COVID-19 with underdiagnosed influenza B and parainfluenza-2 co-infections in Saudi Arabia: Two case reports

• Main Authors: Sari T. Alhoufie, Naif H. Alsharif, Khalid O. Alfarouk, Nadier A. Ibrahim, Ali M. Kheyami, Alanoud A. Aljifri
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier 2021-11-01
• Series: Journal of Infection and Public Health
• Subjects: COVID-19; Cytokine strom; Co-infection; Virus
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1876034121002653

The emerging of the COVID-19 pandemic is currently challenging for the public health system globally. Beyond SARS-CoV-2 pathogenicity, co-infections with recycling respiratory pathogens, whether bacterial, viral, or fungal, might increase disease symptoms, morbidity, and mortality.In this study, we reported two COVID-19 cases in the early phase of the virus spread in Saudi Arabia with underdiagnosed respiratory viruses’ co-infections, influenza B and Parainfluenza-2, detected retrospectively. Fortunately, both patients recovered and were discharged home.Underestimation of co-infection among COVID19 patients might lead to hospital stay prolongation and increases morbidity and mortality. Therefore, it is crucial to consider and screen for co-infecting pathogens among COVID-19 patients and those with risk factors.