Concurrent Infection with Plasmodium vivax and the Dengue and Chikungunya Viruses in a Paediatric Patient from New Delhi, India in 2016

Dengue and chikungunya fevers are transmitted by the common mosquito vector Aedes and malaria by Anopheles . Concurrent infections are reported due to co-circulation of these pathogens, especially in endemic regions. We report a rare case of triple infection with 3 arthropod-borne pathogens ( Plasmodium vivax and the dengue and chikungunya viruses) in a 3-year-old child from New Delhi, India, in August 2016. The viruses were identified by RT-PCR and the parasite by microscopy and antigen detection. The dengue virus serotype 3 sequence was clustered in the genotype III by the phylogenetic analysis. Mixed infection with multiple pathogens is a challenge for accurate diagnosis due to the overlapping clinical symptoms. The accurate and timely diagnosis of multiple pathogens in such cases is important for rapid and effective patient management.