Exploring the Potential Relationship between Malaria Immunity and COVID-19 Protection

Abstract

Although coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has led to significant morbidity and mortality worldwide, countries in the equatorial and tropical zones seem to have the lowest figures in terms of incidence and mortality. Throughout the pandemic, Africa has remained as lowest continent of accumulative cases and deaths. Since the African region is characterized by a high prevalence of malaria, the lowest number of cases of confirmed COVID-19 attracts scientists to look for possible links between the two diseases. Through this article, we reviewed existing literature concerning a possible explanation between low incidence and less severe COVID-19 in malaria-endemic areas. Different explanations were reviewed including malaria-COVID-19 cross-immunity, population structure, specific receptor’s role, and Vitamin D. The most important factor investigated was malaria immunity through previous exposure (s) which possibly explains these associations.