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Selection of Plasmodium falciparum Parasites for Cytoadhesion to Human Brain Endothelial Cells
Published on: January 3, 2012
Fatal invasive aspergillosis complicating severe Plasmodium falciparum malaria
L Hocqueloux1, F Bruneel, C L Pages
1Clinique de Réanimation des Maladies Infectieuses, Hôpital Bichat-Claude Bernard, 75018 Paris, France.
Abstract:
We report the first 2 cases of fatal invasive aspergillosis complicating severe malaria. In 2 nonimmune European adults without underlying disease, death was directly ascribable to invasive aspergillosis. We believe that transient malaria-induced immunosuppression allowed massive growth and overwhelming dissemination of preexisting Aspergillus colonization.
Insights
Severe malaria can lead to fatal invasive aspergillosis in nonimmune adults. This complication, caused by Aspergillus growth during malaria-induced immunosuppression, resulted in death in two reported cases.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Tropical Medicine
Background:
- Severe malaria is a life-threatening infectious disease.
- Invasive aspergillosis is a serious fungal infection, typically affecting immunocompromised individuals.
- Aspergillus colonization is common, but invasive disease is rare in healthy individuals.
Observation:
- Two cases of fatal invasive aspergillosis were observed in nonimmune European adults.
- Both patients had recently contracted severe malaria.
- No underlying diseases or immunosuppressive conditions were noted in the patients prior to malaria.
Findings:
- Death in both cases was directly attributed to invasive aspergillosis.
- Malaria-induced transient immunosuppression is hypothesized to have facilitated fungal growth.
- Preexisting Aspergillus colonization likely disseminated, leading to overwhelming infection.
Implications:
- This study highlights a novel and fatal complication of severe malaria.
- Clinicians should consider invasive aspergillosis in nonimmune patients with severe malaria presenting with severe symptoms.
- Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms of malaria-induced immunosuppression and its role in opportunistic fungal infections.
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