Co-infection of Coronavirus Disease 2019 and Influenza A: A Report from Iran

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a viral pneumonia originating in China, rapidly became a global health concern.
• The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of COVID-19.
• Influenza viruses are common respiratory pathogens that can cause seasonal epidemics.

Observation:

• Four patients presenting with pneumonia symptoms and suspected COVID-19 were studied.
• Nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swab samples were collected for testing.
• Real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase-chain-reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect SARS-CoV-2, influenza viruses, and other respiratory pathogens.

Findings:

• Four patients were diagnosed with co-infection of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A virus.
• This co-infection occurred during the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak in southern Iran.
• The study identified concurrent infections with both viruses in the initial phase of the pandemic.

Implications:

• Co-infection with COVID-19 and influenza A underscores the need for comprehensive diagnostic approaches.
• It is important to consider SARS-CoV-2 testing even when initial tests identify other pathogens.
• Accurate and timely diagnosis of co-infections is critical for effective patient management and public health strategies during epidemics.