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An Experimental Model to Study Tuberculosis-Malaria Coinfection upon Natural Transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Plasmodium berghei
Published on: February 17, 2014
Perinatal malaria and tuberculosis co-infection: a case report
Rajoo Thapa1, Debkrishna Mallick, Biswajit Biswas
1The Department of Pediatrics and Division of Neonatology, The Institute of Child Health, 11, Dr. Biresh Guha Street, Kolkata-700017, West Bengal, India. rajoothapa@yahoo.co.in
Summary
This case report details a newborn with co-occurring perinatal falciparum malaria and tuberculosis, presenting as sepsis. Early diagnosis and combined treatment led to a dramatic recovery, highlighting the need for comprehensive evaluation in newborns.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Neonatal Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- India faces a high burden of both vivax malaria and tuberculosis, yet congenital tuberculosis cases are infrequently reported.
- Congenital infections pose significant risks to newborns, necessitating prompt and accurate diagnosis.
Observation:
- A 34-day-old female newborn presented with sepsis-like symptoms.
- The newborn had co-existing perinatal falciparum malaria and tuberculosis.
- Maternal history included falciparum malaria during pregnancy, and the father had active pulmonary tuberculosis.
Findings:
- Plasmodium falciparum was identified in the newborn's peripheral blood smear.
- Tubercle bacilli were detected in gastric aspirate samples.
- The newborn showed a significant positive response to combined antimalarial and antitubercular chemotherapy.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering combined infectious etiologies in newborns presenting with sepsis.
- Comprehensive diagnostic approaches, including detailed patient history and laboratory investigations, are crucial for identifying rare co-infections.
- Prompt and appropriate combined treatment can lead to favorable outcomes in neonates with severe co-infections.
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