The remote diagnosis of malaria using telemedicine or e-mailed images

Mil Med. 2006 Dec;171(12):1167-71. doi: 10.7205/milmed.171.12.1167.

Abstract

We determined the ability of blinded remote expert microscopy to identify malaria parasites through transmission of malaria smear images via telemedicine and as e-mail attachments. Protocols for malaria smear transmission included: (1) transmission of sender-selected televised smears at various bandwidths (Bw), (2) transmission of remote reader-directed televised smears at various Bw, and (3) transmission of digital photomicrographs as e-mail attachments. Twenty (14%) of 147 sender-selected, and 13 (6%) of 221 reader-directed, images were deemed unreadable by slide readers. The presence or absence of malaria was correctly identified in 98% of the remaining images. Sixty-four (34%) of 190 digital microphotographs were deemed unreadable, while the presence or absence of malaria was correctly identified in 100% of the remaining images. Correct speciation ranged from 45% to 83% across various transmission methods and Bw. The use of telemedicine and e-mail technology shows promise for the remote diagnosis of malaria.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Electronic Mail*
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Humans
  • Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted
  • Malaria / parasitology
  • Malaria / pathology*
  • Microscopy / methods*
  • Military Medicine / methods*
  • Military Personnel
  • Plasmodium falciparum / isolation & purification
  • Plasmodium vivax / isolation & purification
  • Remote Consultation*
  • Species Specificity
  • Texas
  • United States