ABSTRACT
Background & Objectives: Awareness of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is still lacking in various regions of developing countries. The present study was carried out to assess the prevalence and to establish significant risk factors for colonization with MRSA in health care workers. Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out. Ninety one health care workers and were screened for MRSA by nasal swabbing. MRSA strains were detected by disc diffusion and chromogenic agar. The D test was also carried out to detect inducible clindamycin resistance. Hand hygiene practices were surveyed. Results:Twenty MRSA carriers were identified among the 91 health care workers (21.98%; CI95:13.97-31.88 %). A high prevalence was found in emergency ward (62.5 %; CI95: 24.49 -91.48 %) (p <0.05) .The surgical and orthopedic departments also showed high prevalence (54.55% and 75% respectively) (p< 0.001). Inducible clindamycin resistance was found in 20.45% samples. Chromogenic agar was found to have high sensitivity and results were similar to those of disc diffusion (p<0.001). Interpretation & Conclusion: The presence of significant risk factors aids in identification of high risk groups among hospital staff. Selective surveillance and effective lab techniques implemented in these groups will reduce the burden of MRSA in hospitals.
ABSTRACT
V. cholerae 01 E1 Tor isolated during Cholera epidemic of 1994 and V cholerae 0139 serotype isolated during 1993 epidemic were subjected to the study of proteases and other enzymes. Out of 26 strains of V. cholerae 01 studied, gelatinase and caseinase activity was seen in 100 and 69.23 percent strains respectively. All strains showed catalase and oxidase activity. Of the other enzymes studied 19.23, 65.38 and 57.69 percent strains were positive for DNAse, lipase and phosphatase respectively. None of the strains showed lecithinase activity. Similar findings were observed in 22 strains of V. cholerae 0139 except all strains were positive for phosphatase activity. Role of enzymes in virulence is suggested.
Subject(s)
Bacterial Proteins/metabolism , Endopeptidases/metabolism , Humans , Vibrio cholerae/enzymologyABSTRACT
A clone of V. cholerae serogroup O139 which emerged as a novel epidemic strain, was reported from this region in 1993 as from many other parts of India and adjoining countries. The decline in the isolation rate of this organism in subsequent years was followed by a sudden increase in 1997, this requires careful monitoring.
Subject(s)
India , Serotyping , Time Factors , Vibrio cholerae/classificationABSTRACT
During 1992, 1993 and 1994 a total of 65, 123 and 142 faecal samples respectively yielded 9, 54 and 87 strains of V. cholerae. Simultaneous occurrence of EL TOR vibrio and non 01 (i.e. 0139) was noted during 1993 and 1994 with variations in relative and absolute prevalence of each serotype. Seasonal incidence is fairly consistent in this region. Both V. cholerae serotypes 01 and 0139 showed resistance to one or more drugs.
Subject(s)
Cholera/epidemiology , Disease Outbreaks , Drug Resistance, Microbial , Humans , India/epidemiology , Serotyping , Time Factors , Vibrio cholerae/classificationABSTRACT
Thirty three patients presented with acute diarrhoea and vomiting, 12-24 h after consuming vegetarian food. Twenty three patients developed high grade fever, with two patients developing complications. Salmonella paratyphi A var durazzo was isolated from 12 faecal samples. This serovar of Salmonella as a causative organism of food poisoning is unusual.
Subject(s)
Adolescent , Adult , Child , Child, Preschool , Disease Outbreaks , Female , Humans , India/epidemiology , Infant , Male , Salmonella Food Poisoning/epidemiology , Salmonella paratyphi A/isolation & purificationABSTRACT
A case of primary cutaneous nocardiosis on abdominal wall, caused by Nocardia asterides is reported here. The site and the organism are both rarely encountered. The patient responded to sulphonamide treatment.
Subject(s)
Adult , Humans , Male , Nocardia Infections/diagnosis , Nocardia asteroides , Skin Diseases, Bacterial/diagnosisABSTRACT
A total of 65 strains of V. cholerae were isolated during June-July 1994 at Yavatmal (Maharashtra). Of the 65 strains isolated, 62 were 01 El Tor Vibrios, while three were non 01 serotype 0139. The novel epidemic strain designated as 0139 reported during the outbreak in 1993, has been supplanted by the usual El Tor Vibrio during the present outbreak while 0139 serotype has remained sporadic.