False positive fourth generation HIV test in a patient with severe malaria

We present a case of a 63-year old female without significant past medical history who presented 3 weeks after returning from a 3-month trip to West Africa having not taken antimicrobial prophylaxis for malaria. She reported 2 weeks of flu-like symptoms and altered mental status. She denied high-risk sexual activities or receiving blood transfusions while abroad. Initial laboratory workup revealed hemolysis and acute kidney injury. On peripheral smear, several erythrocytes contained ring-shaped trophozoites, with an estimated parasitemia of 3%.
Source: International Journal of Infectious Diseases - Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Tags: Case Report Source Type: research