Abstract
Background: Various studies suggest that coinfection with two
or more respiratory pathogens is common. Coinfection with two viruses
affects the host and exerts synergic effect as well and can influence
the disease pathogenesis, immune system responses and treatment and
outcome. Influenza and COVID-19 respiratory viruses have very similar
symptoms and for this reason, bring about problems including delayed
treatment and right diagnosis. This report describes three cases of
coinfection with COVID-19 and influenza.
Case Presentation: First case is a 46 years old Iranian
housewife with the history of chronic coughs from two months ago who
presented with exacerbation of coughs together with dyspnea. The second
case is a 62 years old Iranian housewife with history of diabetes
mellitus type 2 (DM-2) who presented with productive coughs, dyspnea and
weakness. The third case is an Iranian pregnant housewife who presented
with myalgia, fever and chills and dry coughs from a week ago. All three
cases were tested positive for influenza and COVID-19 PCR tests.
Conclusion: coinfection with two viruses can result in
synergism of pathogens. Moreover, coinfection with a bacterial pathogen
can make further problems. In these cases, coinfection with two viruses
and mycobacterial infection in one of the cases along with comorbidities
and pregnancy implied that these conditions entail immediate diagnosis
as well as appropriate treatment choices.
Keywords: COVID-19, influenza, coinfection, tuberculosis,
oseltamivir, remdesivir