Post malaria acute motor axonal neuropathy

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Infectious Diseases
• Clinical Neuroscience

Background:

• Severe Plasmodium falciparum malaria can lead to various neurological complications.
• Acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN) is a rare but serious neurological disorder.
• The association between malaria and AMAN has been infrequently reported.

Observation:

• A traveler presented with symptoms suggestive of a neurological disorder after severe Plasmodium falciparum malaria.
• Neurophysiological studies revealed findings consistent with acute motor axonal neuropathy.
• Cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed elevated levels of neurofilaments light chain.

Findings:

• This case represents the first documented instance of acute motor axonal neuropathy syndrome following severe Plasmodium falciparum malaria.
• Diagnostic confirmation was achieved through electrophysiological assessments and biomarker analysis (neurofilaments light chain).
• Testing for anti-ganglioside antibodies, commonly associated with other neuropathies, was negative.

Implications:

• This report expands the spectrum of neurological complications associated with Plasmodium falciparum malaria.
• Elevated neurofilaments light chain may serve as a valuable biomarker for diagnosing malaria-associated AMAN.
• Further research is warranted to understand the pathogenesis and management of this rare neurological complication.