Dengue and falciparum malaria co-infection in travelers returning from Burkina Faso: Report of two cases in Northeastern Italy

• Published in: Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine
• Main Authors: Antonio Mastroianni, Caterina Vocale, Vittorio Sambri, Tiziana Lazzarotto, Paolo Gaibani, Giada Rossini, Stefania Varani
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2023
• Subjects: dengue virus; falciparum malaria; travelers infection; co-infection; arbovirus; Arctic medicine. Tropical medicine; RC955-962; Arctic
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.4103/1995-7645.372294; https://doaj.org/article/4d94c179c2104fa7b06c8cff57461f1d

Rationale: Malaria and dengue are the most prevalent vector-borne diseases in tropical countries. Plasmodium parasite and dengue virus (DENV) concurrent infection is possible and often under-recognized in geographical areas where these infections are both endemic. Patients concern and diagnosis: We describe the first two cases of Plasmodium falciparum and DENV-3 co-infection in travelers returning to northeastern Italy from Burkina Faso during 2013-2014. Interventions: Malaria infection in both patients was treated with mefloquine. Due to the persistence of symptoms despite of the antimalaria treatment, dengue was also investigated; the treatment of dengue was symptomatic. Outcomes: The patients were discharged in good general condition. Lessons: The need for surveillance of potential malaria and dengue co-infection in travelers returning to Europe from endemic areas is highlighted, as infection with Plasmodium does not exclude arboviral co-infection.