It creates an application to identify the ticks

Photo courtesy Alexandre Guertin
Alexandre Guertin has developed the application for smart phones Detectik, which allows you to recognize the ticks with a photo. In case of doubt, it is advised to see a doctor.

Antoine Lacroix

Thursday, 27 July 2017 21:13

UPDATE
Thursday, 27 July 2017 21:13

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A master’s student in computer science from the University of Sherbrooke has invented a software for smart phones that allows you to detect ticks thanks to a photo.

• Read also : Lyme disease is growing in Quebec

“I wanted to create a tool to help the people because I don’t have the impression that everyone knows what it looks like a tick,” explains Alexandre Guertin. It is a big public health issue, the topic of the hour. “

Experts believe that the detection speed of the ticks is essential to prevent the transmission of infections, such as Lyme disease, explains the head of the laboratory of parasitology of the Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Karine Thivierge.

It is said that there is no risk if you remove the little critter in the next 24 to 36 hours after the bite, she adds.

It is in this context that the 26 year old young man has been able to develop Detectick, a software-image recognition trained to recognize the ticks in a few seconds, the result of a month and a half of intensive work.

According to Ms. Thivierge, such an application may assist in the prevention of diseases among the public at large ” that do not protect enough of the ticks “.

“Often, monsieur and madame Tout-le-monde does not know how to recognize ticks. When doing activities where there is risk of a bite, it is very important to look at its body to ensure that there are no insect clinging to us. The application can help to know if it is indeed a tick, “says Ms. Thivierge, who speaks of a” real risk “.

Medical tool

According to it, if the app was able to recognize the different kinds of ticks, it might even help the doctors when the time comes to make a diagnosis.

Photo courtesy Alexandre Guertin

“It could help the physician to manage the case of the person bitten. Not all the ticks that transmit the same diseases and some do not offer no “, she says.

Alexandre Guertin does not close the door to make changes to his invention, currently offered in the App Store and Google Play for $1.99.

“Currently, this is the first version, but it is certain that I want to improve it. This is the first time I do a project like this, so I’m not poorly reasoned. I don’t know how quickly I will be able to improve the whole, however, ” says the Granbyen of origin.

Consultation

Although the results are almost instantaneous and accurate, the student recalls that it does not replace the advice of a doctor.

“In a few seconds, the application will be able to say with precision what percentage of probabilities it is a tick. However, as soon as there is a doubt, it is always best to consult, it is very important, ” he argues.

The accuracy of the result, however, depends on the quality of the image provided to the application.

“It is certain that if the photo of the tick is fuzzy, it will be more difficult for the software to be specific for the image recognition. It is important to have good crop and put the image in the home. Also, take photos in different angles can help, ” said Alexandre Guertin.

How to protect against ticks ?

Wear long clothing of pale color to spot ticks more easily.

• Use an insect repellent containing DEET or icaridin in
• according to the instructions.
• Walk in the tracks or trails cleared.
• Take a bath or a shower in the two hours following an activity outside.
• Make every day a review of verification of the presence of ticks on you, your children and your pets.
• If you find a tick attached to the skin, remove it within 24 to 36 hours, this can help prevent the infection.
• Do a review of verification of the presence of ticks on your outdoor equipment, as they may bring ticks inside the house.

Source : Government of Canada