A recent systematic review of the literature found increased levels of IL-6 in patients with COVID-19.10 Clinical studies have shown that single nucleotide polymorphisms in IL-6 genes are associated with leprosy reactions.11 In addition, IL-6 is a marker of neuropathic pain in leprosy, and patients with M. leprae/SARS-CoV-2 co-infections may be at a greater risk for silent neuropathy.12 This interesting result suggests the need for investigations of the use of IL-6 inhibitors, such as tocilizumab, to prevent neural damage. This evidence concerns the gene IL6 and coinfection.