Every year, 13 million people die from infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, malaria and HIV/AIDS around the world. The overwhelming majority of these deaths occur in developing countries and early detection is key to mitigate the spread of infection and the outbreak of epidemics.
During an event held on the margins of the 62nd IAEA General Conference, experts reviewed the role of nuclear medicine in the diagnosis of infectious diseases and the ways in which the IAEA can support the Member States in building capacities to diagnose these diseases. The event also covered the role of stable isotope techniques in understanding the link between nutrition and infectious diseases.
“Infectious diseases that had been decreasing in incidence are re-emerging as a significant threat world-wide, especially in view of resistance to treatment. In addition, inadequate nutrition can also render the population more susceptible to certain infections” said May Abdel-Wahab, Director of the IAEA’s Division of Human Health. “Nuclear techniques can be used to improve accuracy and provide solutions to these diagnostic challenges.”
The experts pointed out that when using conventional screening methods, some infections may not be discernible in their earlier stages and may even be mistaken for other diseases, including different cancers. Nuclear technologies enable detection before the appearance of symptoms in individuals, increasing the chances of physicians to control the spread of disease.
Original source: IAEA
Published on 19 September 2018
