A Case Report of Malaria Infection Following Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

Abstract

A 41-year-old woman from the Democratic Republic of the Congo underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) as a surgical treatment for obesity. Despite an unremarkable preoperative evaluation, the patient developed a fever and elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels postoperatively. Physical examination findings, laboratory tests, and imaging studies ruled out surgical complications, leading to the consideration of infectious causes. A thorough patient history revealed a residence in a malaria-endemic region with a history of recurrent malaria episodes. In addition to her complaints, the patient developed pancytopenia. The blood smear revealed the presence of ring forms of Plasmodium falciparum in red blood cells, along with other species of Plasmodium. The rapid diagnostic test (RDT) showed a positive result for the P. falciparum antigen, a negative result for the P. vivax antigen, and a positive result for the pan-antigen. Based on these findings, a mixed malaria infection was considered for the patient, and she was transferred to an advanced infectious disease hospital for specific typing and further treatment. The patient received prompt treatment and was discharged in stable condition. Malaria could potentially be among the uncommon factors leading to fever after bariatric surgery in patients from malaria-endemic countries. Surgical stress may exacerbate the course of a malaria infection.