Posters
Presenting Author Academic/Professional Position
Megan W. Szobody
Academic Level (Author 1)
Medical Student
Academic Level (Author 2)
Faculty
Discipline/Specialty (Author 2)
Neuroscience
Academic Level (Author 4)
Faculty
Discipline/Specialty (Author 4)
Neuroscience
Discipline Track
Patient Care
Abstract Type
Case Report
Abstract
Malaria is a serious disease caused by various species of the Plasmodium genus. Among these, Plasmodium falciparum is widely considered the most dangerous, due to its ability to infect both young and mature red blood cells (RBCs). Malarial disease, caused primarily by P. falciparum, is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa, and notably in Chad, accounting for over 10,000 deaths each year and with an incidence rate of over 3 million. Anyone can acquire falciparum malaria after being bitten by infected anopheles mosquitoes, but in pregnant women and young children, this disease is often deadly. A severe complication of falciparum malaria, termed “cerebral malaria”, is the involvement of the cerebral vasculature with neurological signs. Various theories exist on the pathophysiology of cerebral malaria, with no consensus. Neurological damage may be caused by infected RBC sequestration in small vessels in the brain, causing downstream hypoxia, by local inflammatory mediator release, or by superimposed bacterial meningitis. Unfortunately, experimental therapies that seek to combat these pathological processes have proven ineffective, and treatment for cerebral malaria to date is composed of a typical medication regimen for severe malaria and supportive care for the neurological symptoms.
This retrospective case report, based on chart review, seeks to highlight three cases of cerebral malaria in Chad that were successfully treated at L’Hôpitale Guinebor II in N’Djamena. All pediatric patient case files with a diagnosis of severe malaria, admitted in May of 2025, were reviewed for signs of CNS involvement. The patients selected after meeting these inclusion requirements ranged between the ages of 18 months and 9 years (two females and one male). They presented to the emergency room in May of 2025 with the typical signs of malaria (headache, fever, and myalgias) and at least one neurological sign: two patients presented with convulsions, and one with paresthesias. Typical signs of cerebral malaria include unconsciousness, convulsions, or peripheral neuropathy.
The diagnosis of malaria was confirmed via Rapid Diagnostic Test (TRUSTline), an antigen test that identifies P. falciparum products in a drop of blood. Treatment for all three patients was initiated and originally included Artesunate with supplemental therapy for anemia as needed. The anemia was managed with various products depending on the patient, and included iron supplementation, oxygen therapy, and Neurabol administration in severe cases. All received Ceftriaxone to combat potential superimposed bacterial meningitis or other opportunistic infections. One patient received a blood transfusion, and two patients were transitioned to CoArtem (artemether and lumefantrine) following completion of the Artesunate regimen. Their hospital stays ranged from 3 days to 19 days, and all three patients recovered completely.
Due to financial limitations, many typical diagnostic tests and treatment options are unavailable at L’Hôpitale Guinebor II. These cases demonstrate that even with rudimentary clinical and laboratory capabilities, a severe illness such as pediatric cerebral malaria can be successfully treated in endemic areas like Chad.
Presentation Type
Poster
Recommended Citation
Szobody, Megan W.; Djomg Yang, Blaise; Johnson, Noel; and Potter-Baker, Kelsey, "Cerebral Malaria in Chad- A Case Report series" (2025). Research Colloquium. 69.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/colloquium/2025/posters/69
Cerebral Malaria in Chad- A Case Report series
Malaria is a serious disease caused by various species of the Plasmodium genus. Among these, Plasmodium falciparum is widely considered the most dangerous, due to its ability to infect both young and mature red blood cells (RBCs). Malarial disease, caused primarily by P. falciparum, is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa, and notably in Chad, accounting for over 10,000 deaths each year and with an incidence rate of over 3 million. Anyone can acquire falciparum malaria after being bitten by infected anopheles mosquitoes, but in pregnant women and young children, this disease is often deadly. A severe complication of falciparum malaria, termed “cerebral malaria”, is the involvement of the cerebral vasculature with neurological signs. Various theories exist on the pathophysiology of cerebral malaria, with no consensus. Neurological damage may be caused by infected RBC sequestration in small vessels in the brain, causing downstream hypoxia, by local inflammatory mediator release, or by superimposed bacterial meningitis. Unfortunately, experimental therapies that seek to combat these pathological processes have proven ineffective, and treatment for cerebral malaria to date is composed of a typical medication regimen for severe malaria and supportive care for the neurological symptoms.
This retrospective case report, based on chart review, seeks to highlight three cases of cerebral malaria in Chad that were successfully treated at L’Hôpitale Guinebor II in N’Djamena. All pediatric patient case files with a diagnosis of severe malaria, admitted in May of 2025, were reviewed for signs of CNS involvement. The patients selected after meeting these inclusion requirements ranged between the ages of 18 months and 9 years (two females and one male). They presented to the emergency room in May of 2025 with the typical signs of malaria (headache, fever, and myalgias) and at least one neurological sign: two patients presented with convulsions, and one with paresthesias. Typical signs of cerebral malaria include unconsciousness, convulsions, or peripheral neuropathy.
The diagnosis of malaria was confirmed via Rapid Diagnostic Test (TRUSTline), an antigen test that identifies P. falciparum products in a drop of blood. Treatment for all three patients was initiated and originally included Artesunate with supplemental therapy for anemia as needed. The anemia was managed with various products depending on the patient, and included iron supplementation, oxygen therapy, and Neurabol administration in severe cases. All received Ceftriaxone to combat potential superimposed bacterial meningitis or other opportunistic infections. One patient received a blood transfusion, and two patients were transitioned to CoArtem (artemether and lumefantrine) following completion of the Artesunate regimen. Their hospital stays ranged from 3 days to 19 days, and all three patients recovered completely.
Due to financial limitations, many typical diagnostic tests and treatment options are unavailable at L’Hôpitale Guinebor II. These cases demonstrate that even with rudimentary clinical and laboratory capabilities, a severe illness such as pediatric cerebral malaria can be successfully treated in endemic areas like Chad.
