare no competing interests.

Keywords: coronavirus, COVID-19, malaria, epidemiological paradox, ACE-2 receptor, SARS-CoV-2, human polymorphisms and malaria, chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, antimalarials