GIDEON: a comprehensive Web-based resource for geographic medicine

Abstract

GIDEON (Global Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology Network) is a web-based computer program designed for decision support and informatics in the field of Geographic Medicine. The first of four interactive modules generates a ranked differential diagnosis based on patient signs, symptoms, exposure history and country of disease acquisition. Additional options include syndromic disease surveillance capability and simulation of bioterrorism scenarios. The second module accesses detailed and current information regarding the status of 338 individual diseases in each of 220 countries. Over 50,000 disease images, maps and user-designed graphs may be downloaded for use in teaching and preparation of written materials. The third module is a comprehensive source on the use of 328 anti-infective drugs and vaccines, including a listing of over 9,500 international trade names. The fourth module can be used to characterize or identify any bacterium or yeast, based on laboratory phenotype. GIDEON is an up-to-date and comprehensive resource for Geographic Medicine.

Figure 1

GIDEON Diagnosis module. Clinical data entered for a patient suffering from joint pain and fever following a trip to Indonesia.

Figure 2

Differential diagnosis for case in Figure 1. "Why not" and 'Compare' options are available at upper left.

Figure 3

Epidemiological background on the status of Chikungunya in Indonesia. Additional options access the descriptive epidemiology ('General' tab), clinical features, clinical images, etc for this disease.

Figure 4

Data entry screen for a bioterrorism scenario.

Figure 5

Epidemiology module, main screen. The 'images' tab has been pressed, to access thumbnail images of Plague. These can be maximized and copied to PowerPoint, etc. Note addition of 'Personal notes' by the user, at lower right.

Figure 6

Epidemiology module. Map depicting the global distribution of plague. Specific map areas can be expanded, and all elements can be copied for reproduction as necessary. Country-specific notes regarding plague appear when corresponding red dots are clicked.

Figure 7

Plague in Tanzania. Clicking on relevant data sets will generate incidence and rates graphs. Note several numbered links to journal publications.

Figure 8

Plague – Worldwide incidence and rates per 100,000.

Figure 9

Graph contrasting AIDS rates among user-selected countries.

Figure 10

Epidemiology "Fingerprint" query (upper left screen). How many different parasitic diseases can be acquired by eating fish in Japan?