Evaluation of a rapid assay for detection of rifampicin resistance in my cobacterium tuberculosis; a microbiological, clinical and epidemiological study

The aim of the present study was to portray the clinical and epidemiological features of mycobacterium tuberculosis [MDR-TB] patients and to determine the ability of a commercial kit [fast plaque TB-RifTM test] to correctly identify, within 48 hours, rifampicin susceptibility on the strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis cultured on solid media and compare it with a conventional method of susceptibility testing. Sputum specimens were collected from hospitalized patients with known or suspected pulmonary tuberculosis. They were examined microscopically after Ziehl-Neelsen staining. Specimens that were 1+ smear +ve were inoculated on LJ medium and incubated for eight weeks. Forty-five cultures were tested for rifampicin susceptibility, employing both the proportion and the fast plaque TB-RifTM test. The study concluded that fast plaque TB-RifTM test offers a performance comparable with the standard conventional method of rifampicin susceptibility testing. Furthermore, it has the advantage of quick results [within 48 hours] without the need for specialized equipment. This makes it a reliable rapid diagnostic tool in testing for rifampicin resistance and as an indicator of MDR in TB

Evaluation of the antibody coated bacteria in localization of urinary tract infection among Egyptian patients

The fluorescent antibody coated bacteria test [ACB] depends upon the phenomena that the immunoglobulins coat the bacteria present only in the urine of patients with renal infection. The technique of detection of this coating by direct immunofluorescence has been utilized for detection of the site of urinary tract infection. Antibody coated bacteria test was positive in 46 out of 50 cases of pyelonephritis [92%] and in only 6 cases out of 50 cases of cystitis [12%]. IgG was detected in 100% of cases followed by IgA [46%] and IgM [38.5%]. The prevalence of IgG and IgA over the IgM in our study in comparison to the presence of high IgG and IgM in the serum supports the claim of local production of these immunoglobulins by the kidney. From this study we can conclude that antibody coated bacteria test is of good use, rapid, non invasive and reliable mean for localizing the site of urinary tract infection

Changes in the microbial flora of the external auditory canal in hospitalised patients treated with systemic antibiotics

This work was carried out on 150 subjects divided into three groups: Group A [100 hospitalized patients receiving antibiotic therapy for more than 10 days], group B [25 hospitalized patients who did not receive antibiotics for the past 30 days] and group C [25 non hospitalized persons receiving no antibiotics for at least the past 30 days]. Groups B and C act as controls. Cultures from both external auditory canals were collected, cultured and examined. Results revealed that antibiotic is the major factor determining the colonization of group A with Gram-negative bacilli and fungi. The isolated Gram-negative bacilli may play a role in suppurative ear disease

Incidence of candida species in thrush stomatitis and their sensitivity to new antifungal drugs

Oral thrush is one of the commonest mycosis in health as well as in debilitated infants and children, especially in those receiving antibiotics or immunosuppressive drugs. Candida albicans is the commonest causative agent. Treatment of this infection is still difficult. Recently, several antifungal drugs were introduced, which were studied on 300 patients in the age group of birth up to 5 years with thrush stomatitis. From each patient, two swabs were obtained; one for culture of Candida species and the other for microscopic examiniation for the presence of yeast cells. The isolated yeast colonies were further identified. One hundred strains of candida isolated from cases with thrush stomatitis were tested for their sensitivity to six antifungal drugs using the disc diffusion method. Although nystatin was proved to be the drug of choice, yet it is only for topical use. So, other systemic drugs should be given

new antibacterial mouth wash as plaque control

The efficacy of a mouth wash prepared in collaboration between the Faculty of dentistry and the Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, was studied. A base line of an almost zero G.I. and PL. I. was established by polishing, scaling and meticulous oral hygiene in three groups of dental students, 10 in each group. For twenty days, the first group used the mouth wash in combination with proper mechanical cleaning procedures, the second group rinsed with the mouth wash only while the third group performed mechanical cleaning procedures only. The two groups who used the mouth wash showed significant reduction in salivary viable count and no significant change neither, in the PL. I. nor in the G.I. On the other hand the group who was maintained on mechanical cleaning only showed no reduction in the salivary viable count, an increase in the PL. I. On the proximal surfaces and a significant increase in G.I. denotes the development of gingivitis The taste of the mouth wash was acceptable and its use was not accompanied by any side effects throughout the period of the study