Author:
Xiang Zheng,Zhou Longcan,Pan Maohua,Qin Yucheng,Bai Yao,Qin Pien,Zeng Weilin,Wei Xiaosheng,Lu Yuxin,Somboonwit Charurut,Menezes Lynette,Huang Yaming,Cui Liwang,Yang Zhaoqing
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Imported cerebral malaria (CM) cases in non-endemic areas are often misdiagnosed, which delays treatment. Post-malaria neurological syndrome (PMNS) after recovery from severe malaria can also complicate diagnosis.
Case
We report an imported malaria case from West Africa with two sequential episodes with neurological syndromes within about a month. The first episode was diagnosed as CM with microscopy-positive Plasmodium falciparum infection. The second episode, occurring a month after the recovery from the first CM episode, was consistent with PMNS, since malaria parasites were not detected by microscopy in peripheral blood smears. However, this diagnosis was complicated by the detection of Plasmodium vivax in peripheral blood by PCR, suggesting a potential cause of the second episode by P. vivax.
Conclusion
This study suggests that PMNS often occurs after severe falciparum malaria. Concurrent P. vivax infection with pathogenic biomass being predominantly extravascular further complicates accurate diagnosis.
Funder
Yunnan Applied Basic Research Projects-Union Foundation
International Science and Technology Cooperation-Yunnan International Science and Technology Cooperation Base
National Institutes of Health, USA.
National Science Foundation of China
Major science and technology projects of Yunnan Province
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC