Clinical Profile of Severe Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax Malaria in Jazan Region, Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT

@#Introduction: Malaria is the most common and widely prevalent life-threatening infectious disease in tropical and subtropical regions where it causes high rates of morbidity and mortality. Despite the successful elimination of malaria transmission in most of Saudi Arabia, the Jazan region is still considered to be a malaria-endemic area. Therefore, this study aimed at investigating the clinical profile of severe Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax malaria in Jazan region, southwestern Saudi Arabia. Methods: A total of 25 febrile patients who presented at Sabya General Hospital and were suspected of having severe malaria were included in this study. Blood samples were collected and examined for malaria by rapid diagnostic test and by Giemsa-stained thin and thick blood films. Clinical and laboratory analyses to identify severe malaria complications were performed at the hospital. Results: In all, 76% (19/25) of the participants were infected with P. falciparum and 24% (6/25) had P. vivax. The most common complications in both groups were prostration (48%) followed by jaundice (44%) and liver dysfunction (36%). The prevalence of severe anaemia was significantly higher (P = 0.031) among P. vivax-infected patients (50%) compared with P. falciparum-infected patient (5.3%). In falciparum-infected patients, those with severe parasitaemia had a higher risk of developing prostration compared with those with low-to-moderate parasitaemia (P = 0.038). Conclusion: Most cases were caused by P. falciparum which required proper monitoring and treatment. However, those with P. vivax exhibited severe symptoms similar to those with P. falciparum.