PhD defence Bieke Tack

Supervisors

• Prof. dr. Jan Jacobs (ITM/KU Leuven)

• Prof. dr. Jaan Toelen (KU Leuven)

Abstract

This PhD project reports on the high burden of bloodstream infections in children under-five in DR Congo. The research identified diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, such as malaria co-infections and antimicrobial resistance.  Next, potential solutions, e.g. clinical decision support, pediatric antibiotic formulations, were formulated. Interestingly, many of these challenges and solutions can be generalized to other causes of severe febrile illness in children under-five in sub-Saharan Africa.