Online ISSN: 2515-8260

Severe Plasmodium vivax Malaria Mimicking Sepsis in a Neonate

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Dr. Jagadeeswari MD, Dch.

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Severe congenital malaria associated with Plasmodium vivax is uncommon. Most cases of congenital or neonatal malaria in endemicareas are diagnosed from peripheral smear as part of routine sepsis workup. Differentiating congenital and acquired neonatal malaria is very difficult. The case presented in this study describes severe P. vivaxmalaria with cholestaticjaundice and sepsis-like signs and symptoms in neonates. The mother was asymptomatic and the neonate was successfully treated with intravenous artesunate. Severe P. vivax malaria with cholestatic jaundice in neonates is an uncommon condition that should be included in the differential diagnosis of infants displaying hemolyticanemia, thrombocytopenia, cholestatic jaundice, and hepatosplenomegaly in malaria-endemic zones. Early diagnosis can prevent the use of unnecessary antibiotics and mortality of neonates.

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