This is the “first case of co-infection with monkeypox virus, SARS CoV-2 and HIV”. A 36-year-old Italian has tested positive for both Covid-19, monkeypox and HIV, as reported the journal Journal of Infection.
The man spent five days in Spain between June 16 and 20, 2022. Nine days later, he developed a fever, accompanied by sore throat, fatigue and headache. He tested positive for Covid-19 on July 2. But that same day, a rash appears on his arm, then painful blisters appear on the rest of his body.
He finally went to the emergency room on July 5. Fatigue, fever and headache are still present. The Italian specifies that he had several unprotected sexual relations with men during his stay in Spain. The samples confirm that he has monkey pox.
The only case of co-infection identified
But the samples also indicate an HIV infection. Without knowing precisely when he was infected, the man had however tested negative for HIV in September 2021.
“Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of co-infection with the Covid-19 virus and monkeypox virus, especially in subjects with a recent history of travel to areas with monkeypox. appeared,” write the researchers.
This man being the only case of co-infection identified to date, “there is not yet enough evidence to support that this combination can worsen the patient’s condition”, specifies the researchers.
