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Congenital malaria in Scandinavia.
Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases
|January 1, 1986
Summary
A rare case of congenital malaria caused by Plasmodium vivax occurred in a newborn infant in Scandinavia. This highlights the importance of considering malaria in febrile infants, even in non-endemic regions.
Area of Science:
- * Infectious Diseases
- * Pediatrics
- * Tropical Medicine
Background:
- * Congenital malaria, transmission from mother to infant in utero or during birth, is rare.
- * Plasmodium vivax malaria typically occurs in tropical and subtropical regions.
Observation:
- * A 3-week-old infant born in Norway presented with fever, vomiting, weight loss, and thrombocytopenia.
- * The infant's mother experienced malaria episodes before and after childbirth.
- * The infant showed elevated IgM and a positive IgG antibody titer for malaria.
Findings:
- * Diagnosis of Plasmodium vivax malaria in a newborn infant.
- * First reported case of congenital malaria in Scandinavia.
- * Clinical presentation included febrile illness, vomiting, weight loss, and thrombocytopenia.
Implications:
- * This case underscores the possibility of congenital malaria transmission in non-endemic areas.
- * Highlights the need for increased awareness and diagnostic vigilance for malaria in infants presenting with unexplained febrile illnesses.
- * Suggests potential for Plasmodium vivax to cause congenital infections even in regions without established malaria transmission.