Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 27, 2026

Author Spotlight: Advancing Rapid Detection of Respiratory Pathogens Using Microfluidic Chip
06:11

Author Spotlight: Advancing Rapid Detection of Respiratory Pathogens Using Microfluidic Chip

Published on: March 29, 2024

2.5K

[Infections as a Cause of Unexplained Fever]

Bernd Salzberger, Gabriele Birkenfeld, Michael Iberer

    Deutsche Medizinische Wochenschrift (1946)
    |July 4, 2017
    PubMed

    Insights

    Fever of unexplained origin (FUO) is a persistent clinical challenge, with new categories like nosocomial and HIV-associated FUO requiring shorter diagnostic timelines. Understanding these distinct FUO types is crucial for effective treatment strategies.

    Area of Science:

    • Internal Medicine
    • Infectious Diseases
    • Clinical Diagnostics

    Background:

    • Fever of unexplained origin (FUO) remains a significant clinical issue despite advancements in diagnostics.
    • New FUO categories, including nosocomial, neutropenic/immunodeficient, and HIV-associated FUO, are defined by shorter fever durations (e.g., three days).
    • Each FUO category presents a unique spectrum of potential infectious diseases.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To review the evolving definitions and diagnostic challenges of FUO.
    • To highlight the specific infectious disease spectra associated with different FUO categories.
    • To discuss current and future diagnostic and data management strategies for FUO.

    Main Methods:

    • Review of classical and contemporary FUO definitions and classifications.
    • Analysis of infectious disease spectrum in different FUO categories, including subacute bacterial endocarditis and CMV reactivation.
    • Evaluation of diagnostic tools such as biological markers and PET-CT scans.
    • Discussion on the role of immunodeficiency level in HIV-associated FUO.
    • Proposal for a national/international FUO data register.

    Main Results:

    • Subacute bacterial endocarditis and CMV reactivation are common challenges in specific FUO patient groups.
    • The degree of immunodeficiency is a key indicator for diagnosing infections in HIV-positive patients with FUO.
    • Advanced imaging like PET-CT aids in FUO diagnostics.
    • Current diagnostic methods require refinement for specific FUO categories.

    Conclusions:

    • Fever of unexplained origin (FUO) necessitates updated diagnostic approaches tailored to new categories.
    • Effective management of FUO relies on recognizing distinct infectious disease patterns and utilizing advanced diagnostics.
    • Establishing a centralized data register is vital for validating FUO treatment strategies and improving patient outcomes.

    More Related Videos

    Recurrent Escherichia coli Urinary Tract Infection Triggered by Gardnerella vaginalis Bladder Exposure in Mice08:53

    Recurrent Escherichia coli Urinary Tract Infection Triggered by Gardnerella vaginalis Bladder Exposure in Mice

    Published on: December 4, 2020

    6.9K
    Establishment and Characterization of UTI and CAUTI in a Mouse Model08:40

    Establishment and Characterization of UTI and CAUTI in a Mouse Model

    Published on: June 23, 2015

    21.1K

    Related Concept Videos

    Types of Fever01:25

    Types of Fever

    Fever can be triggered by several factors, including infections, nervous system disorders, certain cancers, blood diseases like leukemia, embolism, thrombosis, heatstroke, dehydration, surgical trauma, crushing injuries, and allergic reactions.
    Here are the different types of fever:
    1.3K
    Patterns of Fever01:26

    Patterns of Fever

    Before understanding the types and patterns of fever, it is essential to know its phases.
    4.1K
    Increased Body Temperature01:25

    Increased Body Temperature

    A body temperature above  38°C  (100.4 °F) is known as fever or pyrexia, and a person with fever is termed 'febrile.' Typically, the hypothalamus, a part of the brain that acts as the body's thermostat, regulates body temperature through a thermoregulatory setpoint. It receives signals from cold and warm thermal receptors throughout the body and adjusts the body's temperature accordingly. Fever occurs when this hypothalamic setpoint is altered, usually in...
    7.6K
    Methods of reducing fever01:22

    Methods of reducing fever

    The signs and symptoms of fever include hot and dry skin, flushed face, thirst, muscle aches, anorexia, headache, tachycardia, tachypnea, and fatigue. Elevated body temperature is reduced using two methods: pharmacological and nonpharmacological. Proper identification and treatment of the root cause of a fever is of utmost importance.
    Pharmacological Methods of Reducing Fever:
    1.5K
    Urinary Tract Infection I: Introduction01:26

    Urinary Tract Infection I: Introduction

    Urinary tract infections (UTIs) impact various parts of the urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. These infections are generally bacterial, with Escherichia coli being the most common causative agent, often originating from the gastrointestinal tract. However, other bacteria, such as Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Proteus mirabilis, are also known to cause UTIs. The type, location, and underlying complexity of the UTI guide both...
    833
    Urinary Tract Infection II: Pathophysiology01:25

    Urinary Tract Infection II: Pathophysiology

    The pathophysiology of urinary tract infections (UTIs) encompasses several progressive stages, beginning with bacterial colonization and culminating in potential systemic complications if untreated. UTIs are primarily initiated by bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, which often originate from the gastrointestinal tract and migrate to the urinary system through the periurethral area. This migration can occur via several routes, including improper hygiene practices, sexual activity, or...
    899