Question

Analyze how technology can enhance infectious disease tracking and control practices and related communication

Answer 1

Infectious diseases remain significant contributor to the burden of disease in low and middle income countries. Leading communicable diseases are AIDS, TB, malaria, diarrhoeal diseases, measles and lower respiratory tract infections.

Technology cannot stop the spread of epidemic but it can educate, warn and empower those on the ground to significantly reduce the impact.

a. Easy method of tracking infectious diseases

Health information technology- combines computer hardware and software to store and share and use health care information for both communication and decision making.E.g.,

1. Internet and mobile phone based tools like 'Health map'- gather information from the individual directly at the point of care

2. Electronic medical records- Through this hospitals can submit reportable laboratory results to public health agencies

b. Greatest technological advances in the field of diagnostic microbiology and in treatment of infectious diseases

So many rapid diagnostic studies and real time diagnostic studies were developed to rapidly diagnose the infectious diseases.

1. Immunoassay detection of group A beta hemolytic streptococcus

2. New real time Polymerase chain reaction test

3. Muliplex Polymerase chain reaction test

4. Microarray techniques

5. Nucleic acid amplification test

Treatment for infectious diseases in timely manner has been developed now a days through,

1. Telemedicine

2. Computer decision support for antibiotics prescribing.e.g., Antimicrobial reference app like Sanford guide

3. Allerting the public through messaging through mobile phones, telecosting etc.,