The study followed 212 children aged 0 to 12 who were treated for suspected central nervous system infections at two hospitals in southwestern Uganda. Fifteen per cent of the children died during hospitalisation, and 18 per cent were discharged with neurological disabilities such as seizures or muscle weakness. Malaria and the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae were the most commonly identified causes.

“Our results show that even in settings where advanced diagnostics are not always available, simple clinical observations can provide crucial information about which children are in greatest need of rapid care,” says Phuthumani Mlotshwa, doctoral student at the Department of Global Public Health and the study’s first author.

The infections were caused by several different microorganisms. Malaria was detected in 20 per cent of the children, and bacteria in the cerebrospinal fluid in 11 per cent. For nearly half of the cases, no specific pathogen could be identified, which the researchers say underscores the need for improved diagnostic tools.

“The combination of high mortality and significant disabilities among survivors shows that we need to strengthen prevention, diagnostics, and follow-up,” says Giulia Gaudenzi, researcher at the same department and the study’s senior author.

The study was carried out in collaboration with Mbarara University of Science and Technology, the Epicentre Mbarara Research Center, and several international partners. It was funded by the Swedish Research Council, the European Commission’s Horizon Europe programme, and the European Research Council. The researchers report no competing interests.

Facts: “PI-POC - Clinical trial” is a short documentary featuring co-authors Dr Kumbakumba and Deborah Nassejje. It was selected as a finalist at the WHO Health for "All Film Festival" 2021.