Article
Influence of helminth on SARS-CoV-2 infection outcome In Ghana
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Authors
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Brice Armel Nembot Fogang
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, KNUST, Ghana; Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Ghana; German West African Centre for Global Health and Pandemic Prevention (G-WAC); Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Bonn University Hospital, Germany
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Linda Batsa Debrah
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, KNUST, Ghana; Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Ghana; German West African Centre for Global Health and Pandemic Prevention (G-WAC); Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Bonn University Hospital, Germany
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Michael Owusu
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, KNUST, Ghana; Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Ghana; Department of Medical Diagnostics, KNUST, Ghana
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Achim Hoerauf
- Bonn University, Germany; German West African Centre for Global Health and Pandemic Prevention (G-WAC); Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Bonn University Hospital, Germany
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Alexander Yaw Debrah
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, KNUST, Ghana; Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Ghana; German West African Centre for Global Health and Pandemic Prevention (G-WAC); Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Bonn University Hospital, Germany
| Published: | November 28, 2023 |
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Outline
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Research question: This study seeks to answer the following questions:
- 1.
- What is the relationship between helminth infections and the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infections in Ghana?
- 2.
- What are the immunomodulatory effects of helminth infections on immune responses to SARS-CoV-2?
- 3.
- What is the impact of helminth infections on cytokine profiles in individuals with SARS-CoV-2 infection?
- 4.
- What are the potential associations between helminthiasis and reduced hyperinflammation in severe COVID-19 cases?
Method: Our study will focus on samples collected from three regions in Ghana; Ashanti, Western North, and Upper East. These are samples collected before COVID, during COVID and after COVID pandemic. Detailed demographic information from participants will be documented. RT-PCR will be employed for the diagnosis of COVID-19 cases. Blood plasma would be used to determine the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 using EUROIMMUN Anti-SARS-CoV-2 ELISA Assay for detection of IgA and IgG antibodies and their antibody neutralizing potential using Procarta Plex Humam SARS-CoV2 variants neutralizing antibody panel by ThermoFisher. Plasma cytokines levels will be quantified using the ProcartaPlex Human Cytokine storm panel 21-plex by ThermoFisher and read using the Luminex XMAP machine. Serological tests will be used to confirm Ascaris, Strongyloides and Acanthocheilonema viteae infections. Isolated PBMCs will be stimulated to assess T-cell activation. The data will be analyzed using SPSS statistical package and Graph pad prism to compare the cytokines and, antibodies and neutralization potential between mono and coinfected groups.
Expected results: This study is expected to shed more light into the relationship between helminth infections and severity of SARS-CoV-2 infections, immunomodulatory effects of helminth infections on immune responses to SARS-CoV-2, impact of helminth infections on cytokine profiles in individuals with SARS-CoV-2 infection and the associations between helminthiasis and reduced hyperinflammation in COVID-19 cases.
Discussion: The study could yield diverse findings regarding the interplay between helminth infections and SARS-CoV-2. On one hand, it might suggest that individuals with concurrent helminth infections experience milder SARS-CoV-2 infections, potentially indicating a beneficial effect of helminthiasis on COVID-19 outcomes. This could imply that helminth-infected individuals exhibit a more enhanced or balanced immune response to SARS-CoV-2. Conversely, the study might reveal no clear association between helminth infections and the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infections. However, there is also the possibility that the research could indicate a detrimental effect, where helminth infections are associated with more severe SARS-CoV-2 infections.
