Transfusion-associated falciparum malaria successfully treated with red blood cell exchange transfusion

Am J Med Sci. 2000 Nov;320(5):337-41. doi: 10.1097/00000441-200011000-00008.

Abstract

Falciparum malaria is frequently associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The use of exchange transfusion as a therapeutic modality for severe cases of malaria has been described previously. We describe a case of a 49 year-old African American gentleman with a history of hemoglobin-SC disease who presented with a severe case of Plasmodium falciparum malaria 3 weeks after having received an infected blood transfusion. His peripheral smear showed the presence of numerous intraerythrocytic ring forms and "banana-shaped" gametocytes with a high-grade parasitemia, estimated at 18%. He was treated with antimalarial chemotherapy and also underwent a 12-unit red blood cell exchange transfusion, decreasing his parasite load to < 1%, as determined on repeat smear. It is prudent to be aware of the efficacy of this adjunctive treatment, especially with ever-increasing travel and a resultant increase in the prevalence of tropical diseases in the United States.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Black or African American
  • Erythrocyte Transfusion*
  • Erythrocytes / parasitology*
  • Exchange Transfusion, Whole Blood*
  • Humans
  • Malaria, Falciparum / blood*
  • Malaria, Falciparum / therapy*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Parasitemia / blood
  • Parasitemia / therapy
  • Plasmodium falciparum / physiology
  • Transfusion Reaction*