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Malaria and leishmaniasis: Updates on co-infection
Uyla Ornellas-Garcia1,2, Patricia Cuervo3,4, Flávia Lima Ribeiro-Gomes1,2
1Laboratory of Malaria Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
Frontiers in Immunology
|March 10, 2023
Summary
Co-infection with malaria (Plasmodium spp.) and leishmaniasis (Leishmania spp.) is common but neglected. This dual infection can alter immune responses, impacting disease course, diagnosis, and treatment for both parasitic diseases.
Area of Science:
- Tropical Medicine
- Parasitology
- Immunology
Background:
- Malaria and leishmaniasis are endemic parasitic diseases in tropical and subtropical regions.
- Co-infection with Plasmodium spp. and Leishmania spp. is frequently observed but remains understudied.
- The complex interplay between these protozoan infections can modulate the host's immune response.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize existing literature on Plasmodium and Leishmania co-infections.
- To explore the scenarios and influencing factors of dual parasitic infections.
- To highlight the clinical implications of co-infection on disease progression, diagnosis, and management.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating natural and experimental co-infections.
- Analysis of factors affecting the immune response in dual infections.
- Examination of the impact of co-infection on clinical outcomes of malaria and leishmaniasis.
Main Results:
- Co-infection can exacerbate or suppress immune responses to Plasmodium and Leishmania.
- The sequence of infection (malaria preceding or following leishmaniasis) influences disease presentation.
- Accurate diagnosis and effective management of leishmaniasis can be complicated by concurrent malaria infection, and vice versa.
Conclusions:
- Co-infection with malaria and leishmaniasis is a significant clinical issue requiring greater attention.
- Understanding the dynamics of dual parasitic infections is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms and optimize treatment strategies for co-infected individuals.
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