Journal of Infectious Diseases & Preventive Medicine
Open Access
ISSN: 2329-8731
ISSN: 2329-8731
Ndeye Fatou Ngom*, Fulgence Abdou Faye, El Hadji Cheikh Abdoulaye Diop, Bineta Mané Mbengue, Mountaga Elimane Dia, Alassane Ndiaye, Betty Fall and Ousseynou Ka
Introduction: Severe malaria, predominantly caused by Plasmodium falciparum, remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. In Senegal, over 10,000 severe cases are reported annually, increasingly affecting both children and adults. This study aimed to describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients hospitalized for severe malaria at the Samine Health Center. Materials and Methods: A retrospective, cross-sectional, and descriptive study was conducted from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2023. All patients hospitalized for severe malaria during this period were included. Results: Among 411 hospitalized patients, 124 had severe malaria, representing a hospital incidence of 30.17%. Most cases were admitted in 2021 (34.67%) and during October-November, peaking in November (34.68%). The majority were male (66%), with a sex ratio of 1.95. The average age was 18.31 ± 14.68 years, with children aged 5-15 years being the most affected (49.19%). The main symptoms were fever (84.68%), vomiting (58.06%), and headache (56.45%). Severity signs included prostration (79.84%), jaundice (23.39%), and coma (17.74%). Thick blood smear confirmed P. falciparum in all cases, with a mean parasitemia of 32,372/µL. Severe anemia affected 13.1% of adults and 12.5% of children; thrombocytopenia was observed in 80.77%, and 36.54% had severe forms. Artesunate was used in all cases, followed by ACT, with 23.39% also receiving antibiotics. The average hospital stay was 2.45 days. The outcome was favorable in 91.13% of patients, with no deaths recorded. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that severe malaria, while frequent, can be effectively managed even in peripheral health structures.
Published Date: 2025-09-15; Received Date: 2025-08-13