Understanding Fever-Related and High-Risk Infections in Cambodia Using Advanced Pathogen Sequencing

What this Trial Is About

Vector-borne diseases, caused by bites from infected mosquitoes, flies, fleas, ticks, or other blood-feeding insects, result in nearly one million deaths annually and are increasing, especially in Southeast Asia. In Cambodia, these diseases may account for about 10 percent of fevers, but many cases go undiagnosed. This research aims to better understand the range of febrile illnesses by using advanced metagenomic sequencing to identify pathogens in affected individuals. Participants include people aged 2 months and older who have a fever of at least 38 degrees Celsius or are diagnosed with a concerning pathogen. Close contacts of infected individuals may also join. The study collects blood samples, and for those with respiratory symptoms, nasal swabs. Participants share information on their age, sex, health history, and recent travel. If a highly transmissible or virulent pathogen is found, follow-up samples and testing of close contacts are performed to deepen understanding of disease spread. During the study, participants undergo screening with medical history review and physical assessments such as weight for children. They complete questionnaires and provide biological samples for pathogen identification. Optional follow-up samples may be collected within 1 to 2 weeks and again at 3 months after enrollment. Researchers measure pathogen sequences and immune responses to vector saliva proteins. The study continues through July 2027, aiming to improve knowledge of febrile diseases in Cambodia.

Febrile Disease Landscape in Cambodia Via Metagenomic Pathogen Sequencing