Epidemiology and Clinical Characteristics of Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases

Infectious diseases remain one of the leading causes of death worldwide despite innovations in medical research and the availability of new treatments. Emerging diseases include outbreaks of previously unknown diseases or known diseases where the incidence in humans has significantly increased in the past two decades. Detailed studies on emerging and re-emerging infectious agents to better understand pathogens' biology and host pathogenesis are mostly lacking. This study protocol is to prepare for a rapid coordinated clinical investigation of acute infections of emerging and re-emerging infectious agents in Mali. In collaboration with the Mali Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene, we will conduct an observational study to include participants with a spectrum of emerging or unknown pathogens with the objective to determine etiology and clinical characteristics of those diseases. Patients with suspected emerging or re-emerging infectious diseases within 15 km of Point G Hospital in Bamako will be invited to participate in this study.