A fatal course of COVID-19 during the Omicron surge: can you estimate your patients' SARS-CoV-2 immune status?

Infection. 2024 Feb;52(1):271-273. doi: 10.1007/s15010-023-02120-w. Epub 2023 Nov 6.

Abstract

We present a case of an ultimately fatal course of COVID-19 (coronavirus disease-19) in an 81-year-old female patient during the Omicron surge. The patient did not represent the typical patient at risk for severe COVID-19 with significant causes of immunodeficiency. However, she had been skeptical about the vaccination for severe acute respiratory syndrome virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and had refused it. Moreover, there had been no previous COVID-19 episodes. Our case report illustrates that with regard to SARS-CoV-2, immunologically naive patients are still at risk for severe and/or even fatal courses of COVID-19. We call to implement both, recommendations for SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations as well as for antiviral treatment.

Keywords: COVID-19; Immune status; Omicron variant of concern; Severe course.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • COVID-19* / diagnosis
  • Female
  • Humans
  • SARS-CoV-2*
  • Vaccination