학술논문
Co-infection of hepatitis E virus and Plasmodium falciparum malaria: A genuine risk in sub-Saharan Africa.
Document Type
Article
Author
Source
Subject
*HEPATITIS E virus
*PLASMODIUM falciparum
*CEREBRAL malaria
*ENDEMIC diseases
*MALARIA
*HEPATITIS E
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*
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Language
ISSN
1756-3305
Abstract
Background: There is a high prevalence of malaria and viral hepatitis in South Africa. Co-infection with Plasmodium malaria (leading to cerebral malaria) and hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a rare phenomenon. Case presentation: A 33-year-old African American male with no past medical history developed altered mental status on his return from Ivory Coast. His blood tests were significant for renal and liver failure and a high Plasmodium parasite burden of 33% on the blood smear. Interestingly, he also had a positive result for hepatitis E IgM. The patient was effectively treated with aggressive hydration and intravenous (IV) artesunate. Conclusion: Our report is the first to our knowledge in the cerebral malaria literature on a patient with hepatitis E co-infection. This exciting case emphasizes the importance of considering all kinds of endemic infectious diseases when evaluating sick returning travelers presenting to the emergency department. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]