ABSTRACT
Background: Dermatophytoses are commonly encountered fungal diseases prevalent in most parts of the world especially in tropical countries. It is a superficial mycotic infection affecting hair, skin and nails. The present study was carried out to determine the incidence of dermatophytoses and their etiological agent in different age groups attending the Dermatology department. Methods: A total of 200 samples were taken from skin department and processed by direct KOH preparation & fungal culture methods. Identification of the species was done by Lactophenol Cotton Blue mount from colony. Results: Our study shows that males 60 (68.41%) are more infected than females 40 (31.59%) Tinea corporis was the commonest clinical type 59 (55.75%). The commonest fungal isolate is Trichophyton species (51.72%), followed by Micro-sporum 38 (36.92%) and Epidermophyton species 11(9.31 %). Conclusion: Male have higher fungal infection rate than females. Trichophyton rubrum is the common isolate in our geographical area. KOH preparation has higher positivity rate than culture.
ABSTRACT
Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an important pathogen isolated from various clinical infections. The occurrence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains is increasing worldwide and limiting our therapeutic options resulting in high mortality. We aim to study the incidence of multidrug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa in inpatients from various departments along with rate of nosocomial infections. Methods: A cross sectional study from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2013. A total of 167 Pseudomonas aeruginosa were isolated from 764 clinical specimens. The isolates were identified by standard microbiological techniques. The antibiotic susceptibility was done by Kirby Bauer method. Results: The highest number of isolates were from pulmonary samples n=90 (53.89%) followed by pus n=48 (28.74%). Overall, 39 (23.36%) isolates were nosocomial. The nosocomial isolates were mainly isolated from department of surgery, orthopaedics, obstetrics & gynaecology followed by others. Among 167 isolates screened, 53 (31.73%) were found to be MDR (resistant to ≥3 classes of antipseudomonal agents). The resistance was most against cephalosporins [Cefepime (65.26%), cefotaxime (60.47%)], fluoroquinolones [Ciprofloxacin (46.1%), levofloxacin (31.87%)] aminoglycosides [Amikacin (37.72%), gentamicin (31.13%)] followed by ureidopenicillins and carbepenems. About 56.75% isolates were suspected Metallo β lactamases producers. Conclusion: The study suggests that the incidence of nosocomial infection by multidrug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa is increasing globally especially the Metallo Beta lactamases producing strains. So there is a continuous need of conduction of surveillance programmes to formulate rational treatment strategies to combat this emerging challenge.
ABSTRACT
Background & objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among food handlers in the city of North eastern region of India. Materials and Methods: Three hundred food-handlers were included to in this study. The stool samples were collected from the subjects and examined for intestinal parasites following direct microscopic examination and Formol Ether concentration (Ritchie) technique. Results: The majority (88.63%) of the food-handlers (cases) were young adults and middle aged from 20 to 49 years. Eighty eight (29.33%) stool specimens were positive showing 99 different diagnostic stages of parasites. Some specimens were infected by more than 1 parasite. Ascaris lumbricoides 37(37.37%) was most frequent among the different detected intestinal parasites followed by Entamoeba histolytica 21(21.21%). Other parasites were Trichuris trichiura 10(10.10%), Giardia lamblia 9(9.09%) and Taenia species 5(5.05%). Most of the food handlers were having poor hygiene residing in rural area and slums. Conclusion: Routine screening of food handlers is a valuable tool for prevention of food-borne infections among the public. In addition we should provide health education emphasizing the importance of food handlers as potential sources of infections and suggested health institutions for appropriate hygienic and sanitary control measures.