Recurrent Malaria with Plasmodium vivax: A Case Report and Brief Review of the Literature.

Abstract

Background: Recurrent malaria refers to repeated episodes of the disease in the same individual. Plasmodium vivax is known for its ability to relapse due to dormant liver-stage hypnozoites and poses a particular risk to travelers returning from endemic areas. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent recurrences. Case Presentation: We present the case of a 41-year-old man from Romania who developed Plasmodium vivax malaria after traveling through Southeast Asia without chemoprophylaxis. He presented with fever, chills, myalgia, headache, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Clinical findings included mild jaundice and slight neurological signs. Laboratory tests showed severe thrombocytopenia, elevated bilirubin, inflammatory markers, and borderline creatinine levels. Malaria was confirmed by a rapid diagnostic test and blood smear microscopy. The patient was treated with doxycycline and atovaquone-proguanil. He improved and was discharged, but experienced two relapses, both confirmed as Plasmodium vivax by RT-PCR. Despite receiving primaquine as radical cure after the first Plasmodium vivax malaria relapse, a second relapse occurred. Each episode was managed with blood-stage antimalarial therapy, leading to full clinical and biological recovery. Conclusions: Malaria rarely occurs in non-endemic areas; it should be considered in patients with compatible travel history and symptoms. Given the high relapse potential of Plasmodium vivax, accurate species identification is critical to guide appropriate long-term management.