TITLE:
Severe Malaria Comorbidity and Bacterial Infections in Children at the Pediatric Department of Tengandogo University Hospital
AUTHORS:
Dao Lassina, Traoré Osara Lamoussa, Hien Dieudonné, Nitiéma Wend Waouga Eric Hermann, Dembélé Emmanuel, Bougouma Rokiatou, Djiguemdé Aristide, Delma Martine, Kafando Pélagie, Ouédarogo Ali
KEYWORDS:
Severe Malaria, Bacterial Co-Infection, Child, Burkina Faso
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Pediatrics,
Vol.16 No.1,
January
23,
2026
ABSTRACT: Objective: To investigate the clinical, biological, and outcome characteristics of children hospitalized for severe malaria, and to identify factors associated with bacterial co-infection at Tengandogo University Hospital. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study was conducted from August to October 2022 in the pediatric department. Children aged 1 month to 15 years hospitalized for severe malaria according to WHO criteria were included. Bacterial co-infections were defined by suspected or confirmed clinical, biological (elevated CRP, leukocytosis), radiological, and/or microbiological data. Data were collected from medical records and analyzed using Epi Info 7.22.2.6. Chi-square tests were used to compare proportions, with significance set at p Results: Of 129 children hospitalized for severe malaria, 45 (34.9%) had bacterial co-infection. The most common infections were bronchopulmonary infections (33.3%), gastroenteritis (17.8%), and urinary tract infections (15.6%). Major clinical signs included coma (51.1%), respiratory distress (48.9%), and severe anemia (68.9%). Mean parasite density was 74,218/µL. Significant risk factors were low socioeconomic status (OR = 2.85), poor general condition (OR = 2.81), coma (OR = 4.12), respiratory distress (OR = 3.77), hypoglycemia Conclusion: Bacterial co-infection is frequent in severe pediatric malaria and worsens prognosis. Systematic screening based on simple criteria is essential to optimize management. According to our findings, coma, respiratory distress, and hypoglycemia should be used as simple screening criteria.