Imported plasmodium ovale malaria from Côte d'Ivoire: a case report

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Tropical Medicine
• Clinical Diagnostics

Background:

• Malaria affects millions globally, with Plasmodium ovale posing diagnostic challenges due to its similarity to P. vivax and potential for relapses.
• P. ovale infections are less common but require specific diagnostic and treatment considerations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of imported Plasmodium ovale malaria in a traveler returning to a non-endemic region.
• To highlight the importance of advanced diagnostic methods in differentiating malaria species.
• To emphasize the need for clinical awareness in managing imported malaria.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a traveler presenting with malaria-like symptoms after visiting Côte d'Ivoire.
• Initial diagnosis by microscopy was uncertain, misidentifying the parasite as P. falciparum.
• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to confirm Plasmodium ovale infection.

Main Results:

• Microscopy initially misidentified the malaria parasite as P. falciparum.
• PCR confirmed the presence of Plasmodium ovale.
• The patient was successfully treated with chloroquine and primaquine for radical cure.

Conclusions:

• Accurate identification of Plasmodium ovale is essential for appropriate treatment, especially in non-endemic areas.
• Molecular diagnostics play a critical role in differentiating malaria species and avoiding misdiagnosis.
• Increased clinician awareness and enhanced surveillance are vital for managing imported malaria cases.