Global infectious diseases and epidemiology network (GIDEON): A world wide web-based program for diagnosis and Informatics in infectious diseases

The Global Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology Network ( GIDEON) ( http:// www. gideononline. com) consists of 4 modules. The first is designed to generate a ranked differential diagnosis list for any infectious diseases scenario in any of 220 countries. The second follows the country- specific epidemiology of 337 individual diseases. The third presents a comprehensive encyclopedia of 308 generic anti- infective drugs and vaccines, including a listing of 19500 trade names. The fourth generates a ranked identification list based on the phenotype of bacteria, mycobacteria, and yeasts. The program performs well and serves as a useful paradigm for World Wide Web - based informatics. GIDEON is an eclectic program that can serve the needs of clinicians, epidemiologists, and microbiologists working in the fields of infectious diseases and geographic medicine.