A case of co-infection: First reported case of severe plasmodium knowlesi malaria and dengue co-infection in Sabah, Malaysia

Author: Chee Keong Wong ¹ ; Nur Hamizah ¹ ; Muhammad Faiz Baherin ² ; Heng Gee Lee ³
Author Information

1. Department of Medicine, Lahad Datu Hospital, Lahad Datu, Sabah, Malaysia
2. Emergency Department, Lahad Datu Hospital, Lahad Datu, Sabah, Malaysia
3. Infectious Disease Unit, Department of Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Publication Type:Case Reports
From: The Medical Journal of Malaysia 2020;75(2):171-172
CountryMalaysia
Language:English
Abstract: We report a rare case of severe Plasmodium knowlesi malaria and dengue co-infection in a 36-year-old lady with hyperparasitaemia, metabolic acidosis, haemolysis and acute kidney injury. She was in shock requiring inotropic support and elective intubation. She had pericardial tamponade which necessitate pericardiocentesis to allow for haemodynamic stability during haemodialysis. She underwent haemodialysis, was ventilated for six days and stayed in hospital for 29 days. She was discharged home well with almost complete renal recovery. Physicians must have a high degree of suspicion for dengue co-infection in malaria patients with plasma leakage such as pericardial effusion to allow for prompt management.