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Retinal haemorrhage in vivax malaria
1Department of Internal Medicine, Ewha Women's University College of Medicine, 911-1 MokDong YangCheon-Ku, Seoul, South Korea. heechoi@ewha.ac.kr
Summary
Retinal haemorrhage is rare in Plasmodium vivax malaria. This case highlights a P. vivax infection causing retinal bleeding in a South Korean soldier, emphasizing the need for awareness.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Malariology
Background:
- Plasmodium falciparum malaria commonly causes retinal haemorrhage, often linked to cerebral malaria.
- Retinopathy is infrequently reported in Plasmodium vivax malaria cases.
- Benign tertian malaria (P. vivax) has seen a resurgence in South Korean soldiers since 1993.
Observation:
- An indigenous case of retinal haemorrhage attributed to P. vivax malaria is presented.
- The patient was a soldier stationed in the South Korean demilitarized zone.
Findings:
- This case adds to the limited literature on P. vivax-associated retinopathy.
- It demonstrates that P. vivax malaria can manifest with significant ocular complications.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider P. vivax malaria in the differential diagnosis of retinal haemorrhage, particularly in endemic or re-emerging areas.
- Further research is warranted to understand the pathogenesis and prevalence of P. vivax retinopathy.