Dengue and Chikungunya viruses Co infection: A serological based study from tertiary care center, Ahmadabad, India

Introduction: Dengue and Chikungunya (CHIK) infections appear to be increasing in all parts of India. Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are common vectors for dengue virus (DENV) and CHIK virus (CHIKV - Chikungunya Virus). In areas where both viruses co circulate, they can be transmitted together. Aim: The present study was undertaken to study the prevalence of dengue–CHIK co infection and compare with monoinfection. Methods: IgM antibody capture ELISA (Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay) for dengue IgM and CHIK IgM and ELISA for dengue non structural protein 1 antigen was performed on serum samples obtained from suspected patients. Results: Out of total 1071 samples from suspected patients for dengue & chikungunya infection, 212 (19.7%) samples were positive for DENV while CHIK IgM antibodies were positive in 145 (13.53%) patients. Total 44 sera were positive (4.10%) for co-infection of dengue and CHIK. Conclusion: Increase in the number of Dengue and Chikungunya infections and their cocirculation is an important public health concern which warrants the implementation of strict control measures

Dengue Serotype Prevalence and Laboratory Profile Correlation in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Gandhinagar

Background: Dengue fever and dengue haemorrhagic fever currently rank highly among the newly emerging infectious diseases and are the most important arboviral disease worldwide. Dengue virus can be distinguished by both serological and molecular methods. This study was aimed at analysing the prevalence and laboratory dynamics of the four dengue serotypes in tertiary care patients attending GMERS Medical College Gandhinagar. Material & methods: This study was an observational retrospective study. A total 105 samples were tested for Dengue serotyping by RT-PCR. Results: Among positive patients Dengue virus serotype-2 was the most common serotype 94 (89%) followed by DENV3 7(6%) and DENV4 2(2%). Co-infection with DENV 2/4 was 2(2%). A higher prevalence of dengue haemorrhagic fever was noted in serotype 2 compared to serotypes 3, 4, and coinfection. Thrombocytopenia was present in all serotypes of infection. There was a significant difference in the disturbance of liver function in DENV2, as compared to others serotype. Dengue serotype 2 was very common in rural areas, while dengue serotype 3 was seen in the urban Gandhinagar zone. Discussion: Dengue is the most extensively spread mosquito-borne disease. As per previous studies most common prevalent and severity of serotype wasDENV2, however in our study we were able to identify DENV3, DENV4 and confection with serotypes (DENV2 & DENV4).

A Study Of The Prevalence Of Cryptosporidium Parvum In Stool Samples Of Patients Of Tertiary Care Hospital, Ahmedabad.

Abstracts: Background: Intestinal parasitic infections remain a serious public health problem globally.Although there could be many other causes of diarrhoea, the enteric protozoa Cryptosporidium parvumhave been recognized as important causes of both out-break-related and sporadic diarrhoea in humans. Both immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals could be the victims but immunocompromised peoples are likely to be most seriously affected. This study was done to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium parvumin Stool samples. Methodology: A 100 Stool samples of patients visiting General Hospital, Sola, Ahmedabad from December 2013 to March 2014 were followed for Stool microscopy for demonstration of cyst of Cryptosporidium parvum.Modified ZN stain done from direct smear from stool sample but their concentration is increased by formal ether concentration technique. Results: Out of total 100 stool samples were examined in which 85 were positive for bacteriological infections and 15 for parasitic infection. Prevalence of Cryptosporidium parvum infection in our study is 5 %. Among 100 patients only 3 were positive for Cryptosporidium infection in 96 immunocompetent patients and 2 were positive for Cryptosporidium infection in 4 immunocompromised patients. So higher rate of prevalence of Cryptosporidium parvum infection seen in immunocompromised patients. Conclusion: Cryptosporidium infection is transmitted by feco-oral route & water borne, so proper sanitation and disinfection of water reduce the prevalence of infection. Cryptosporidium parvum diarrhoea is self-limiting illness and cured by fluid therapy. Drug therapy is only for severe infection. In immunocompromised patients like HIV antiretroviral therapy and fluid therapy is necessary for Cryptosporidium infection.

Seroprevalence of HIV in pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in a health institution in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

Background: The issue of HIV/AIDS and women’s health can be viewed in the context of (1) the unravelling epidemic, (2) the screening of women for HIV and provision of ongoing surveillance, and (3) hope for the future, even though the battle against HIV has not won. Estimating the seroprevalence of HIV in a low risk population such as pregnant women provides essential information for an effective implementation of AIDS control programs, and also for the monitoring of HIV spread within a country. This study was conducted to establish the prevalence rate of HIV amongst pregnant women attending antenatal clinic. Methods: Blood samples from pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Sola Civil Hospital and G.M.E.R.S. Medical College, Ahmedabad, were collected after informed consent and pre test counselling. The samples were tested for HIV antibodies as per the WHO guidelines. Data was collected and analyzed for a period of 1 year from1st April 2010 to 31st March 2011.Results: Of the 3101 pregnant women tested in one year 11(0.35%) women were found to be HIV seroreactive. Conclusion: The economic and demographic consequences of the spread of HIV/AIDS are inexorable and awesome. The prevalence rate recorded in this study suggests that HIV screening of pregnant women should be an on- going exercise. Development of programs with an integrated approach to inducing behavioural change, promotion of use of condoms and controlling Sexually Transmitted Diseases(STD)’s may reduce the infectivity of HIV transmitters and susceptibility of HIV exposed persons.

Multiparticulate approach: an emerging trend in colon specific drug delivery for Chronotherapy.

Colonic targeting has gained increasing interest over the past years. A considerable number of patents and publications dealing with the colon specific drug delivery system indicate a growing focus of research activities in this field, not just for the delivery of the drugs for the treatment of the local pathologies associated with the colon but also for its potential for the systemic delivery of the protein and peptides. Currently because of the inherent potential to delay or avoid systemic drug absorption from the small intestine, colonic formulations can be utilized for chronotherapy of the diseases which are affected by the circadian biorhythms (e.g., asthma, hypertension and arthritis). Diverse approaches, like osmotic, capsular, single and multiparticulate systems can be used for colonic delivery. Multiparticulate systems enabled the drug to reach the colon quickly and retained in the colon for a relatively prolonged period of time. Because of their smaller particle size as compared to single unit dosage forms these systems are capable of passing through gastrointestinal tract (g.i.t.) easily. The current article focuses on the multiparticulate formulation approach for colon specific delivery of medicament.