Near-fatal multiple organ dysfunction syndrome induced by Plasmodium malariae

Group A Escherichia coli-related purpura fulminans: an unusual manifestation due to an unusual strain?

We describe an exceptional case of life-threatening group A Escherichia coli-induced purpura fulminans. Genotyping of common polymorphisms in genes involved in innate immunity or coagulation did not reveal known susceptibility to such a manifestation. Genetic analysis of the strain revealed an unusual conserved virulence plasmidic region, pointing out its potential virulence.

Severe Plasmodium malariae malaria in a patient with multiple susceptibility genes

We present a case of severe malaria due to Plasmodium malariae. Genetic testing showed that the patient was homozygous for five important gene polymorphisms previously shown to be associated with increased susceptibility to, and/or severity of, severe sepsis. Our case suggests that P. malariae may cause life-threatening disease, and that disease severity may be linked, at least in part, to multiple susceptibility genes.