KNUST research suggests parasitic worm infections may lower COVID-19 severity

A new study from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Kumasi shows interesting results. People with parasitic worm infections may have milder COVID-19 symptoms. Their immune responses differ from those without these infections.

The research was conducted in Ghana. It aimed to understand why Africans experience milder COVID-19 compared to people in advanced countries.

Professor Alexander Yaw Debrah led the study. He found that individuals with no COVID-19 symptoms had the highest rates of parasitic worm infections. In contrast, those with mild or moderate symptoms had lower rates.

Debrah stated, "This opens up new questions about immune system behavior." He emphasized the need to explore how common infections affect responses to other diseases.

The study also revealed that people infected with both SARS-CoV-2 and parasitic worms had a weaker immune response. This weaker response is linked to less severe disease outcomes.

These findings, published in the journal Vaccines, suggest that parasitic worms might help protect against severe COVID-19. They do this by altering the immune system's reaction to the virus.