Concurrent Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia in Plasmodium vivax malaria Infection: A report of two cases from western India

Abstract

Malaria and concurrent bacteraemia cases have been reported globally, mostly in association with Plasmodium falciparum malaria. In comparison, concurrent bacteraemia with Plasmodium vivax infected patients is reported rarely. However, considering unavailability of blood culture testing and widespread community and empirical antibiotic usage in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), the frequency of bacteraemia and P. vivax co-infection may be much higher. We reported two cases of Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia with P. vivax malaria infection. Both patients presented with high grade fever and chills with unremarkable systemic examination. Liver enzymes were raised along with inflammatory markers. Simultaneous diagnosis of methicillin sensitive S. aureus bacteraemia was done using automated blood culture, automated identification and sensitivity testing system. P. vivax malaria was confirmed with microscopy, antigen detection test and molecular test. Patients recovered uneventfully with antimalarial drugs and antibiotics.

Keywords

• staphylococcus aureus; bacteraemia; plasmodium vivax; malaria