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DEVELOPMENT OF HOMOEOPATHIC GENUS EPIDEMICUS FOR SECONDARY LEVEL PREVENTION OF DENGUE VIRUS INFECTION AT KANNUR, KERALA.
Abstract and Figures
Dengue fever is a viral infection commonly presented with high grade fever, myalgia, arthralgia, rashes, retro bulbar pain and thrombocytopenia. The causative agent is DEN virus which exists in four serotypes belongs to the Flaviviridae family. The morbidity is high in Kerala, which is hyperendemic area for dengue fever. The incidence is dramatically increases during monsoon. Homoeopathy is well recognized for secondary level prevention of dengue fever during outbreaks. Genus epidemicus is the name given to the medicine identified in homoeopathy to be used for prevention communicable diseases. The genus epidemicus was determined only after studying the symptom picture of the outbreak very closely. Recently several outbreaks have been reported from different locations from Kannur district. Objectives: The study was carried out to develop a homoeopathic working case definition (HWCD) and to identify a genus epidemicus (GE) to prevent further spreading of the disease. Universe: The study was carried out at 15 grama panchayths of Kannur district. Population: Participants diagnosed in the early stage of dengue fever with NS1Ag were selected. The population size was estimated at 105. Samples: 70 cases from childhood to old age. Sampling Procedure: Purposive Sampling. Tools: (1) RAECH-Case Taking Form, (2) DF Criteria, (3) Pain VAS, (4) Informed Consent. Techniques Used : HATS Method. Statistical Tests : (1) ANOVA, (2) Independent Samples Kruskal-Wallis Test, (3) Independent Samples Mann-Whitney Test, (4) Means, (5) Frequency (6) RADAR. Results: Significant differences among the distributions of symptoms and grade intensities were found among sex, age and block panchayaths. Repertorization was carried out using RADAR and probable medicines identified. Conclusion: The homoeopathic working case definition for the current outbreak of dengue fever at Kannur district identified. The genus epidemicus for various block panchayaths of Kannur district identified as Arsenicum album.
Key words: Genus Epidemicus; Homoeopathic Working Case Definition; HATS Method; Dengue Kannur Study; Preventive Study homoeopathy
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... Along with curative, the preventive aspect of homeopathy is also well supported by the historical data. 41 Homeopathy has reportedly been used to prevent previous epidemics of cholera, yellow fever, scarlet fever, Spanish influenza, diphtheria, typhoid, hepatitis, chikungunya, dengue etc. 41,47,48 Homeopathy always distinguishes the diseased individual, rather than compartmentalising the individuals based on the name of the disease; this is what differentiates homeopathy from other fields of medicines. Sometime COVID-19-positive patients present with various symptoms such as fever, dry cough and tiredness, whereas other symptoms may be seen in some patients which include body aches, rhinitis, headache, conjunctivitis, sore throat, loss of taste or smell or a rash on the skin or discoloration of fingers or toes. ...
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a zoonotic disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Its symptoms range from mild fever, cough, pharyngitis to severe acute respiratory syndrome. Since its first outbreak in Wuhan province of China, the disease has spread worldwide and emerged as pandemic. The infection is mainly spread by droplets and through contacts. Initially SARS-CoV-2 was thought to cause viral pneumonia only, but now it is evident that the virus can spread through the bloodstream and can cause systemic lesions as well. Though most of the time patients recovered spontaneously for immune-compromised patients, it is detrimental. Lack of effective therapy in conventional medicine has made host immune response as the only option to focus on this battle against COVID-19. First-world countries such as the USA, Italy, England and Spain have witnessed a massive number of deaths, and India is not an exception to that. The whole world is searching for effective treatment in the form of antiviral drugs, vaccines and hydroxychloroquine, but none has proven effective. Homeopathy has always put a mark during epidemics and in recent past during the elimination of leptospirosis in Cuba (2009–2014), homeopathy was very effective. In this scenario, we think homeopathy has a decisive role to play to fight this pandemic as it can enhance the host immune response and reduce the severity of the infection to a great extent. In this review, we will discuss the scopes of homeopathic medicines in the treatment of coronavirus disease.
... Further Aphorism 100 to102 also guide in the selection of Homoeopathic specific remedy for particular epidemic (Genus epidemicus). The physician must collect all the symptoms of several patients and select the Genus epidemicus of that epidemic [16,17] . Dr. Andre Saine [18] shared his experience in treating 16 COVID-19 patients, in these, nine cases are confirmed positive and 7 are suspected but highly likely COVID-19. ...
Corona virus disease or COVID-19 is a viral disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 and declared pandemic
by WHO. The COVID-19 infection has emerged from Wuhan, China in late December of 2019 and
soon become a global health emergency spreading over 216 countries and territories around the world
as there are no specific established treatments or vaccines available till date. Scientists around the
world are constantly enganged in research work to find out specific treatment and vaccines for this
disease. Several cases of treatment are being reported by the Homoeopathic physicians all over the
world and the results are promising. Some of the Homoeopathic medicine which are being used with
good results are Bryonia alba, Phosphorus, Arsenic album, Gelsemium sempervirens and Carboneum
oxygenisatum. Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India has recommended the Homoeopathic
medicine Arsenic album 30 as an immune booster for its possible role in preventing COVID-19
infection, and results are slowly coming out in the favour of this medicine. Homoeopathy as an
adjuvant to the standard care should be evaluated for the management of COVID-19.
... The preventive measures of homeopathy are eminent and undeniable; as homeopathic medicines act remarkably on a health condition and cure the diseases. The scientific literature related to homeopathy is highly witnessed [23][24][25][26]. There are numerous confirmations that in the year 1918-1919, when Spanish flu emerged, homeopathy had shown amazing results, during which around about 21 million patients died around the world and about 5,00,000 in the USA alone. ...
Purpose of Review
In the last month of 2019, i.e., December, COVID-19 hit Wuhan city in China. Since then, it has infected more than 210 countries and nearly about 33.4 million people with one million deaths globally. It is a viral disease with flu-like symptoms; hence, prevention and management is the best option to be adopted for its cure.
Recent Findings
Many healthcare systems, scientists, and researchers are fighting for the cure of this pandemic. Ayurvedic and allopathic treatments have been studied extensively and approached for the cure of COVID-19. In addition to ayurvedic treatments, the Ministry of Ayush, India, has also recommended many remedies to boost up immunity. Allopathic studies involved several antiviral drugs which were used in different combinations for the treatment of COVID-19.
Summary
Comparative analysis of Ayurveda and allopathic treatment strategies were carried out in the present study. Depending upon the patient’s conditions and symptoms, Ayurveda is useful for the treatment of COVID-19. Allopathic treatments inhibit viral infection by targeting majorly endocytosis, and angiotensin-converting enzyme (Ace) receptor signaling. In this article, we summarize different ayurvedic and allopathic medicines and treatment strategies which have been used for the treatment of COVID-19, a global pandemic.
... Further Aphorism 100 to102 also guide in the selection of Homoeopathic specific remedy for particular epidemic (Genus epidemicus). The physician must collect all the symptoms of several patients and select the Genus epidemicus of that epidemic [16,17] . Dr. Andre Saine [18] shared his experience in treating 16 COVID-19 patients, in these, nine cases are confirmed positive and 7 are suspected but highly likely COVID-19. ...
Corona virus disease or COVID-19 is a viral disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 and declared pandemic by WHO. The COVID-19 infection has emerged from Wuhan, China in late December of 2019 and soon become a global health emergency spreading over 216 countries and territories around the world as there are no specific established treatments or vaccines available till date. Scientists around the world are constantly enganged in research work to find out specific treatment and vaccines for this disease. Several cases of treatment are being reported by the Homoeopathic physicians all over the world and the results are promising. Some of the Homoeopathic medicine which are being used with good results are Bryonia alba, Phosphorus, Arsenic album, Gelsemium sempervirens and Carboneum oxygenisatum. Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India has recommended the Homoeopathic medicine Arsenic album 30 as an immune booster for its possible role in preventing COVID-19 infection, and results are slowly coming out in the favour of this medicine. Homoeopathy as an adjuvant to the standard care should be evaluated for the management of COVID-19.
... Further Aphorism 100 to102 also guide in the selection of Homoeopathic specific remedy for particular epidemic (Genus epidemicus). The physician must collect all the symptoms of several patients and select the Genus epidemicus of that epidemic [16,17] . Dr. Andre Saine [18] shared his experience in treating 16 COVID-19 patients, in these, nine cases are confirmed positive and 7 are suspected but highly likely COVID-19. ...
Coronavirus disease or COVID-19 is a viral disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 and declared a pandemic by WHO. The COVID-19 infection has emerged from Wuhan, China in late December of 2019 and soon become a global health emergency spreading over 216 countries and territories around the world as there are no specific established treatments or vaccines available till date. Scientists around the world are constantly engaged in research work to find out specific treatment and vaccines for this disease. Several cases of treatment are being reported by the Homoeopathic physicians all over the world and the results are promising. Some of the Homoeopathic medicine which are being used with good results are Bryonia alba, Phosphorus, Arsenic album, Gelsemium sempervirens and Carboneum oxygenisatum. Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India has recommended the Homoeopathic medicine Arsenic album 30 as an immune booster for its possible role in preventing COVID-19 infection, and results are slowly coming out in the favour of this medicine. Homoeopathy as an adjuvant to the standard care should be evaluated for the management of COVID-19.
... Influenza, leptospirosis, Scarlet fever, etc. [8] This concept of prevention and treatment of epidemic disease was first put forward by Samuel Hahnemann in the Organon of Medicine 5th edition in aphorism 102, -the whole extent of such an epidemic disease and the totality of its symptoms (the knowledge whereof, which is essential for enabling us to choose the most suitable homoeopathic remedy for this array of symptoms, is obtained by a complete survey of the morbid picture)... is ... ascertained from the sufferings of several patients of different constitutions‖. [9,10] The Genus Epidemicus (GE) is the remedy selected through observation of several cases of epidemic disease and analyzing the symptomatology of those cases for the most indicated medicine. [11] It was reported that during the recent past GE had been used during various disease outbreaks for preventing the spreading of diseases like Cholera, Chikungunya, Japanese Encephalitis, and Dengue Fever with good results. ...
Coronavirus disease also termed as COVID-19 or SARS-CoV-2 infection has been declared as a global pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). The COVID-19 infection has emerged as a global health emergency spreading over 210 countries and territories
around the world as there are no specific established treatments or vaccines available to date. In such a crisis, prevention of the further spread of the infection is the best possible containment approach being advocated by WHO and other health agencies. A vast clinical
experience does exist for the immune-boosting effect of Homoeopathic medicines and its role in the prevention of viral infection. The Genus Epidemicus has been used during various disease outbreaks for preventing the spread of diseases like Cholera, Chikungunya, Japanese Encephalitis, and Dengue Fever, etc. with good results. Given the clinical success in those severe infectious diseases, Homoeopathy as an adjuvant to the standard of care should be evaluated for the management of COVID-19. The Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) have suggested the use of Arsenicum album - 30 for its possible role in preventing COVID-19 infection. Following the same, we had prescribed the Arsenicum album - 30 to our patients, and our clinical experience is shared here. When there is no or very limited evidence is available for the effectiveness of Homoeopathy, this publication is expected to assist the identification of a better treatment approach and guide further research.
... This concept was first put forth by Samuel Hahnemann in the Organon of Medicine, Aphorism 241, as "…each single epidemic is of a peculiar, uniform character common to all the individuals attacked, and when this character is found in the totality of the symptoms common to all, it guides us to the discovery of homoeopathic (specific) remedy suitable for all the cases…." 67,68 There is anecdotal evidence that homeopathy was successful during the Spanish flu epidemic of 1918 to 1919, in which at least 20 million people died worldwide, more than 500,000 in the United States alone. According to the historian Julian Winston, the death rates for patients treated with homeopathy (genus epidemicus) were 1 to 2% compared with a 30 to 60% mortality for those treated by conventional physicians. ...
To study about the prevalence of hypothyroidism in
the age of 15- 55 years.
To study the efficacy of homoeopathic constitutional
treatment in Hypothyroidism
Background:Dengue fever is one of the most rampant epidemics in India of late and any therapy that may help limit the sickness and hospital admissions is worth considering. In India complementary and alternative medicine physicians are medically trained and hence have a role to play in delivery of public health.
Case Series:We present a retrospective case series of 10 Indian patients who were diagnosed with dengue fever and treated exclusively with homeopathic remedies at Bangalore, India.
This case series demonstrates with evidence of laboratory reports that even when the platelets dropped considerably there was good result without resorting to any other means.
Conclusions:A need for further, larger studies is indicated by this evidence, to precisely define the role of homeopathy in treating dengue fever. This study also emphasises the importance of individualised treatment during an epidemic for favourable results with homeopathy.
Abbreviations:DF: dengue fever, NS1: non-structural protein 1 antigen, IgG: immunoglobulin G, IgM: immunoglobulin M, +ve: positive, -ve: negative, WBC: white blood cells, RBC: red blood cells, ESR: erythrocyte sedimentation rate
For the past ten years, the number of dengue cases has gradually increased in India. Dengue is driven by complex interactions among host, vector and virus that are influenced by climatic factors. In the present study, we focused on the extrinsic incubation period (EIP) and its variability in different climatic zones of India. The EIP was calculated by using daily and monthly mean temperatures for the states of Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Kerala. Among the studied states, a faster/low EIP in Kerala (8–15 days at 30.8 and 23.4 °C) and a generally slower/high EIP in Punjab (5.6–96.5 days at 35 and 0 °C) were simulated with daily temperatures. EIPs were calculated for different seasons, and Kerala showed the lowest EIP during the monsoon period. In addition, a significant association between dengue cases and precipitation was also observed. The results suggest that temperature is important in virus development in different climatic regions and may be useful in understanding spatio-temporal variations in dengue risk. Climate-based disease forecasting models in India should be refined and tailored for different climatic zones, instead of use of a standard model.
Homeopathy has contributed throughout history to the control and eradication of epidemic diseases. Facing the challenge of controlling an outbreak of dengue, the Secretary of Health of the county of Macaé, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in early 2007 carried out a "Homeopathy Campaign against Dengue". 156,000 doses of homeopathic remedy were freely distributed in April and May 2007 to asymptomatic patients and 129 doses to symptomatic patients treated in outpatient clinics, according to the notion of "epidemic genus". The remedy used was a homeopathic complex against dengue containing Phosphorus 30cH, Crotalus horridus 30cH and Eupatorium perfoliatum 30cH. The incidence of the disease in the first three months of 2008 fell 93% by comparison to the corresponding period in 2007, whereas in the rest of the State of Rio de Janeiro there was an increase of 128%. While confounding factors were not controlled for, these results suggest that homeopathy may be an effective adjunct in Dengue outbreak prevention.
Dengue fever is re-emerging as a major scourge in south-east Asian countries affecting about 50-100 million people and causing about 25,000 mortality annually. India as a whole is under the risk of infection of this disease. We genetically characterized viruses causing Dengue infections in Kerala, one of the worst affected states of the Country during the disease outbreaks 2008-2010. All the 4 serotypes of the virus: DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3 & DENV-4 were found to be prevalent in the state. The genotypes recognized for these were III, IV, III and I respectively. The phylogenetic analysis evidenced that the re-emergence of serotype DENV-4 reported in Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh recently, is spreading to different regions of the Country. The circulation of all the 4 Dengue serotypes in Kerala, may lead to increase in the prevalence of more severe complications of this emerging disease, such as Dengue Hemorrhagic fever and Dengue shock syndromes.
Purpose: To investigate the effectiveness of homeopathic combination remedy compared with standard maintenance therapy for the treatment of dengue fever.Method: A total of 50 patients with dengue fever were divided into two equal groups. Group 1 was treated with homeopathic combination remedy for consecutive 6 days while standard maintenance therapy was similarly given to Group 2 patients. Their full blood count (FBC) including platelet count (PLT), white blood cell count (WBC) and hematocrit level (HCT) were recorded The parameters were monitored daily in order to determine between the two groups.Results: Following the six-day homeopathic combination remedy, PLT count increased from (95.60 ± 0.04) x 103 to (311 ± 0.13) x 103/μL, and WBC from (79.5 ± 0.05) x 104 to (90.3 ± 0.02) x 104/μL. However, HCT decreased from 48.02 ± 6.70 to 42.32 ± 3.42 %. On the other hand, standard maintenance therapy increased PLT count from (73.44 ± 0.04) x 103 to (239.00 ± 0.04) x 103/μL and WBC from (53.50 ± 0.02) x 104 to (79.40 ± 0.02) x 104/μL, but decreased HCT from 42.30 ± 2.48 to 39.68 ± 4.35 %. A significant difference was seen in the PLT count, WBC and HCT level between the two therapies (p = 0.012, 0.003 and 0.021, respectively).Conclusion: The homeopathic combination appeared to be a more potent treatment against dengue fever; however, further studies are required to demonstrate this clearly.
Dengue is one of the most serious and rapidly emerging tropical mosquito-borne diseases. The state of Kerala in India is hyperendemic for the disease and is one of the leading states in the reporting of deaths due to dengue. As primary prevention of dengue has had limited success, the prevention of mortality through the identification of risk factors and efficient patient management is of utmost importance. Hence, a record-based case control study was conducted in the Medical College Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram to identify the risk factors of mortality in patients admitted with dengue. Dengue patients over 40years of age were 9.3 times (95% CI; 1.9-44.4) more likely to die compared with younger patients. The clinical features associated with mortality from dengue were altered sensorium (odds ratio (OR) - 156, 95% CI; 12.575-1935.197), abnormal reflexes (OR - 8.5, 95% CI; 1.833-39.421) and edema (OR - 13.22, 95% CI; 2.651-65.951). Mortality was also higher in those patients with co-morbidities such as diabetes mellitus (OR - 26, 95% CI; 2.47-273.674) and hypertension (OR - 44, 95% CI; 6.23-315.499). The independent predictors of mortality were altered sensorium and hypertension. Dengue fever patients with these clinical features and those who are elderly should be more rigorously monitored and promptly referred from lower settings when required to reduce mortality.
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