In vitro evaluation of antimicrobial effect of miswak against common oral pathogens

Miswak is a natural tooth cleaning tool which is being used in many parts of the world since ancient times. It is known to be useful in prevention of dental caries. But still it is not used as frequently as other oral hygiene tools. This research was designed to scientifically establish antimicrobial effect of miswak in vitro against common oral pathogens. This was a cross-sectional study involving 100 health care workers. This research was carried out in Microbiology section of Dow Diagnostic Research and Reference Laboratory. A questionnaire was designed to test oral hygiene habits of study subjects. Oral swabs were taken and microorganisms were identified by standard bacteriological methods. Test material included four different types of miswaks i.e. [1] root of the peelu [Salvadora persica] tree [in packing] [2] root of the peelu tree [without packing] [3] stem of the peelu tree and [4] stem of the neem [Azadirechta indica] tree. These miswaks were tested against three different types of microorganisms isolated from oral swabs: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans by agar diffusion method. Inhibition zone was measured after 24 hrs of incubation at 37°C. Among the miswaks used, root of the peelu tree in both packing and without packing exhibited strong antimicrobial effect against all three tested microorganisms. However miswak taken from the stem of the peelu and neem tree did not show any antimicrobial activity against all three types of the tested microorganisms. Miswak taken from the root of the peelu tree exhibited antimicrobial activity against all the common oral pathogens and could be a good oral hygiene tool in combating dental caries

Seasonal variation and recent status of typhoid fever in a tertiary care hospital

In many developing countries, typhoid fever is endemic. Early diagnosis is important for appropriate treatment on time. Typhi dot is important diagnostic tool for early diagnosis of typhoid fever. In the current study from February, 2012 to May 2014, samples from 19433 febrile cases referred to Dow Diagnostic Research and Reference lab were screened for serum IgM and IgG for Salmonella typhi by Typhi dot test. Results showed that about 12501 patients had both IgM and IgG antibodies against Salmonella typhi. Male patients were more commonly affected than female patients. Highest frequency of positive cases was seen during the month of October. Age group >15-44 was most likely affected among different age groups. This study suggested that still we are far behind in improving sanitation and elimination of such controllable disease. Therefore prompt measures should be taken to control the disease especially during hot season by vaccination, improved sanitation and education as well