Why is evaluating fever in a tropical setting uniquely difficult? From unfamiliar and unusual causes and limited lab and imaging to cultural divides and time pressure, several factors make diagnosis a daunting clinical challenge.
In this M3 Conference Breakout Session, Nicholas Comninellis, MD, MPH, DIMPH, reviews some of the principles we can use in managing tropical fever. He discusses knowledge of local epidemiology to assess probabilities and consideration of non-infectious and infectious causes taking clues from patient history, such as freshwater exposure (schistosomiasis), and physical exam, such as conjunctival injection (leptospirosis). Dr. Comninellis also highlights points to consider when deciding on diagnostic tools to take on mission, keeping in mind the current proliferation of rapid point-of-care diagnostic tests and their benefit.
Dr. Nicholas Comninellis is President and Professor at INMED, the Institute for International Medicine. He is also faculty in the Department of Medical Humanities at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine and faculty at Research Medical Center Family Medicine Residency. Dr. Comninellis has decades of experience serving in medical missions, including in Shanghai, Angola, and Honduras. Click here to learn more about INMED and the incredible work and training they are doing around the world.