Assessment of the susceptibility status of Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) from Interior, Sandakan and Tawau divisions of Sabah, Malaysia based on WHO diagnostic doses of larvicides

@# Susceptibility status of Aedes albopictus (Skuse) sampled from residential areas in Interior, Sandakan and Tawau divisions of Sabah, Malaysia, was evaluated based on the WHOrecommended doses of organochlorine and organophosphate larvicides. To determine susceptibility status, larval bioassays were carried out and post 24-hour mortalities based on WHO resistance classifications were adopted. The results demonstrated that Ae. albopictus larvae were resistant toward 5 out of the 8 larvicides tested. Larvae from all populations were resistant against bromophos, fenitrothion, malathion, temephos and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), with mortalities ranging from 0.00 to 89.33%. Dieldrin, on the other hand, could induce 100.00% mortalities in all populations, followed by fenthion and chlorpyrifos, with mortalities ranging from 97.33 to 100.00% and 81.33 to 100.00% respectively. Despite most populations exhibiting similitude in their resistance status, larvae from Sandakan exhibited the highest resistance level whereas the lowest level was observed in Keningau. In view of the inadequacy of some larvicides in controlling Ae. albopictus in this study, integrated management such as insecticide rotation or combination of interventions is warranted.

Correlation between Clinical and Radiographic Findings in the Assessment of Adenoid Hypertrophy.

The significance of radiological assessment in the treatment plan of patients with adenoid hypertrophy cannot be undermined. This study evaluated the correlation between clinical symptoms and radiological findings in the clinical assessment of patients with adenoid hypertrophy.METHODSA cross-sectional study was conducted by recruiting 147 individuals aged between 1 to 27 years from September 2017 to February 2018. Clinical assessment was performed through questionnaires prepared for primary caregivers. Radiographic findings were obtained through lateral nasopharyngeal radiographs. Frequencies, percentages, cross-tabulation, chi-square analysis, and Pearson correlation test were used to analyse the collected data via Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).RESULTSA positive correlation was observed between clinical presentations of snoring and adenoid thickness. No significant correlations were observed between mouth breathing, obstructive breathing during sleep, and the total clinical score obtained with the nasopharyngeal diameter. A significant correlation of nasopharyngeal diameter with mouth breathing and soft palate thickness was noted. The ratio of soft-palate tissue was also significantly correlated with nasopharyngeal diameter.CONCLUSIONSFindings revealed a significant correlation between mouth breathing with all the radiological findings at 5% level of significance. It also suggests that suspected adenoid hypertrophy in children can be treated with lateral radiograph of the nasopharynx for better treatment outcomes.

Clinical and Radiological Study of Serum Fluoride in Relation to Knee Osteoarthritis

@#Introduction: Fluorosis has been associated with an increased risk of degenerative changes in the knee. Multiple studies have found an association between arthritis and elevated fluoride levels. We aim to delineate if elevated fluoride level has any direct correlation with the degree of radiological grading and clinical symptoms in knee arthritis. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study of 80 knee arthritis patients was conducted from February 2017 to April 2018. Serum fluoride levels were measured and patient’s pain scores, WOMAC scores and radiological grading were correlated with the elevated fluoride levels. Results: In our study, 30 out of 80 patients had increased serum fluoride level. Statistically significant differences were noted in VAS score, WOMAC score and Kellgren and Lawrence radiological grades between patients with normal serum fluoride level and those with elevated fluoride level. Conclusion: There is an increased risk of knee arthritis in patients with elevated blood fluoride levels and patients with increased fluoride levels are associated with more severe symptoms and radiographic disease.

Epidemiology, pathogenesis, genetics & management of polycystic ovary syndrome in India

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder predominantly affecting women of reproductive age. Clinical manifestations are diverse including hyperandrogenism, anovulation, infertility and increased risk of metabolic diseases besides psychosocial dysfunction. This review provides information on the problem of PCOS in India, its pathophysiology, genetics and an overview of current management options to instigate further research in this field. Prevalence of PCOS in India ranges from 3.7 to 22.5 per cent depending on the population studied and the criteria used for diagnosis. Abnormalities in leptin-adiponectin (adipocyte biology), oxidative stress and autoimmunity are among the mechanisms studied regarding pathogenesis of PCOS. Many candidate gene studies have shown associations with PCOS in various studies. Studies have consistently demonstrated the relationship between the well-known manifestation of hyperandrogenism among Indian PCOS women and the metabolic morbidities including insulin resistance, glucose intolerance and cardiovascular risk. Management of individual components of PCOS can be achieved by medications or surgical methods, though further clarification regarding pathogenesis of PCOS is needed to sharpen our therapeutic armamentarium.

Correlation between Morphological Architecture of Rice Seed and Transmission of Fungal Pathogens

A total of ten rice (Oryza sativa L) seed samples of variety BR 28 were collected from the farmers of (Salakandi, Boira) Mymensingh, Bangladesh. Prevalence of fungi was recorded as Bipolaris oryzae, Fusarium oxysporum and Fusarium moniliforme, through blotter test. Statistically B. oryzae was recorded as the highest prevalent fungus in all the seed samples of various architectural categories of seeds such as large (14.5%), medium (9.5%), small (11.5%) followed by (14.5%) and (4.5%), respectively in shriveled and chaffy seeds. While in large, medium and small seeds F. moniliforme was recorded significantly as the least prevalent pathogen. The effect of colour on the transmission of B. oryzae was recorded as the highest in number in case of bright seeds (8.5%) and spotted seeds (dark brown) (17.5%). The effect of smooth and rough surface on the prevalence of fungal pathogen B. oryzae was recorded as the highest in number in case of awnned seed (21.5%), smooth surface (12.25%) and rough surface seeds (18.5%). The regression equations of the fungal pathogens indicate that the morphological architecture of the seeds shape & size, colour and smooth and roughness significantly correlated with the transmission of pathogens Statistically, the highest germination of seeds was recorded in the medium sized (83.5%). The highest germination of seed was recorded in the spotted seed (69.5%). The minimum germination of seed was recorded in the bright colour seed. The highest germination of seed was recorded in the awnned seed (59.5%) followed by smooth surface (37.5%) and rough surface (53.5%). These results obviously indicate the tangible effect of the seed architecture at the transmission of the fungal pathogens affecting the planting value as well as germination of the rice seeds.

PCR Detection of Mixed and Zoonoses Malaria Using Plasmodium spp Dynein Light Chain (dlc-tctex) Gene

Novel gene targets are needed in accurate diagnosis of malaria. Previous studies show that the dynein light chains (dlc) in Plasmodium are uniquely conserved within the species, possibly due to their role as the cargo adptor moiety. This study aimed at the development of PCR assay for the detection of Plasmodium based on the (dlc-Tctex) as a genus and species-specific tool in malaria diagnosis. Multiple primers were designed based on Plasmodium spp dlc(Tctex) genes. The primers were applied on PCR to detect malaria on clinical samples and on laboratory maintained isolates of P. falciparum and P. vivax for human infecting species and P. knowlesi and P. cynomolgi for zoonoses infection involving primates. The amplified PCR fragments were gene cleaned and sequenced. BLASTn e-values output from the raw nucleotide queries supports that the genes are uniquely conserved. Species-specific primers amplified P. falciparum infections with no cross-reactivity to P. vivax, P. knowlesi or P. cynomolgi species. In this assay only 11 out of the 30 microscope positive malaria positive clinical blood samples were positive for PCR detection of P. falciparum infection. Primers designed for Plasmodium genus amplified the target band in all clinical malaria samples but also had another specific band amplification. This preliminary data demonstrate that a species-specific dlc(Tctex) PCR assay can be used for detection of P. falciparum and optimized genus primers can be applied to differentiate mixed malaria infections.

A Study of the Association between Diabetes Mellitus and Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection / Un Estudio de la Asociación entre la Diabetes Mellitus y la Infección Crónica por el Virus de la Hepatitis B

ABSTRACT Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and diabetes mellitus are major health problems associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The published literature suggests an association of diabetes mellitus with liver disease. However, the role of HBV infection in diabetes aetiology is still controversial. The present study was conducted to explore the veracity of this enigmatic association among Pakistani subjects. Methodology: The blood samples and clinical information were collected from chronic HBV-positive patients Group 1 (n = 120), and their age and gender were matched with those of the healthy control subjects Group 2 (n = 120). Hepatitis B virus-positive patients were also subdivided into two groups; (Group 1a and Group 1b) with and without liver cirrhosis for evaluation of the prevalence of diabetes. Results: The study revealed that there were statistically significant differences in the biochemical parameters in the HBV-positive and control groups. There was no correlation between diabetes and HBV with the prevalence of diabetes mellitus being similar in subjects with and without HBsAg (11.7% in the positive group and 10% in the controls). Since there were a relatively large number (32.5%) of HBV-positive patients with liver cirrhosis, a comparison of biochemical parameters was also carried out to evaluate the extent of the liver damage and its association with diabetes. During the comparison of HBV patients with and without cirrhosis for the prevalence of diabetes, no aetiologic association was found with diabetes. Conclusion: Study revealed that there was no correlation between HBV infection and diaabetes despite the significantly different biochemical parameters in the HBV-infected group and control subjects.

RESUMEN Antecedentes: La infección por el virus de la hepatitis B (VHB) y la diabetes mellitus son problemas de salud importantes asociados con morbilidad y mortalidad significativas. La literatura publicada sugiere una asociación de la diabetes mellitus con las enfermedades hepáticas. Sin embargo, el papel de la infección por VHB en la etiología de diabetes sigue siendo contro-versial. El presente estudio fue conducido con el propósito de explorar la veracidad de esta enigmática asociación entre sujetos paquistaníes. Metodología: Se recogieron muestras de sangre e información clínica de pacientes crónicos VHB positivos Grupo 1 (n = 120), y su edad y género fueron comparados con los de los sujetos sanos del control Grupo 2 (n = 120). Los pacientes positivos al virus de la hepatitis B también se subdividieron en dos grupos, a saber, (Grupo 1a y Grupo 1b) con y sin cirrosis hepática en relación con la prevalencia de la diabetes. Resultados: El estudio reveló que hubo diferencias significativas en estos dos grupos en los parámetros bioquímicos entre el grupo de control y el grupo VHB positivo. En estos dos grupos no hubo correlación entre la diabetes y el VHB. Puesto que hubo un número relativamente grande (32.5%) de pacientes VHB positivos con cirrosis hepática, se realizó también una comparación de los parámetros bioquímicos a fin de comprender el grado del daño hepático y su asociación con la diabetes. Durante la comparación de los pacientes con VHB con y sin cirrosis en relación con la prevalencia de diabetes, no se halló asociación etiológica con la diabetes. Conclusión: Este estudio reveló que no hubo correlación entre la infección por VHB y la diabetes, a pesar de los parámetros bioquímicos significativamente diferentes entre el grupo infectado por el VHB y los sujetos del control.

Preliminary dengue vector surveillance in the Sunda Islands, Indonesia: Interchange of breeding habitat preferences of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus

@#Ovitrap surveillance was conducted to determine the infestation patterns of dengue vectors in fourteen study sites across eight provinces located in the Sunda Islands, Indonesia. High ovitrap indices up to 70% and 90% were obtained from indoor and outdoor areas, respectively. Mean numbers of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus larvae ranged from 0.13 to 14.50 and 0.10 to 18.60, respectively. Mixed infestation (<10%) and interchange of breeding habitat preferences of Ae. albopictus and Ae. aegypti were also observed in the present study.

Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Antidiarrhoeal Activity of Methanolic Extract of Rumex maritimus L. (Polygonaceae).

The aim of this current study was to evaluate phytochemistry along with pharmacological activities of the whole plant of Rumex maritimus L. (Family: Polygonaceae). Phytochemical analysis of the extract of R. maritimus indicates the presence of Reducing Sugar, Glycoside, Gum, Tannin and Alkaloid type compounds and the pharmacological attention of these compounds prompted us to check R. maritimus for possible anti-oxidant, antimicrobial and antidiarrheal activities in a dose dependent manner. The dried plants were subjected to successive extraction with methanol and the extract was used to investigate the activities. The extract of plants produced good diarrheal inhibition in castor oil induced diarrhea in mice (250mg/kg and 500mg/kg body weight) which was comparable to the standard drug Loperamide at the dose of 3 mg/kg of body weight. The alcoholic extract was showed anti-bacterial activity against the tested microorganisms (both gram positive as well as negative bacteria). This study reveals the potent anti-oxidant activity that is (IC50~80 μg/ml) to that of standard drug ascorbic acid (IC50 about ~7 μg/ml) in-vitro when tested in 1, 1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging method. The obtained results provide a support for the use of this plant in traditional medicine and its further investigation.

Congenital Descending Colonic Stenosis with Perforation of Transverse Colon in a Neonate: A Case Report.

Colonic atresia and stenosis are rare causes of intestinal obstruction in the infant. Only 10 cases have been reported in Literature since 1966 and only one late-onset case has been reported in Literature until now. We describe the case of a 3 day old baby presenting with abdominal distension, failure to pass meconium and vomiting. X-ray of the abdomen showed dilated gut loops. Exploratory laparotomy was performed. At the junction of descending and sigmoid colon a stenosis was found, laparotomy also revealed a perforation of transverse colon. Transverse colostomy and a mucous fistula of sigmoid colon was performed after resecting stenosing segment and colon distal to perforation site upto stenosing site. Diagnosis was confirmed on histopathology. Colostomy was close after six weaks with uneventful recovery. Considering both the Literature and our case, congenital colonic stenosis should be considered one of the rare differential diagnoses in a neonate presenting as complete or partial intestinal obstruction.

Chemical and biological studies of Kalanchoe pinnata (Lam.) growing in Bangladesh

Objective: To isolate compounds from K. pinnata and elucidate their structures and to explore preliminary antioxidant, antimicrobial, cytotoxic and thombolytic activities of extractives of the plant. Methods: The methanol extract of whole plant of K. pinnata has been subjected to different chromatographic separation and purification processes to isolate the secondary metabolites. The structures of the isolated compounds have been elucidated by extensive NMR studies. The free radical scavenging activity of the crude extract and its different Kupchan fractions were determined on stable radical DPPH. In vitro antimicrobial activity was determined by the disk diffusion method. Cytotoxicity screening has been performed against Artemia salina. Total phenolics content, membrane stabilizing activity and thombolytic activities were assessed by following established protocol. Results: The isolated compounds were identified as glut-5(6)-en-3-one, taraxerone, 3β-friedelanol, β-amyrin-3-acetate, 3,5,7,3',5'-pentahydroxyflavone and β-sitosterol. The chloroform soluble fraction showed potent antioxidant activity of (IC50=80.0 μg/mL) and significant cytotoxicity, while the crude extract demonstrated noticeable total polyphenol content (149.24 mg of GAE/gm of extractive), moderate membrane stabilizing activity and inhibition of clot lysis of blood. Conclusions: The obtained results rationalize the folkloric use of the plant and can be further investigated to isolate the active compounds responsible for the biological activities.

Detection of Uropathogens by Using Chromogenic Media (Hicrome UTI agar), CLED agar and other Conventional Media.

This study was undertaken to find media better than routinely used media in isolation of uropathogens.Three hundred urine samples having pus cells >_ 5/ HPF were enrolled for the study. Comparison of isolation and identification of uropathogens among HiCrome UTI Agar media, 5% Sheep Blood agar & MacConkey agar and CLED agar media were done. Among them 95(31.67%) samples showed single growth, 6 (2%) showed mixed growth and 199 (66.67%) showed no growth. Rate of presumptive identification of organisms in primary culture plate were high in HiCrome UTI agar media. For Escherichia coli, it was 94.20% whereas in CLED agar it was 79.71% and by Blood agar and MacConkey agar media in combination it was 82.61%. All the Enterococcus spp. were identified in HiCrome UTI agar media, 33.33% in CLED agar media but none in Blood agar and MacConkey agar media. Among the mixed growth, 100% organisms were identified on HiCrome UTI Agar media due to distinct colour produced by the different organisms, whereas in one (16.67%) sample (mixed Esch.coli and Pseudomonas spp.) organisms were identified on other three media.

Antipsychotic treatment and weight gain: does risperidone behave differently in Pakistani psychiatric patients?

Studies from the Western world have shown that antipsychotic medications in psychiatric patients result in weight gain and other metabolic diseases. This study was undertaken to investigate whether any one of the five most commonly prescribed antipsychotics, [risperidone, olanzepine, trifluoperazine, quetiapine and haloperidol] could behave differently in terms of causing weight gain among patients attending the psychiatric outpatient clinics in a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. For this retrospective cohort study, data were collected from outpatient records of the Aga Khan University Hospital, from 2003 to 2007. Demographic and clinical data were analysed. Repeated measures ANOVA, using a linear mixed model approach was used to assess weight gain over time due to the use of antipsychotic medications. A total of 124 subject records [68 males and 56 females] were evaluated. One-way ANOVA revealed that the groups being prescribed with antipsychotics were comparable with respect to age, duration of treatment and weight measurements. Frequencies were calculated which showed that weight increases significantly over time with respect to the prescribed antipsychotic medications, except for risperidone. Repeated measures ANOVA using the linear mixed model approach showed that the serial weight measurements were significantly different across the follow up times [p<0.05]. Four of the commonly prescribed antipsychotic drugs do result in an increase in weight; however risperidone has no such effect, making it an option in treating psychiatric disorders without worrying for any gain in weight. In view of the increased prevalence of obesity and other metabolic diseases, measures should be taken towards careful prescription of antipsychotic medications

Frequency of hepatitis C viral RNA in anti-hepatitis C virus non-reactive blood donors with raised alanine aminotransferase

The objective of this study was to find out the frequency of HCV RNA in anti-HCV non-reactive blood donors with raised alanine amino transferase [ALT]. The study was conducted at Baqai Institute of Haematology, Baqai Medical University, Karachi, in collaboration with Combined Military Hospital, Malir Cantt, Karachi. The demographic data of blood donors was recorded, and anti-HCV, HBsAg and HIV were screened. Four hundred consecutive donors with raised ALT above the reference range were included in study. HCV RNA RT-PCR was performed on 5 sample minipools using Bio-Rad Real time PCR equipment. HCV RNA was detected in 1/400 [0.25%] blood donors. Finding of raised ALT in blood donors warrants further investigations. In case, if raised ALT is unexplained presence of HCV RNA may be suspected

Riverbank erosion displacees in Bangladesh: need for institutional response and policy intervention.

ABSTRACT: Environmental refugees are one of the most burning issues at this time throughout the world. Bangladesh, a riverine country, is suffering from acquit riverbank erosion which compels millions of her population to be displaced from their place of origin. As such, 283 locations, 85 towns and growth centers, along with 2400 kilometers of riverbank line in Bangladesh are vulnerable to erosion. The major rivers e.g., the Padma, the Jamuna, and the Meghna, erode several thousand hectares of floodplain making thousands of people landless and homeless every year. Along with the floodplain, Bangladesh loses several kilometers of roads, railways, and flood-control embankments annually. No other disaster is as disastrous as riverbank erosion and ‘Internally Displaced Populations’ (IDP) face many unavoidable problems at different stages of displacement. Displacement marginalized them in respect of livelihood patterns and psycho-physical troubles. Such forty million homeless people in Bangladesh are compelled to lead a floating life. Riverbank erosion plays a major role in socio-environmental changes. The displaced people of riverbank erosion experience substantial socio-economic impoverishment and marginalization as a consequence of involuntary displacement from their original residence. Findings of a social survey carried out in 2008 on the erosion-hit displaced people in Chapai Nawabganj and Rajshahi districts are discussed in this paper. Newly settled people along with the native inhabitants have been interviewed to reveal the problems associated with making rearrangements for the displaced people. Besides these problems of displacement, adaptation strategies and relationships with the local people, their socioeconomic losses, sufferings, perception of natural disaster and psycho-physical problems, environmental ruins etc. have been revealed in this paper. There are no specific policies to rehabilitate the erosion-hit people. Thus, it is time to formulate policies to address prevention of riverbank erosion as well as to rehabilitate the river-erosion refugees.

Frequency of hepatitis C viral RNA in anti-hepatitis C virus non- reactive blood donors with normal alanine aminotransferase

To determine the frequency of HCV RNA in an anti-HCV non-reactive blood donor population with normal ALT, and its cost effectiveness. An observational study. Baqai Institute of Haematology, Baqai Medical University, Karachi, and Combined Military Hospital, Malir Cantt, Karachi, from May 2006 to April 2008. After initial interview and mini-medical examination, demographic data of blood donors was recorded, and anti-HCV, HBsAg and HIV were screened by third generation ELISA. Those reactive to anti-HCV, HbsAg and/or HIV were excluded. Four hundred consecutive donors with ALT within the reference range of 15-41 units/L were included in study. HCV RNA RT-PCR was performed on 5 sample mini-pools using Bio-Rad Real time PCR equipment. All 400 donors were male, with mean age 27 years SD + 6.2. ALT of blood donors varied between 15-41 U/L with mean of 31.5+6.4 U/L, HCV RNA was detected in 2/400 [0.5%] blood donors. Screening one blood bag for HCV RNA costs Rs 4,000.00 equivalent to 50 US dollars, while screening through 5 sample mini-pools was Rs. 800.00 equivalent to approximately 10 US dollars. HCV RNA frequency was 0.5% [2/400] in the studied anti-HCV non-reactive normal ALT blood donors. Screening through mini-pools is more cost-effective

Prevalence and chemotherapy of babesiosis among Lohi sheep in the Livestock Experiment Station, Qadirabad, Pakistan, and environs

A total of 310 blood smears were collected from sheep of the Livestock Experiment Station, Qadirabad, Sahiwal district, Pakistan, and surrounding areas. The samples were examined microscopically and 30 (9.67 percent) were positive for babesiosis. The animals were divided into two groups (A and B) for chemotherapy. Group A sheep were treated with diminazene diaceturate while group B animals received imidocarb dipropionate. Drug efficacy was determined by negative blood smear examination. Diminazene diaceturate effectiveness against babesiosis was 80 percent while that of imidocarb dipropionate was 100 percent. Hematological studies revealed a significant decrease in hemoglobin concentrations and hematocrit values for Babesia-positive animals compared to healthy controls.(AU)

Frequency of gall bladder carcinoma in patients undergoing surgery for cholelithiasis

To determine the frequency of gall bladder carcinoma in patients undergoing surgery for cholelithiasis at Isra University Hospital, Hyderabad, Singh- Pakistan. This was a descriptive study, conducted from April 2006 to March 2008 at Isra University Hospital Hyderabad, Pakistan. This study included 200 cases of cholelithiasis who underwent cholecystectomy at out Hospital. Patients belonged to both sexes having cholelithiasis, diagnosed on the basis of clinical grounds and supported by ultrasonography. A uniform procedure of history taking, physical examination, investigations and treatment was adopted for all the patients, and data were recorded on the pre-designed proforma. Of 200 cases that were operated for gall bladder stone disease, eight were found to have carcinoma of gall bladder i.e. frequency was 4%. The age ranged from 35 to 70 years, with mean 50[ +/- 5.3] in females and 56[ +/- 2] in males. Male to female ratio was 1:3. On ultrasound, only three [37.50%] patients with advanced disease had a pre-operative clue of carcinoma. The frequency of gall bladder carcinoma in our population seems much higher than Western populations. Females are more affected than males by this problem. Ultrasonography can miss malignant lesions; therefore every gall bladder specimen should be subjected to histopathology. While in unsuspected cases undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy, gentle handling of the gall bladder is critical to avoid port site implantation caused by spillage of bile

Prevalence Of Exclusive Breast Feeding And Its Correlates In An Urban Slum In Western India

Background: The World Health Organization recommends the practice of exclusive breastfeeding of infants for the first 6 months after birth. The objective of present study was to estimate the prevalence and the factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding. The perceptions of mothers about breastfeeding in an urban slum area of Western India were also enquired. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted over six months amongst 200 mothers of children in the age group of 6 – 12 months attending the growth and development clinic in one of the urban health centres. Data was collected using a pre-tested, structured questionnaire on breastfeeding practices. Factors related to exclusive breastfeeding were analysed using bivariate and multivariate analysis. Results: Prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding reported by the participants was 61.5%. Having a male child, maternal age < 30 years, level of education of mother, parity, receiving infant feeding advice, initiation of breastfeeding within one hour of birth and administration of colostrum to the baby were associated with exclusive breastfeeding (p<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that male sex (adjusted odd ratios: 20.03), primiparity (0.19), home delivery (0.32), receiving infant feeding advice (5.90), initiation of breastfeeding within one hour of birth (0.26) and giving colostrum to the baby (2.56) were independently associated with exclusive breastfeeding. Prelacteal feeds were given by almost 35% of mothers. Conclusion: Prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding was higher than the national figures. However, practices like discarding the colostrum, giving prelacteal feeds, early/late weaning and use of formula feeds are still widely prevalent and need to be addressed.