Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Malaria remains a significant public health concern, particularly in Africa, where children under 5 years of age are affected. While mosquito bites are the primary transmission route, congenital malaria caused by transplacental or perinatal transmission can also occur. This case report highlights the challenges in diagnosing congenital malaria and emphasizes the importance of considering it in neonates, especially those born in or with a travel history to endemic areas. CASE PRESENTATION: ) one week before delivery. The delivery occurred at a hospital in a malaria-endemic zone. The neonate presented with respiratory distress and persistent fever, initially managed as early-onset neonatal sepsis. However, blood film microscopy confirmed parasitemia with coinfection of P. falciparum and P. vivax, with a parasite density of 1120 parasites/μL. The mother was asymptomatic at the time of the neonate's diagnosis and tested negative for malaria by both Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) and microscopy. The neonate was successfully treated with intravenous artesunate followed by oral artemisinin-lumefantrine, with complete clinical recovery. CONCLUSION: Despite the nonspecific symptoms, this case emphasizes the importance of considering congenital malaria in neonates, particularly those with a history of travel to endemic areas. Blood film microscopy confirmed coinfection and guided effective antimalarial therapy. Strengthening antenatal care services, including intermittent preventive treatment during pregnancy, is recommended to reduce the burden of congenital malaria.
Source: Journal of Medical Case Reports
Authors: Biniyam Demisse Andarge, Kebede Almaw
Institution: Arba Minch University
Language: English
Topic: Malaria Research and Control
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,890
OpenAlex ID: W4413856455