Congenital malaria due to Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum in a neonate

Abstract

Congenital malaria can be acquired by transmission of parasite from mother to child during pregnancy or perinatally during labor. Placental barrier and maternal immunoglobulin G antibodies, which cross the placenta, may protect the fetus to some extent. However, it is much more common in non-immune population and the incidence goes up during epidemics of malaria. We report a rare case of congenital malaria due to mixed species in a neonate who presented with fever, pallor and hepatosplenomegaly.

Keywords

Congenital malaria - neonate - mixed species