A Prospective Study of Etiological Agents Among Febrile Patients in Sierra Leone.

Introduction: Sierra Leone has one of the highest burdens of febrile illnesses in the world. As the incidence of malaria diminishes, a better understanding of the spectrum of etiological agents was important for accurate diagnosis and empirical treatment of febrile illness.

Methods: Blood, nasopharyngeal, and fecal specimens were collected from febrile patients for serological, molecular detection, and microbiologic culture to identify potential pathogens.