Neonatal Plasmodium vivax malaria: an overlooked entity

Abstract

Although malaria is endemic in India, neonatal disease is considered rare. We report a case of neonatal malaria in a 26-day-old neonate with fever and splenomegaly who was diagnosed after a long and unsuccessful battery of tests for splenomegaly. Routine screening for malaria is essential for all neonates with fever in endemic areas. Early diagnosis and treatment of malaria could effectively prevent infant mortality.

Congenital Malaria due to Plasmodium Vivax Infection in a Neonate

“…More than 150 cases of congenital malaria have been reported in world literature [6–10]. Congenital malaria presenting as neonatal sepsis and respiratory distress has been described in few reports from across the world [7–10].…”

“…Congenital malaria presenting as neonatal sepsis and respiratory distress has been described in few reports from across the world [7–10]. …”

Congenital vivax malaria: rare or underdiagnosed infection

“…1 Similarly a case from India was only diagnosed after a large battery of tests. 4 Studies by Okechukwu et al and Ekanem et al illustrate that CM was diagnosed in 28.9% and 35%, respectively, of neonates suspected to have NNS. 6,7 A coexistence of CM and NNS was also noted.…”

Congenital malaria with atypical presentation in a preterm neonate

“…[ 1 2 3 ] The late appearance of symptoms is because of the protective maternal immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody transmitted to the baby and also due to low parasitemia in the early days of life. [ 5 ] In the neonate as mature schizont ruptures, several merozoites are released, which infect other RBCs and this cycle continues; thus increasing parasitemia gradually with days of life. The increased burden on spleen to clear the infected RBC leads to splenomegaly, jaundice and anemia; the classic manifestations of CM.…”

“…[ 2 3 ] The common presenting features of CM include fever, anemia, jaundice and hepatosplenomegaly. [ 1 2 3 4 5 6 ] Other less common manifestations include loose stool, poor feeding, drowsiness or restlessness. One of the most consistent features of CM is fever.…”