Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 13, 2026

Protocol for Dengue Infections in Mosquitoes (A. aegypti) and Infection Phenotype Determination
15:25

Protocol for Dengue Infections in Mosquitoes (A. aegypti) and Infection Phenotype Determination

Published on: July 4, 2007

Acute fevers of unknown origin in young children in the tropics

G O Akpede1, P O Abiodun, R M Sykes

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, College of Medical Sciences, University of Maiduguri, Nigeria.

The Journal of Pediatrics
|January 1, 1993
PubMed

Insights

In tropical regions, febrile children without obvious infection sources need blood culture tests for bacteremia, even if diagnosed with malaria. Concurrent malaria infections were common in children with bacteremia.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Clinical Microbiology

Background:

  • Fever without a source (FWS) in children is a common emergency department presentation.
  • Malaria is a prevalent endemic disease in tropical areas, often presenting with high fever.
  • Distinguishing between malaria and other serious infections like bacteremia can be challenging.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the incidence of bacteremia in previously healthy children presenting with high fever (≥40.0°C) and no focal signs in a tropical setting.
  • To determine the frequency of concurrent malaria infection in children with bacteremia.
  • To assess the need for bacteremia evaluation in febrile children with confirmed malaria.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective chart review of 156 previously healthy children presenting to an emergency department with high fever and no focal signs.
  • Blood cultures were performed to detect bacteremia.
  • Malaria diagnostic tests were conducted for all participants.
  • Data analysis focused on the prevalence of bacteremia and its association with malaria.

Main Results:

  • Bacteremia was identified in 14 out of 156 children (9%).
  • Of the 156 children, 116 had malaria, and 26 had no identified infection.
  • Concurrent malaria infection was frequently observed in children diagnosed with bacteremia.

Conclusions:

  • High fever without a source in children in the tropics warrants evaluation for bacteremia, irrespective of a malaria diagnosis.
  • Malaria co-infection is common in children with bacteremia, highlighting the need for comprehensive diagnostic approaches.
  • Prompt identification and treatment of bacteremia are crucial in febrile pediatric populations in malaria-endemic regions.

More Related Videos

Detection of Infectious Virus from Field-collected Mosquitoes by Vero Cell Culture Assay07:23

Detection of Infectious Virus from Field-collected Mosquitoes by Vero Cell Culture Assay

Published on: June 9, 2011

A Murine Model of Dengue Virus-induced Acute Viral Encephalitis-like Disease04:23

A Murine Model of Dengue Virus-induced Acute Viral Encephalitis-like Disease

Published on: April 28, 2019

Related Concept Videos

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 response to an infection or illness.
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:
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:
Patterns of Fever01:26

Patterns of Fever

Before understanding the types and patterns of fever, it is essential to know its phases.
Acute Pharyngitis01:30

Acute Pharyngitis

Introduction
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause:
Yellow Fever01:18

Yellow Fever

Yellow fever is a viral hemorrhagic disease caused by the yellow fever virus (YFV), a member of the Flaviviridae family. It is transmitted primarily by Aedes and Haemagogus mosquitoes in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and South America. After transmission through a mosquito bite, the virus initially replicates in skin-resident immune cells such as dendritic cells and macrophages. These cells then migrate to the lymph nodes, where viral replication increases, eventually leading to...