Severe Vivax Malaria Infection in Infants: Case Report

Soraya Rezeki; Safarianti Safarianti; Teuku Romi Imansyah Putra

doi:10.35582/ijcpch.v7i1.50

Soraya Rezeki Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala
Safarianti Safarianti 3Department of Ear, Nose, and Throat Health, Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine,
Teuku Romi Imansyah Putra Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala

DOI: https://doi.org/10.35582/ijcpch.v7i1.50

Keywords: Plasmodium vivax, Malaria, Elimination, dormant

Abstract

Plasmodium vivax presents a significant challenge to malaria elimination efforts, as a single primary infection may result in multiple relapses over months to years. This is due to the ability of parasite to form dormant liver stages (hypnozoites), which can reactivate following the initial acute episode. Recurrent infections substantially increase the risk of severe anemia, facilitate ongoing transmission to other individuals, and in some cases may lead to death. Although Plasmodium vivax is associated with lower mortality compared to other Plasmodium species, the global burden of morbidity attributable to this parasite remains considerable.