Comparative Analysis of Virology and Pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 and HIV Infections: Implications for Public Health and Treatment Strategies

David Francis Olebo,1– 3 Matthew Chibunna Igwe1 1Department of Public Health, School of Allied Health Sciences, Kampala International University, Western Campus, Uganda; 2Komase Ebenezer Research Centre, Fort Portal City, Uganda; 3Makerere University Walter Reed Program, Kampala City, UgandaCorrespo...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Olebo DF, Igwe MC
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Dove Medical Press 2025-01-01
Series:Infection and Drug Resistance
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.dovepress.com/comparative-analysis-of-virology-and-pathogenesis-of-sars-cov-2-and-hi-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-IDR
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
_version_ 1841526596293361664
author Olebo DF
Igwe MC
author_facet Olebo DF
Igwe MC
author_sort Olebo DF
collection DOAJ
description David Francis Olebo,1– 3 Matthew Chibunna Igwe1 1Department of Public Health, School of Allied Health Sciences, Kampala International University, Western Campus, Uganda; 2Komase Ebenezer Research Centre, Fort Portal City, Uganda; 3Makerere University Walter Reed Program, Kampala City, UgandaCorrespondence: David Francis Olebo; Matthew Chibunna Igwe, Email olebodavidfrancis@gmail.com; igwechibunna@gmail.comIntroduction: Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19), caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are significant 21st-century pandemics with distinct virological and clinical characteristics. COVID-19 primarily presents as an acute respiratory illness, while HIV leads to chronic immune suppression. Understanding their differences can enhance public health strategies and treatment approaches.Purpose: This narrative review compares the virology, transmission, immune responses, and clinical outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 and HIV to inform treatment strategies and public health interventions.Methods: A narrative review was conducted, synthesizing data from peer-reviewed literature and expert commentary from 2010 to 2024. Databases such as PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar were searched for relevant studies.Results: SARS-CoV-2 primarily spreads through airborne droplets and contaminated surfaces, while HIV transmits through direct contact with infected bodily fluids. The immune response to SARS-CoV-2 involves both innate and adaptive systems, potentially leading to a cytokine storm in severe cases. In contrast, HIV evades the immune system by integrating into host cells, resulting in chronic infection and progressive immune deterioration. Treatment for SARS-CoV-2 focuses on symptom management and prevention, with antiviral medications and vaccines playing crucial roles. Conversely, HIV treatment relies on antiretroviral therapy (ART) to suppress viral replication and maintain immune function.Conclusion: The review highlights the acute nature of SARS-CoV-2 versus the chronic progression of HIV. Tailored prevention and treatment strategies are essential for effective disease management.Recommendations: Public health strategies should address the unique transmission routes and progression of both viruses. Further research into vaccine development and therapeutic interventions is critical for improving disease management.Keywords: COVID-19, HIV, viral transmission, immune response, disease progression
format Article
id doaj-art-ba07ce278bfc4ed6bb9f7ce1c60e6792
institution Kabale University
issn 1178-6973
language English
publishDate 2025-01-01
publisher Dove Medical Press
record_format Article
series Infection and Drug Resistance
spelling doaj-art-ba07ce278bfc4ed6bb9f7ce1c60e67922025-01-16T16:17:13ZengDove Medical PressInfection and Drug Resistance1178-69732025-01-01Volume 1826928399261Comparative Analysis of Virology and Pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 and HIV Infections: Implications for Public Health and Treatment StrategiesOlebo DFIgwe MCDavid Francis Olebo,1– 3 Matthew Chibunna Igwe1 1Department of Public Health, School of Allied Health Sciences, Kampala International University, Western Campus, Uganda; 2Komase Ebenezer Research Centre, Fort Portal City, Uganda; 3Makerere University Walter Reed Program, Kampala City, UgandaCorrespondence: David Francis Olebo; Matthew Chibunna Igwe, Email olebodavidfrancis@gmail.com; igwechibunna@gmail.comIntroduction: Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19), caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are significant 21st-century pandemics with distinct virological and clinical characteristics. COVID-19 primarily presents as an acute respiratory illness, while HIV leads to chronic immune suppression. Understanding their differences can enhance public health strategies and treatment approaches.Purpose: This narrative review compares the virology, transmission, immune responses, and clinical outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 and HIV to inform treatment strategies and public health interventions.Methods: A narrative review was conducted, synthesizing data from peer-reviewed literature and expert commentary from 2010 to 2024. Databases such as PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar were searched for relevant studies.Results: SARS-CoV-2 primarily spreads through airborne droplets and contaminated surfaces, while HIV transmits through direct contact with infected bodily fluids. The immune response to SARS-CoV-2 involves both innate and adaptive systems, potentially leading to a cytokine storm in severe cases. In contrast, HIV evades the immune system by integrating into host cells, resulting in chronic infection and progressive immune deterioration. Treatment for SARS-CoV-2 focuses on symptom management and prevention, with antiviral medications and vaccines playing crucial roles. Conversely, HIV treatment relies on antiretroviral therapy (ART) to suppress viral replication and maintain immune function.Conclusion: The review highlights the acute nature of SARS-CoV-2 versus the chronic progression of HIV. Tailored prevention and treatment strategies are essential for effective disease management.Recommendations: Public health strategies should address the unique transmission routes and progression of both viruses. Further research into vaccine development and therapeutic interventions is critical for improving disease management.Keywords: COVID-19, HIV, viral transmission, immune response, disease progressionhttps://www.dovepress.com/comparative-analysis-of-virology-and-pathogenesis-of-sars-cov-2-and-hi-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-IDRcovid-19hivviral transmissionimmune responsedisease progression.
spellingShingle Olebo DF
Igwe MC
Comparative Analysis of Virology and Pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 and HIV Infections: Implications for Public Health and Treatment Strategies
Infection and Drug Resistance
covid-19
hiv
viral transmission
immune response
disease progression.
title Comparative Analysis of Virology and Pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 and HIV Infections: Implications for Public Health and Treatment Strategies
title_full Comparative Analysis of Virology and Pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 and HIV Infections: Implications for Public Health and Treatment Strategies
title_fullStr Comparative Analysis of Virology and Pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 and HIV Infections: Implications for Public Health and Treatment Strategies
title_full_unstemmed Comparative Analysis of Virology and Pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 and HIV Infections: Implications for Public Health and Treatment Strategies
title_short Comparative Analysis of Virology and Pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 and HIV Infections: Implications for Public Health and Treatment Strategies
title_sort comparative analysis of virology and pathogenesis of sars cov 2 and hiv infections implications for public health and treatment strategies
topic covid-19
hiv
viral transmission
immune response
disease progression.
url https://www.dovepress.com/comparative-analysis-of-virology-and-pathogenesis-of-sars-cov-2-and-hi-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-IDR
work_keys_str_mv AT olebodf comparativeanalysisofvirologyandpathogenesisofsarscov2andhivinfectionsimplicationsforpublichealthandtreatmentstrategies
AT igwemc comparativeanalysisofvirologyandpathogenesisofsarscov2andhivinfectionsimplicationsforpublichealthandtreatmentstrategies