Elevated ANG2/ACE2 and immune responses associated with Plasmodium falciparum and Sars-CoV-2 coinfection in Cameroon

Malaria and COVID-19 co-infections pose a major clinical challenge, as overlapping symptoms can lead to misdiagnosis and delays in treatment. Emerging evidence suggests that SARS-CoV-2 may influence malaria pathogenesis through dysregulation of the renin–angiotensin system. This study assessed clinical, biochemical, and immunological alterations associated with single and dual infections. A total of 96 participants aged 15–64 years were enrolled and classified into four groups: COVID-19 (n = 28), malaria (n = 28), co-infection (n = 16), and healthy controls (n = 24). Blood and nasopharyngeal samples were tested using rapid diagnostic tests, microscopy, and RT-PCR. Disease severity biomarkers were quantified using spectrophotometry and ELISA. Statistical analyses were performed in GraphPad Prism version 9.0, with significance set at p

Biomarker · Clinical significance · Coinfection · Disease · Immune system · Malaria · Pathogenesis · Plasmodium falciparum · COVID-19 Clinical Research Studies · Malaria Research and Control · Renin-Angiotensin System Studies