Schwere Malariainfektion eines 4-jährigen Mädchens

This article presents the case of a 4-year-old female patient from Togo who presented with fever and reduced general condition. The suspicion of a severe malaria infection was confirmed microscopically. Initially, sepsis could not be ruled out. Intravenous treatment with artesunate and cefotaxime was administered. The parasite burden rapidly decreased. Sterile blood cultures ruled out sepsis. Delayed hemolysis requiring transfusion as a complication of treatment with artesunate was diagnosed. The follow-up examinations showed unremarkable findings. In cases of severe Plasmodium falciparum malaria infections rapid initiation of intravenous treatment with artesunate is crucial for a successful treatment. Possible complications of treatment with artesunate, such as delayed hemolysis, must be closely monitored.