Telehealth: a perspective approach for visceral leishmaniasis (kala-azar) control in India

Pathog Glob Health. 2012 Jul;106(3):150-8. doi: 10.1179/2047773212Y.0000000014.

Abstract

Visceral leishmaniasis, also known as kala-azar, is a vector borne disease caused by the protozoan parasite, L. donovani. Poor and neglected populations in Indian sub-continent are particularly affected by this disease. Due to the diversity of epidemiological situations, no single diagnosis, treatment, or control will be suitable for all. Control measures through case findings, treatment, and vector control are seldom used, even where they could be useful. Modern tools like telehealth, using space technology, have now come in handy to address issues of disease surveillance, control checking, and evaluation. The present study focuses on telehealth as a current vector control strategy, perspectives on diagnosis, treatment, and control of visceral leishmaniasis as these deserve more attention and research.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Communicable Disease Control / methods*
  • Humans
  • India / epidemiology
  • Leishmaniasis, Visceral / diagnosis
  • Leishmaniasis, Visceral / drug therapy
  • Leishmaniasis, Visceral / epidemiology*
  • Leishmaniasis, Visceral / prevention & control
  • Telemedicine / methods*