Case report: Enhancing prognosis in severe COVID-19 through human herpes virus coinfection treatment strategies

• DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1320933
• Publication Date: 2024-01-10T04:40:51Z
• Authors: Ye Lu; Cuihong Wang; Yuan Wang; Yu Chen; Li Zhao; Yu Li
• Keywords: 0301 basic medicine; human herpes virus co-infection; Epstein-Barr Virus Infections; Herpesvirus 4, Human; glucocorticoids; Coinfection; COVID-19; Dermatitis; Microbiology; QR1-502; 03 medical and health sciences; Cellular and Infection Microbiology; antiviral therapy; case report; Humans; Immunotherapy

BackgroundIn the context of increasing reports of co-infection with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), particularly with human herpes viruses (HHVs), it is important to consider the appropriate treatment options for HHVs that have been reactivated by COVID-19.Case presentationThis study presents two cases of severe COVID-19 with HHV co-infection. The first case involved a critically ill patient with COVID-19 co-infected with herpes simplex virus type 1, confirmed using metagenomic next-generation sequencing, and another patient with severe COVID-19 experiencing Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) reactivation, as evidenced by elevated EBV-DNA levels in the serum. Treatment included high-dose glucocorticoids and sivelestat sodium, with notable improvements observed after initiating ganciclovir anti-herpesvirus therapy.ConclusionThis study underscores the significance of recognizing HHV co-infections in severe COVID-19 cases and highlights the potential of combining anti-HHV treatment, increased glucocorticoid dosages, and anti-cytokine storm therapy to enhance prognosis.