ABSTRACT
Introduction: The Revised National TB Control Programme(RNTCP), a state-run tuberculosis (TB) control initiative of theGovernment of India, has been very successful inimplementing the DOTS strategy in India. It is based onsputum smear diagnosis and a reliable supply of good qualitydrugs, both provided at no cost to the patient.Methodology: In this cross-sectional study, the data wascollected from 150 eligible patients during the period January2018 to July 2019, from a peripheral DOTS TB centre and 5private medical practitioners representing both private andgovernment clinics. 75 patients enrolled from private medicalpractitioners were not enrolled under RNTCP programme.Result: 150 patients were enrolled in this study. 75 patientswere enrolled in DOTS Programme in a Rural Dots Centrewhile remaining 75 were investigated and treated by privatepractitioners. Both groups of patients were given standardisedCategory 1 regimen. None of the patient had received previousTB treatment.Conclusion: This study concludes that reducing out-of-pocketcosts to patients may increase the access to the poor peopleand thus promoting the universal access of TB care servicesas well.
ABSTRACT
Background: Dengue being the most prevalent mosquito borne arboviral infection in India, has become endemic in India with every year outbreaks. Despite substantial efforts to control the mosquito populations, dengue fever has spread, emerged and established itself rapidly. Objectives: This study is to correlate the platelet count and IgM /IgG and NS1 in the acute stage of dengue infection Materials & Methods: The present study was conducted for a period of 22 months in Heritage Institute of Medical Sciences from January 2016 to November 2017. Blood samples were collected from 1347 suspected Dengue patients. In all the serologically positive cases, serological confirmation and evaluation of platelet counts of dengue infection was done. Results: A total of 1347 suspected cases were admitted during the study period and among them, 155 (11.51%) were found to be seropositive for dengue. Among the dengue cases, Males (61.05%) were affected more than females (38.7%). Out of 155 positive cases, 108 [69.7%] cases were positive for NS1antigen either alone or in combination with antibodies.77 [49.7%] cases were exclusively positive for NS1 antigen only. Out of 108 cases that were positive for NS1, thrombocytopenia was observed in 70 cases (64.8%) whereas when the antibodies alone were considered, thrombocytopenia was observed in 18 out of 47 cases (38.3%. In a total of 155 cases, thrombocytopenia was seen in 88 cases (56.8%). Conclusion: The study draws attention toward diagnosis of dengue serologically by testing NS1 antigen and IgM / IgG antibodies. NS1inclusion in the diagnosis of dengue increases the chance of early diagnosis in order to avoid complications significantly