[Use of telemedicine within the diagnosis of parasites and viruses]

Infectious diseases are among the most common diseases in military deployment situations. Their diagnosis requires special equipment and expertise, which are both provided by the laboratories within the mission area. In order to further enhance the diagnostic process by means of telemedical expert support, a telemicrobiology module with special devices, camera and software has been designed within the medical service of the German armed forces as a modification to the standard telemedicine workstation. The telemicrobiology equipment which was not only developed but also evaluated at Koblenz, was then installed in the mission laboratories and has proved useful in routine practice. Teleparasitology is the most frequently used application under the conditions encountered during missions abroad. Televirology counts for establishing scientific network capabilities. The most predominant and important factor is the immediate gaining of expertise in the area of mission without the exportation of the expert.