https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4935-7700
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Abstract
Background
Congenital malaria is a relatively rare condition where the Plasmodium parasite is transmitted from the mother to the fetus during pregnancy. It is associated with a high fatality rate if it is not promptly diagnosed and treated.
Case Summary
We report an unusual case of a 20-day-old male baby with Plasmodium vivax malaria from Western Ethiopia, suspected primarily on the basis of positive maternal history that mother had attacks of malaria in the 3rd, 5th, and 8th months of gestation and was cured with artemether-lumefantrine therapy. Infant presented with vomiting and a high-grade fever. The blood film of the baby showed trophozoites stage of Plasmodium vivax with a parasite density of +3. The neonate had severe thrombocytopenia (49,000/micro liter) and Splenomegaly (spleen was palpable 2cm along its line of growth). The patient was admitted to the hospital and treated with artesunate for five days and discharged on the sixth day of admission in stable condition.
Conclusion
Sick neonates born to mothers in malaria-endemic areas or with a history of malaria attack(s) in the index pregnancy should be promptly investigated for malaria.
Abbreviations
ANC, antenatal care; BF, blood film; CBC, Complete blood count.
Data Sharing Statement
The datasets used during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.
Ethics Approval and Consent to Participate
Ethical clearance was obtained from the Research Ethics Review Committee of Wallaga University Referral. The study protocol is performed per the relevant guidelines.
Consent for Publication
Written informed consent was obtained from parent of the patient for publication of this case report and any accompanying images.
Acknowledgment
We thank the parent of the patient for allowing the publication of this case report. Institutional approval not required to publish the case details.
Author Contributions
All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether that is in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis, and interpretation, or in all these areas; they took part in drafting, revising, or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted, and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.
Disclosure
The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.