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Nosocomial malaria and saline flush

Sanjay K Jain1, Deborah Persaud, Trish M Perl

  • 1W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, USA. dsulliva@jhsph.edu

Emerging Infectious Diseases
|July 19, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Malaria can spread between patients in hospitals if standard precautions are not followed. This study identified Plasmodium falciparum transmission between roommates without recent travel.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Molecular Epidemiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Malaria is a significant global health concern, primarily transmitted by mosquitoes.
  • Nosocomial malaria, or hospital-acquired malaria, is rare, particularly in non-endemic regions like the US.
  • Understanding transmission routes is crucial for preventing healthcare-associated infections.

Observation:

  • Two malaria patients diagnosed in the US lacked recent travel history.
  • Both patients were found to share a hospital room during their illness.
  • Molecular analysis revealed identical Plasmodium falciparum genotypes in both individuals.

Findings:

  • The study established molecular genotype identity of Plasmodium falciparum between the two patients.
  • This strongly suggests patient-to-patient transmission within the hospital setting.
  • Breaches in standard precautions involving blood inoculum are implicated as the likely transmission mechanism.

Implications:

  • Highlights the potential for malaria transmission in healthcare settings, even in non-endemic areas.
  • Underscores the importance of stringent adherence to infection control and standard precautions.
  • Emphasizes the need for heightened awareness and diagnostic vigilance for malaria in hospitalized patients, regardless of travel history.

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