Severe pneumonia with co-infection of H5N1 and SARS-CoV-2: a case report
Ke Jin1, Zixing Dai1, Ping Shi1
1Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China.
Background:
The H5N1 influenza virus is a cause of severe pneumonia. Co-infection of influenza virus and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) may lead to poor prognosis of patients during the COVID-19 epidemic. However, reports on patients co-infected with avian influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2 are scarce.
Case Presentation:
A 52-year-old woman presented with a fever, which has persisted for the past eight days, along with worsening shortness of breath and decreased blood pressure. Computed tomography (CT) revealed an air bronchogram, lung consolidation, and bilateral pleural effusion. The subsequent polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) revealed positivity for H5N1 and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).
Conclusion:
The H5N1 influenza virus is a cause of severe pneumonia. The clinical presentation of the patient had a predomination of H5N1 influenza rather than COVID-19. A PCR analysis for the identification of the virus is necessary to reveal the pathogen causing the severe pneumonia. The patient exhibited an excellent prognosis upon the use of the appropriate antiviral medicine.
Insights
This case study highlights a rare co-infection of H5N1 avian influenza and SARS-CoV-2 in a patient with severe pneumonia. Prompt diagnosis via PCR and antiviral treatment led to an excellent prognosis, emphasizing the need for accurate pathogen identification.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Virology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- H5N1 influenza virus causes severe pneumonia.
- Co-infection with SARS-CoV-2 may worsen patient outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Reports on avian influenza and SARS-CoV-2 co-infections are limited.
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