Plasmodium vivax malaria presenting as acute respiratory distress syndrome: a case report

Trop Doct. 2013 Apr;43(2):83-5. doi: 10.1177/0049475513485733. Epub 2013 May 24.

Abstract

Severe pulmonary involvement in malaria has been frequently reported in cases of Plasmodium falciparum infection but rarely in vivax malaria. We look at a case of a 38-year-old man living in a malaria endemic area who presented with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) caused by P. vivax. DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) confirmed that it was not a mixed infection. After specific antimalarial therapy and intensive supportive care, the patient was discharged from the hospital. This case illustrates that P. vivax-induced ARDS is not uncommon and should be readily recognized by the treating physicians. A confirmatory test with PCR is required in order to exclude P. falciparum co-infection.

Keywords: Malaria; Plasmodium vivax; acute respiratory distress syndrome; antimalarial.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Malaria, Vivax / complications
  • Malaria, Vivax / diagnosis*
  • Malaria, Vivax / therapy
  • Male
  • Recurrence
  • Respiratory Distress Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Respiratory Distress Syndrome / etiology
  • Respiratory Distress Syndrome / therapy