KMC to Host Conference to Overcome Challenges of Tropical Infectious Diseases
Mangaluru: Tropical diseases are diseases that are prevalent in or unique to tropical and subtropical regions. The diseases are less prevalent in temperate climates, due in part to the occurrence of a cold season, which controls the insect population by forcing hibernation. The initial impetus for tropical medicine was to protect the health of colonialists. Insects such as mosquitoes and flies are by far the most common disease carrier, or vector. These insects may carry a parasite, bacterium or virus that is infectious to humans and animals. Most often disease is transmitted by an insect “bite”, which causes transmission of the infectious agent through subcutaneous blood exchange. Vaccines are not available for most of the diseases listed here, and many do not have cures. Human exploration of tropical rain forests, deforestation, rising immigration and increased international air travel and other tourism to tropical regions has led to an increased incidence of such diseases.
The current TDR disease portfolio includes: Dengue; Malaria; Helminths; Chagas disease; African trypanosomiasisor sleeping sickness; Leprosy; Lymphatic filariasisis, a parasitic disease; Elephantiasis; Onchocerciasis or river blindness is the world’s second leading infectious cause of blindness; Schistosomiasis also known as snail fever; Sexually transmitted infections; TB-HIV co-infection; Tuberculosis; and few others.
Addressing the media persons during a press meet held at Mangalore Press Club, Dr Shrikala Baliga, Professor in Microbiology, KMC and Organizing Secretary of the Conference said, “The 2nd MAC ID International Conference, with the theme “Unifying All To Overcome The Challenges of Tropical Infectious Diseases” will be held on 11 and 12 August 2018 at Dr TMA Pai Convention Centre, Mangaluru, jointly organized by MAC ID and KMC Mangaluru, in association with the McGill Global Health Programme-Canada, and Dr TMA Pai Endowment chair in HIV and Opportunistic Infections. This conference will be a meeting place for microbiologists, physicians and paediatricians”
She further said, “Beside topics in tropical diseases we will also have discussions on current problems due to infections with Multi-Drug resistant organisms. Speakers with vast clinical experience have been invited to deliver the lectures. Speakers like Dr O C Abraham, Dr Rajeev Soman, Dr Sandhya Kabra, Dr Chand Wattal, Dr V Ravi, Dr Bhaskar Shenoy and Dr Ira Shah will be delivering lectures spread over two days. Simultaneously adult and pediatric sessions with interesting case discussions are the other highlights. The topics have been selected to be of special interest to clinicians and academicians working in the field of Medicine, Pediatrics, Microbiology, Epidemology, and Public Health. Dr Vinod Bhat- Vice Chancellor, MAHE will be chief guest for the inaugural ceremony. Nearly 400 delegates are expected to participate in this conference, and as many as 130 papers will be presented” added Dr Baliga.
Dr John Ramapuram-Joint Organizing Secretary said that an interesting quiz for postgraduate with exciting prizes for the winners will also be an added attraction. Karntaka Medical Council has also credited the conference with 4 credit points”. Dr Deepak Madi-associate Professor, Dept of Medicine KMC said, “India bears the brunt of tropical diseases due to poverty, lack of sanitation and unchecked antibiotic misuse. To reduce this burden, we need to have a multidisciplinary approach. The Manipal-Mc Gill Centre for infectious Disease {MAC-ID} at the Prasanna School of Public Health was set up at Manipal Academy of Higher Education {MAHE} to achieve excellence in infectious diseases research and training with Dr Kavitha Saravu-Professor, Dept of Medicine, KMC Manipal and Dr Madhukar Pai-Director, McGill Global Health Programs/Director of McGill International TB Centre, Mc Gill University, as the coordinators”.
Dr Shalini Shenoy- Professor in Microbiology was also present on the dais, while KMC Marketing Manager Rakesh Darshan graced the press meet.
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