Transfusion-transmitted Malaria in a Pregnant Woman with Beta Thalassemia Minor: A Case Report

Doni  Priambodo; Mahendra Septadi; Yugata  Halimawan; Dhite Nugroho

doi:10.3889/oamjms.2023.10755

Authors

Doni Priambodo Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Mahendra Septadi Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8521-3707
Yugata Halimawan Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Dhite Nugroho Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2483-9970

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3889/oamjms.2023.10755

Keywords:

malaria, transfusion transmitted infection, Thalassemia, preganancy

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Malaria is an infectious disease that is caused by plasmodium parasites. Malaria is commonly spread by female anopheles mosquitoes carrying the plasmodium parasite, although it can also be transferred through blood transfusion. In the developing world, malaria frequently affects the most vulnerable, including small children and pregnant women, resulting in severe morbidity and mortality.

CASE PRESENTATION: This case report presents a primigravida with beta-thalassemia who developed malaria during her pregnancy despite never having visited a malaria-endemic region. A 22-year-old primigravida in her 29th week of pregnancy presented to an outpatient clinic with a 1-week history of fever. Blood smears, both thick and thin, revealed Plasmodium malariae trophozoites, schizonts, and gametocytes. She was diagnosed with a mild form of beta-thalassemia and required monthly blood transfusions. We think the patient got malaria from a blood transfusion because she has never been to or lived where malaria is common. Infections transferred through blood transfusions should be prevented in thalassemia patients who require regular transfusions, particularly in vulnerable groups such as pregnant women.

CONCLUSION: Transfusion-transmitted diseases can be prevented by screening donors who have a history of malaria and have traveled to endemic areas.

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