An innovative wireless digital microscope for enhanced malaria detection and telepathology in remote villages

Physicians and specialist pathologists are in acute short supply in developing countries, where the burden of disease is highest. Malaria is a tropical disease that is severely under-reported or misdiagnosed due to lack of physicians. A wireless digital microscope capable of automatic image acquisition, image signal processing, wireless communication for telepathology and automated malaria detection is presented in this paper with potential to alleviate the problem. The digital microscope can help detect malaria infection and also indicate the level of infection from a Giemsa stained blood smear. A medical report containing the image(s) can also be electronically transmitted for expert second opinion to a well-staffed and well-equipped but distant hospital. We show how this new tool can help take telemedicine to the remote villages or hilly towns, and significantly enhance current Malaria detection rates.