A Combined Syndromic Approach to Examine Viral, Bacterial, and Parasitic Agents among Febrile Patients: A Pilot Study in Kilombero, Tanzania

Hercik, Christine; Cosmas, Leonard; Mogeni, Ondari D.; Wamola, Newton; Kohi, Wanze; Houpt, Eric; Liu, Jie; Ochieng, Caroline; Onyango, Clayton; Fields, Barry; Mfinanga, Sayoki; Montgomery, Joel M.

In addition to the detection of Plasmodium in the bloodstream, we also detected dengue virus and Leptospira. Dengue virus was detected in one individual, with no reported recent travel history or residence status elsewhere, implying that this case was a locally acquired infection. Dengue virus has been reported in the coastal regions of Tanzania and has recently been detected as far inland as the Kilosa District. 32, 33 To our knowledge, this is the first study to detect dengue virus in Kilombero; therefore suggesting continued geographic spread of the virus. Leptospira has been previously investigated in the Northern areas of Tanzania, and research has suggested potential endemicity in the Kilimanjaro region. 34 Further research is needed to determine the prevalence of Leptospira in the Kilombero area as well as to determine potential reservoirs and risk factors associated with infection.