The cooperation arrangement between the Centre for Child and Adolescent Medicine at the University Medical Center Mainz and the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health of the Bugando Medical Centre in Tanzania aims to establish a procedure to keep records of infections similar to malaria.
Problem: More than half of all neonatal deaths in Tanzania are caused by acute febrile illnesses. The lack of diagnostic capacities means that it is not currently possible to decide whether these are cases of pneumonia, malaria, meningitis or diarrhoeal diseases. As a result, erroneous decisions are taken on how to treat the patients.
Main activities: On the basis of multiplex PCR panels for respiratory tract diseases, a multiplex PCR panel is to be developed to diagnose tropical vector-borne diseases. Initial tests revealed that antibiotics or antimalarial drugs were administered in too many cases. These first findings are to be reviewed within the scope of the partnership project. Subsequently over a period of two years, samples are to be taken of children suffering feverish conditions similar to malaria, in order to test and adapt the multiplex PCR panel.
Short-term results: The development of a multiplex PCR panel to diagnose tropical vector-borne diseases is to be promoted and the finished panel then introduced.
Long-term results: Child mortality in the project region is to be drastically reduced.