Pediatric Psychosis in the Emergency Room: Could it be Plasmodium Vivax Malaria?

Abstract

Malaria is associated with severe neurological complication especially by Plasmodium falciparum. We report a case of acute malaria in a seven year old boy presenting with features of psychosis as the primary presenting complaint, with absence of fever or concomitant drug intake before arrival. Peripheral blood smear of patient subsequently revealed Plasmodium vivax [ring and trophozoite stage] as he was investigated further when febrile spikes appeared. Malaria is associated with severe neurological complications especially by P. falciparum. We report a case of acute malaria in a seven year old boy presenting with features of psychosis as the initial presenting complaint, without history of fever or concomitant drug intake before arrival. Peripheral blood smear revealed P. vivax [ring and trophozoite stage].