Malaria Elimination Date Correlation to COVID-19 Mortality: New Evidence

Abstract

Background: Literatures have already shown that malaria can elicit a non-specific immune response against viral, bacterial and other malarial and non-malarial infections. Possible role of heterogeneous immunity generated by previous malaria infection was suggested explaining part of diversity in COVID-19 mortality among various countries. This study is done to examine this hypotheses by testing correlation between COVID-19 mortality with duration of time since malaria was eliminated.

Methods: 69 malaria free countries with a total population of 1 million or more were enrolled in this study using robust statistical tests which include: Mann-Whitney Test, Kendall's-τ coefficient test and receiver operation characteristic - (ROC)] curve analyses.

Results: There was significant positive association between COVID-19 mortality and duration of time since date of malaria elimination.

With cutoff point of 15, countries that eliminate malaria during last 15 years had reduced COVID-19 mortality, while countries that eliminate malaria more than 15 years ago there is high COVID-19 mortality.

Conclusions: The author of this article suggests that a correlation exists between malaria elimination duration and mortality due to COVID-19. Further, clinical trials are suggested.

Note: Funding: None to declare

Declaration of Interest: None to declare