A 51-year-old man named Robert Bragg reported to a hospital in the United Kingdom complaining of general malaise (discomfort), myalgia (muscle pain), fevers, headache, vomiting, and diarrhea. He complained that during the day he felt weak and tires; he was unsure if this was because his symptoms kept him awake at night, or if something else was causing his fatigue.
Robert had recently returned from a two-week safari in central Africa. He said that he felt fine during the entire trip, but reported that he had received numerous bug bites while on safari. He also said that while he was in Africa he routinely ate unfamiliar foods, including meats, which may have been prepared and stored under conditions that would not be considered sanitary practices in the United Kingdom.
Doctors suspected Robert's symptoms were caused by an infection he developed while on safari.
QUESTIONS
Q1: Make a list of human pathogens that are endemic to sub-Saharan Africa and can be transmitted through bug bites or consumption of contaminated foods. Looking over your list, what do you think is the most likely cause(s) of Robert's illness? List at least three different pathogens.
Q2: What tests should doctors conduct to confirm this diagnosis?