Acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy with P. falciparum malaria

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Infectious Diseases
• Malariology

Background:

• Neuropsychiatric manifestations are known complications of Plasmodium falciparum malaria.
• Peripheral neuropathy, specifically, has been infrequently reported in P. falciparum malaria cases, with a notable concentration of reports originating from India.

Observation:

• A case is presented of a patient with a seven-day history of fever and a two-day history of weakness.
• Investigations revealed heavy P. falciparum parasitemia in peripheral blood.
• The patient was diagnosed with acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP).

Findings:

• The diagnosis of AIDP was confirmed in a patient with severe P. falciparum malaria.
• Other potential causes of acute polyneuropathy were systematically excluded through clinical history and examination.
• The patient's condition improved with standard treatment, including quinine and supportive care.

Implications:

• This case highlights the potential neurological complications of P. falciparum malaria, emphasizing peripheral neuropathy as a possible manifestation.
• It underscores the importance of considering malaria in the differential diagnosis of acute polyneuropathy, especially in endemic or returning traveler populations.
• Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of malaria-associated neuropathy can lead to favorable patient outcomes.