Childhood Acute Meningoencephalitis in Timor-Leste: epidemiology, aetiology and clinical outcomes

This is a prospective study of the aetiology and epidemiology of childhood Acute Meningoencephalitis (AME) in Timor-Leste. AME is a common reason for admission in Timor-Leste and has a high case fatality rate. Patients admitted to Hospital Nacional Guido Valdares (HNGV) over a one-year period with symptoms consistent with AME will be recruited. Each enrolled patient will have standardized laboratory testing, with specimens then collected and transported to Australia for enhanced testing including molecular sequencing where necessary. Mortality data and evidence of neurological sequelae at one month will be included. This study aims at providing information regarding emerging pathogens, the impact of vector-borne diseases, and antimicrobial resistance in Timor-Leste, in order to inform guideline development, laboratory capacity building and public health policy into the future.