This is the first known case of co-infection of the 3 viruses and it is not yet known whether the combination can worsen the patient’s condition.
The Italian is said to have spent five days in Spain in June and developed the symptoms nine days after returning from the trip.
In a first, a 36-year-old man in Italy tested positive for Monkeypox, COVID-19 and HIV at the same time.
Experts have pointed out that this is the first known case of co-infection of the 3 viruses and that it remains to be understood whether the combination can worsen the patient’s condition.
What are the symptoms of Monkeypox, COVID-19, HIV co-infection?
After returning from a trip to Spain, the man developed fever, sore throat, fatigue, headaches and inflammation of the groin.
Three days after the onset of symptoms, he tested positive for COVID.
Then he started to develop severe rashes and then the formation of pustules.
Upon visiting a hospital emergency department for symptoms, he was referred to the infectious disease unit for admission.
At that time he had skin spots and lesions in various parts of the body including the perianal region and mild enlargement of the liver and spleen and painful enlargement of the lymph nodes were also noticed, according to a report from Newsweek.
Furthermore, test reports confirmed that he had contracted Monkeypox infection and also tested positive for HIV.
Additionally, genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 confirmed that it was also infected with Omicron subvariant BA.5.1.
PHOTO BY MARIO TAMA/GETTY IMAGES
In hospital, the patient tested positive for monkeypox after saying he had “sex without a condom with men while in Spain”.
Several STI tests also came back positive for HIV, in which the scientists said they “assumed the infection was relatively recent”.
“This case highlights how symptoms of monkeypox and COVID-19 can overlap.
It supports the fact that when co-infected, anamnestic collection and sexual habits are crucial to making the correct diagnosis.” , the researchers said.
The man was released from hospital on July 11 and isolated at his home.
Of note, the Monkeypox oropharyngeal swab was still positive after 20 days, suggesting that these individuals may still be infectious for several days after clinical remission.
Therefore, physicians should encourage appropriate precautions,” he added.
The researchers continued: “Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of co-infection with SARS-CoV-2 and monkeypox virus, particularly in subjects with recent travel to outbreak areas. monkeypox.”
“Our case highlights that sexual intercourse may be the predominant mode of transmission.
Therefore, comprehensive STI screening is recommended following a diagnosis of monkeypox,” reads their report.
However, as this is the only reported case of monkeypox, COVID and HIV, there is insufficient evidence to state that this “combination may worsen [a] patient’s condition”.
“Given the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and the daily increase in monkeypox cases, healthcare systems need to be aware of this possibility.
Promoting appropriate diagnostic testing in high-risk subjects, who are critical to containment as there is no widely available treatment or prophylaxis,” the researchers added.
His case was published in the Journal of Infection on August 19.