A case of severe Plasmodium ovale malaria with acute respiratory distress syndrome and splenic infarction in a male traveller presenting in Italy

Abstract

Background: Plasmodium ovale malaria is usually considered a tropical infectious disease associated with low morbidity and mortality. However, severe disease and death have previously been reported. Case presentation: A case of severe P. ovale malaria in a healthy Caucasian man with a triangle splenic infarction and clinical progression towards Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome was reported despite a rapid response to oral chloroquine treatment with 24-h parasitaemia clearance. Conclusion: Plasmodium ovale malaria is generally considered as a benign disease, with low parasitaemia. However, severe disease and death have occasionally been reported. It is important to be aware that occasionally it can progress to serious illness and death even in immunocompetent individuals.