Seminar On Infectious Diseases
S.C. Parija, Head, Department of Microbiology, JIPMER (third right) with the souvenir released in connection with the seminar on Infectious Diseases held at Dr. N.G.P. Arts and Science College in the city on Friday. Nalla G. Palaniswami, Chairman of KMCH (second left) is in the picture. The main cause of concern in the field of microbiology is the likelihood of the return of the major infectious diseases like small pox and plague, which the world had thought had been eradicated, S.C. Parija, Head, Department of Microbiology, Jawaharlal Institute of Post-graduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, said here on Friday. Inaugurating a national symposium on ‘Infectious Diseases’ organised by the Department of Microbiology at the Dr. N.G.P. Arts and Science College, Mr. Parija said there was every possibility of terrorists using the small pox virus on a massive scale as a biological warfare means to cause destruction. “This is a very serious concern as those born after 1981 are not vaccinated for small pox.” “We are working towards minimisation of infectious diseases, if not their total eradication. Poliomyelitis is expected to be eradicated soon, which can be considered as a silver lining,” Mr. Parija said.
In addition to the possibility of the return of the eradicated diseases like small pox and plague, the threat that was attached to the comparatively new viruses like AIDS and HIV was also great.“It is true that India is becoming one of the largest carriers of the virus”. Bird flu was also another threat to contend with. He insisted on quality research for eradication of infectious micro-organisms. Nalla G. Palaniswami, Chairman of Kovai Medical Center and Hospital, said lack of hygiene and civic sense were the main causes for the spread of infectious diseases in India.
