Ischemic stroke during dengue–Plasmodium vivax coinfection in a young woman: a case report
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Malaria and dengue are tropical endemic infections that can cause severe vascular and neurologic complications. Coinfection with Plasmodium vivax and dengue virus is uncommon but increasingly reported in co-endemic areas, complicating diagnosis and suggesting possible pathogenic synergy. Although each pathogen has been linked to stroke, cerebrovascular events during coinfection are exceptionally rare. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe a 23-year-old Colombian woman, who recently returned from Chocó, and developed acute right-leg monoparesis after 7 days of fever. Exam: hypotension and jaundice. Labs confirmed P. vivax malaria (8200 parasites/μL) and acute dengue (NS1 antigen positive; IgM-positive/IgG-negative). MRI revealed an acute left ACA infarct. There are no traditional stroke risk factors. She received artesunate-primaquine, supportive dengue care, and aspirin after her thrombocytopenia resolved; her neurologic function improved with rehabilitation. CONCLUSIONS: This case highlights the potential of P. vivax-dengue coinfection to cause ischemic stroke through synergistic endothelial injury. Early recognition, targeted treatment, and coinfection screening are essential in endemic areas, especially during vector expansion.
Source: Malaria Journal
Institutions: Universidad Santiago de Cali, Universidad de Las Américas
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,890
OpenAlex ID: W7135173620