Co-infection of hepatitis E virus and Plasmodium falciparum malaria: A genuine risk in sub-Saharan Africa

Parasites & Vectors

Ahmad Jahangir¹  Qasim Zafar Iqbal²  Neville Mobarakai²  Abdullah Jahangir²  Allison Glaser²  Syeda Sahra³ 

[1] King Edward Medical University, 54000, Lahore, Pakistan;Staten Island University Hospital, 10305, Staten Island, NY, USA;Staten Island University Hospital, 10305, Staten Island, NY, USA;Department of Internal Medicine, Hofstra School of Medicine, Staten Island University Hospital, 475 Seaview Avenue, 10305, Staten Island, NY, USA;

关键词: COVID-19;    Cerebral malaria;    Hepatitis E virus;    HEV;    Plasmodium falciparum;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s13071-021-04723-4

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundThere is a high prevalence of malaria and viral hepatitis in South Africa. Co-infection with Plasmodium malaria (leading to cerebral malaria) and hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a rare phenomenon.Case presentationA 33-year-old African American male with no past medical history developed altered mental status on his return from Ivory Coast. His blood tests were significant for renal and liver failure and a high Plasmodium parasite burden of 33% on the blood smear. Interestingly, he also had a positive result for hepatitis E IgM. The patient was effectively treated with aggressive hydration and intravenous (IV) artesunate.ConclusionOur report is the first to our knowledge in the cerebral malaria literature on a patient with hepatitis E co-infection. This exciting case emphasizes the importance of considering all kinds of endemic infectious diseases when evaluating sick returning travelers presenting to the emergency department.

【 授权许可】

CC BY