Plasmodium vivax Malaria Presenting with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: A Case Series

Abstract

Plasmodium vivax, traditionally considered a benign cause of malaria, is increasingly being recognized for causing severe complications, including acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), renal dysfunction, and multiorgan dysfunction syndrome. This case series highlights the presentation and outcomes of ARDS associated with P. vivax infection. This series reports five cases of P. vivax malaria complicated by ARDS, admitted to the Department of Medicine, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences and Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi. Each patient underwent comprehensive clinical evaluation, laboratory investigations, and imaging studies. The management protocol included antimalarial therapy, supportive care, and critical care interventions as necessary. This case series underscores the potential severity of P. vivax infections, challenging the notion of its benign nature. The occurrence of ARDS in these patients emphasizes the need for heightened clinical vigilance and robust management strategies in treating P. vivax malaria. Further research is essential to elucidate the mechanisms underlying severe complications in P. vivax malaria and to improve patient outcomes.