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COVID-19 and Corticosteroids: Unfamiliar but Potentially Fatal Infections That Can Arise following Short-Course Steroid Treatment

Year: 2021

Type: article

Abstract: Corticosteroid use is increasing worldwide as recent studies confer survival benefit of corticosteroids in the management of patients with severe COVID-19. Strongyloides and amebic infections are neglected diseases that can progress to catastrophic complications in patients exposed to corticosteroids, even with short treatment courses. To prevent lethal outcomes, clinicians should be aware of the threat these two parasitic infections pose to at-risk patients receiving corticosteroids, especially in the era of COVID-19.

Source: American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.20-1471

Authors: Debbie-Ann Shirley, Shannon Moonah

Institutions: University of Virginia Health System, University of Virginia Medical Center, University of Virginia

Language: English

Topic: Parasites and Host Interactions

Subfield: Parasitology

Field: Immunology and Microbiology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Funders: American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases