COVID-19 infection during autoimmune disease: study of 2 cases in Republic of Guinea

INTRODUCTION: Coronavirus is a virus that can target the respiratory, musculoskeletal systems with a cascade of inflammatory processes. The objective of this work is to establish the link between autoimmune diseases and a COVID-19 infection in Guinea. METHODS: Retrospective patient data were obtained from medical records. Informed consent was obtained under the direction of the national health security agency (ANSS). RESULTS: We report the case of two patients aged 52 and 64 years respectively, known to have rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic scleroderma (SDS) admitted with clinical signs suggesting underlying infection with COVID-19. They were tested with RT-PCR, which was positive within hours. CONCLUSION: In view of the rapid clinical worsening of patients with COVID-19 infection and autoimmune diseases, increased surveillance should be undertaken with abstinence of any factors that might weaken the immunity of these patients.