In Pakistan, infectious diseases pose a devastating threat to our population while growing misuse of antibiotics evolving drug-resistance and emergence of newer-fatal strains of bacteria, viruses and fungus are augmenting burden on our nation’s fragile healthcare system.
Experts express this while addressing to the participants in an awareness seminar organised by Excel Labs Ltd. in collaboration with Hazrat Bari Imam Sarkar (HBS) Medical College, Islamabad on “Update on management of febrile illnesses” here in a local hotel.
The seminar was organised with an objective to increase awareness among public and health professionals about the varying dynamics of the infectious diseases and treatments.
Head of the infectious diseases at American Hospital in Dubai, which is one of the leading hospitals in the UAE, Dr. Moeena Zain was the guest speaker at the seminar held on Friday evening.
Chief Pathologist and CEO of Excel Labs Ltd Dr. Naseer Ahmad gave the welcoming note and highlighted the objectives and importance about the seminar. He explained to the audience the significance of introducing novel technologies in the field of pathology to better diagnose the diseases we are encountering particularly febrile illnesses.
Studies reveal that acute febrile illness is the medical term used to describe a sudden fever or elevation in body temperature. This happens when the body is invaded by a pathogen and the immune system is activated to fight it off.
Addressing the participants, Dr. Moeena Zain shed light on the “Update on management of febrile illnesses”. She discussed treatment options with a view to preventing outbreaks of bacterial germs that are resistant to the various commonly used antibiotics.
She, along with other experts, warned the participants of the newly emerging communicable diseases disaster in the country while stressing on the need of managing the situation well in time.
She also briefed the audience about the newly emerging viruses as Zika and Congo-Crimean Hemorrhagic Fever viruses along with Chikungunya that is transmitted by the Aedes Aegypti mosquito that causes dengue fever. Pakistan already has many cases of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever and dengue outbreaks, which have cost us many lives, she said.
Professor of Pathology at Yusra Medical College Professor Shagufta Hussain talked about common isolates from blood culture and their pattern of antibiotic sensitivity. Identifying the key pathogens and elucidating their patterns is a key step towards combating the drug resistance in humans, she said.
At the end of the seminar, the panel of experts from various fields gathered to answer the questions of the audience. The medical professionals attending the seminar achieved three hours of continuing medical education (CME) credits as well.
Source: The News
Byline: Muhammad Qasim
November 27, 2016