SARS-CoV-2 with Influenza B Coinfection in a Patient with Sickle Cell HbSC Presenting with Painful Crisis: A Case Report

TL;DR

A patient with sickle cell HbSC had a rare co-infection of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza B but recovered well.

Contribution

Reports a rare case of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza B co-infection in a sickle cell HbSC patient with a favorable outcome.

Findings

Coinfection with SARS-CoV-2 and influenza B is rare in sickle cell patients.

The patient with sickle cell HbSC had a favorable outcome despite the co-infection.

Sickle cell HbSC is associated with milder disease compared to HbSS.

Abstract

Sickle cell disease is a hereditary red blood cell disorder characterized by hemolytic anemia, particularly in association with stress. As they grow, most children with sickle cell anemia undergo auto-splenectomy, making them vulnerable to serious infections. Patients with sickle cell disease infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus are reported to have an increased risk for hospitalization, thrombosis, and other complications compared to non-sickle cell patients. Influenza infection in patients with sickle cell is associated with increased morbidity. Patients with sickle cell HbSC are reported to have a milder form of the disease than HbSS. Coinfection with SARS-CoV-2 and influenza B is rarely reported in patients with hematologic diseases, including sickle cell hemoglobinopathy. We are reporting an unusual case of a patient with sickle cell HbSC with co-infection of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza B with a favorable outcome.

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