Indian J Med Res
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Animal disease surveillance encompasses systematic collection of long-term data on disease events, risk factors and other relevant parameters followed by analyzing the same with reference to temporal and spatial characteristics to arrive at a conclusion so that necessary preventive measures can be taken. In India, the animal disease surveillance is done through National Animal Disease Reporting System, which is a web-based information technology system for disease reporting from States and Union Territories with the aim to record, monitor livestock disease situation and to initiate the preventive and curative action in a swift manner during disease emergencies. ⋯ An integrated surveillance system is necessary for early detection of emerging/zoonotic diseases in humans. This review provides information on disease reporting and surveillance systems in animal health sector and the need for One Health approach to improve and strengthen the zoonotic disease surveillance system in India.
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There is an increased connectedness among humans, animals, and the environment and the current pandemic has taught the interlinking of the health of humans, animals and the planet. This inter-connectedness and factors like population growth, migration, urbanization, and climate change contribute significantly to the enhanced probability of emergence of previously unknown wildlife source pathogens at any place, any time, and without warning. Lurking in the background is the massive potential for the deliberate use of biological agents as weapons by State or non-State entities. ⋯ Every country including India is at risk of biothreat. The concept of one health is thus essential for responding to emerging infectious diseases or biothreats. Comprehensive surveillance for early detection, reporting and early concerted action is needed for prevention and blunting the effect of biothreats, which require close coordination and collaboration among various stakeholders within each country as well as globally.
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Congenital anomalies lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Systematically published data on the prevalence and spectrum of congenital anomalies from India are scarce. This study was aimed to ascertain the prevalence, spectrum, trend, and outcome of congenital anomalies at a tertiary care centre in north India over two decades. ⋯ Our results showed a high prevalence of congenital anomalies which could be responsible for significant mortality, warranting the need for a national surveillance programme and birth defect services. It is important to have a national database to know the overall burden and spectrum of congenital anomalies in the country.
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Despite tobacco use among college students being a major health concern, data remain sparse from India. It is in this background that this study aimed to report the prevalence of tobacco use and its psychosocial correlates among college students in the State of Kerala, India. ⋯ Although the prevalence of tobacco use in our study was relatively low, the proportionately higher rates of hazardous use and its association with the negative correlates suggest that more needs to be done to prevent its deleterious consequences.
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Endometriosis is one of the causes of female infertility, but the prevalence of endometriosis is not exactly known. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to provide an estimate of the prevalence of endometriosis in women considering the stage of disease, diagnostic method, geographical distribution, clinical symptoms and sample size. ⋯ The results of this study showed that the prevalence of endometriosis in developing countries was high. Future studies are needed to explore other factors affecting the prevalence of endometriosis worldwide, which may help develop future prevention programmes.