A rare occurrence of complicated plasmodium vivax malaria in a 5-month-old infant

Kapil Bainade; Veeranna Kotrashetti; Neelu Elon; Apoorva Dhulaj

doi:10.18203/2349-3291.ijcp20251877

Authors

Kapil Bainade Department of Pediatrics, D. Y. Patil Medical College, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Veeranna Kotrashetti Department of Pediatrics, D. Y. Patil Medical College, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Neelu Elon
Apoorva Dhulaj Department of Pediatrics, D. Y. Patil Medical College, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2349-3291.ijcp20251877

Keywords:

Anemia, Complicated malaria, Diagnostic dilemma, Hepatosplenomegaly, Infant malaria, Plasmodium vivax

Abstract

Malaria is less frequently documented in infants under six months due to a focus on older populations in research. Despite protective maternal antibodies and fetal hemoglobin, infants in this age group remain susceptible to malaria. This case highlights the importance of recognizing and diagnosing malaria in this vulnerable population. Recognition and appropriate management are crucial to preventing severe complications and improving patient outcomes. It presents a diagnostic dilemma in infants under 6 months when distinguishing malaria from sepsis, as both conditions present with similar symptoms.

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