Tropical Diseases on Insurgence: Clinician's Perspective

Partha Chatterjee1, Nilendu Sarma2, Sushila Hansda2

  • 1Department of Medicine, College of Medicine and Sagar Dutta Medical College, Kolkata, West Bengal, India.

Insights

India faces a rise in infectious diseases like leptospirosis, dengue, chikungunya, Japanese encephalitis, and leishmaniasis. These often vector-borne and zoonotic diseases pose significant public health challenges due to high morbidity and mortality.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • India is experiencing a notable increase in the prevalence of various viral and bacterial infections.
  • Many of these emerging diseases are vector-borne and zoonotic, while others have distinct transmission routes.
  • These infections contribute significantly to public health burdens, characterized by high rates of illness and death.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the growing concern of infectious diseases in India.
  • To discuss five specific prevalent diseases: leptospirosis, dengue, chikungunya, Japanese encephalitis, and leishmaniasis.
  • To underscore the complex interplay of factors contributing to disease emergence and re-emergence.

Main Methods:

  • This article provides a discussion and overview of key infectious diseases in India.
  • It synthesizes information on the epidemiology and impact of selected diseases.
  • No primary data collection or experimental methods are detailed; it is a review-based discussion.

Main Results:

  • Five significant infectious diseases—leptospirosis, dengue, chikungunya, Japanese encephalitis, and leishmaniasis—are identified as major concerns in India.
  • The article emphasizes the synergistic role of various factors in the emergence and re-emergence of these infections.
  • High morbidity and mortality rates are associated with these prevalent diseases.

Conclusions:

  • Addressing the rising tide of infectious diseases in India requires a comprehensive understanding of contributing factors.
  • Continued surveillance and control strategies are crucial for managing vector-borne and zoonotic diseases.
  • Public health interventions must target the multifaceted nature of disease transmission and emergence.

Related Concept Videos

Infection01:20

Infection

When a pathogen enters the body and reproduces, it can cause an infection, damage body cells, and cause illness symptoms that eventually lead to disease. Therefore, its prevention requires breaking the chain of infection.
The chain begins with pathogens: bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions, or parasites such as protozoa helminths. These can be present on the skin as transient or resident flora, or they can be acquired from the environment. Identifying and treating the type of infection and...
12.9K
Pulmonary Tuberculosis V01:28

Pulmonary Tuberculosis V

Medical management of tuberculosis (TB) patients involves a comprehensive approach that includes diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring. The specific strategies can vary depending on the type of tuberculosis (latent or active), the patient's overall health status, and other considerations.
Latent tuberculosis infection occurs when TB bacteria are present in a person's body, but are not causing illness or symptoms. It is not contagious, and preventive treatment is crucial to avoid the...
663
Principles of Disease Surveillance01:26

Principles of Disease Surveillance

Disease surveillance is the systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of health data essential to the planning, implementation, and evaluation of public health practice. This process integrates data dissemination to entities responsible for preventing and controlling disease, injury, and disability. Surveillance systems provide crucial information for action, helping public health authorities make informed decisions to manage and prevent outbreaks, ensure public safety, optimize...
610
Transmission-based Precautions I: Contact, Enteric, and Droplets01:17

Transmission-based Precautions I: Contact, Enteric, and Droplets

Transmission-based precautions are for patients known to be infected or suspected to be infected or colonized with organisms that pose a significant risk to others. Some transmission-based precautions include contact, enteric, and droplet.
Contact Precautions:
Contact precautions are the measures taken to prevent the transmission of infectious agents, especially epidemiologically important microorganisms such as MRSA or influenza, primarily transmitted through direct or indirect contact with an...
4.7K
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I01:29

Pulmonary Tuberculosis I

Tuberculosis, often called TB, is a contagious illness primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lung parenchyma but can also impact other body parts.
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
1.1K
Prevalence and Incidence01:08

Prevalence and Incidence

In statistical epidemiology and health sciences, two essential metrics—prevalence and incidence—are fundamental for understanding disease dynamics within a population. These measures enable public health officials, epidemiologists, and researchers to assess the burden of diseases, allocate resources effectively, and design impactful public health policies and interventions.
Prevalence indicates the proportion of individuals in a population who have a specific disease or health...
2.0K