title: Medical diagnosis in resource-poor tropical countries.
abstract: When working in healthcare centers in developing countries where diagnostic resources are limited, clinical skills are of considerable importance. This study presents the diagnostic tools available in resource-poor areas. Anamnesis and physical examination are key components for reaching a correct diagnosis. The laboratory has at its disposal hemograms, basic blood chemistry and urinalysis. The available basic microbiological tests are the study of fresh feces, smears for malaria, direct smears for bacilli in sputum and Gram staining of clinical exudates. Basic radiography of the chest, abdomen, bones and soft tissues are of considerable usefulness but are not available in all centers. Ultrasonography can be of considerable usefulness due to its simplicity and versatility. The diagnosis in low resource conditions should sharpen our clinical skills and should be supported by the use of additional basic tests.
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital General Universitario de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche, Elche, Alicante, España. Electronic address: jramosrincon@yahoo.es.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Ramos-Rincón
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario Príncipe de Asturias, Universidad de Alcalá de Henares, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, España.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Cuadros-González
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Infanta Sofía, San Sebastián de los Reyes, Madrid, España.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Malmierca-Corral
authors.affiliation: División de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, España.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: de Górgolas-Hernández
keywords: Africa; Diagnosis; Diagnóstico; Diagnóstico de laboratorio; Diagnóstico radiológico; Diagnóstico ultrasónico; Exploración física; Laboratory diagnosis; Medicina tropical; Physical examination; Radiological diagnosis; Tropical medicine; Ultrasound diagnosis; África