ABSTRACT
@#Blastocystis sp. subtype 3 (ST3) has been implicated previously to be phenotypically heterogeneous between isolates from symptomatic and asymptomatic persons in previous studies. The aim of this study is to identify the immunogenic and antigenic heterogeneity among three different isolates of Blastocystis sp. ST3 isolated from asymptomatic and symptomatic individuals. Immunogenic and antigenic profile of ST3 isolates was assessed through splenocyte proliferation, cytokine assessment and antibody measurements. The total IgG antibody responses in mice immunised with symptomatic (0.736±0.033) and asymptomatic (0.426±0.025) of ST3 Blastocystis sp. were significantly higher compared to the controls respectively. High secretions of IgG antibody mixture of IgG1/IgG2a antibodies were detected in sera of mice immunised with symptomatic and asymptomatic solubilised Blastocystis sp. Antigen (Blastocystis-Ag). Predominant IgG1 production was detected higher in mice injected with Blastocystis sp. ST 3 from asymptomatic individuals (0.148±0.016) (P<0.05) whereas predominant IgG2a production was detected higher in mice injected with the same subtype but from the symptomatic individuals (0.355±0.021). This data was supported by the production of significantly higher Th1 (IFNγ and IL-2) response (393.56±49.21) and (628.89±31.06) respectively in symptomatic isolates compared to Th2 (IL-4 and IL-10) response (93±7.85) and (103.22±11.33) in asymptomatic isolates after in-vitro stimulations. Splenocyte stimulation index (SI) was detected higher in symptomatic Blastocystis-Ag group. This study is the first to demonstrate antigenic and immunogenic heterogeneity among ST3 symptomatic and asymptomatic Blastocystis-Ag with symptomatic isolates being highly immunogenic and antigenic. No significant variations among the three isolates of asymptomatic and symptomatic groups. The study supports the suggestion from previous study that surface variations between symptomatic and asymptomatic isolates as well their distinct phenotypic variation despite being the same subtype may have caused the differences in the distinct immune responses.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a potent opportunistic nosocomial human pathogen among Gram-negative bacteria causing various life-threatening infections in patients from Intensive Care Units. This bacterium has become resistant to almost all commonly available antibiotics with limited treatment options. Multi drug resistant P. aeruginosa (MDRPA) is a major cause of concern among hospital acquired infections. It uses distinctive resistant mechanisms virtually to all the available antibiotics such as Metallo β-lactamases (MBL) production, extended spectrum β-lactamase production (ESBL), up regulation of effl ux systems related genes and decreased outer membrane permeability. This study was carried out to fi nd one the predominant resistance mechanisms among MDRPA and the prevalence of corresponding resistance genes. Materials and Methods: MDRPA isolates collected from various clinical samples for a period of 1-year (November 2009-Octo ber 2010) were included to detect the predominant mechanism of resistance using phenotypic and molecular methods. Molecular characterization of all these isolates was done by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the presence of blaVIM-2, blaIMP-1, blaOXA-23, and blaNDM-1 genes with specifi c primers. Results: Among 75 MDRPA isolates 84% (63) were MBL producers. Molecular characterization studied by PCR showed the presence of blaVIM-2 gene in 13% of MBL producers. Conclusion: The prevalence of MBLs has been increasing worldwide, particularly among P. aeruginosa, leading to severe limitations in the therapeutic options for the management. Thus, proper resistance screening measures and appropriate antibiotic policy can be strictly adopted by all the healthcare facility providers to overcome these superbugs.
ABSTRACT
To evaluate patients' satisfaction regarding eye care services and suggest policy changes accordingly. Descriptive study. This study was conducted between September 2005 and June 2006. Patients attending the eye clinic of Sadguru Netra Chikitsalaya, Chitrakoot, Madhya Pradesh, India, and admitted as in-patients in this hospital were our study population. Randomly selected patients were interviewed by trained staff. Close-ended questionnaire was used to conduct these structured interviews. Their responses were grouped into one of five categories and evaluated to determine satisfaction for different components of eye care services. Three hundred and twenty persons were interviewed. The satisfaction was of excellent grade among 77 [48.1%] patients attending clinic and 156 [97.5%] patients who were admitted in the hospital. The participants expressed dissatisfaction for the long waiting period in clinics, poor cleanliness, and insufficient toilet facilities. Those admitted in the hospital felt that food facilities were less than the expected quality. Child-friendly facilities received high satisfaction scores. Although eye care services both in clinics and in the wards were satisfactory according to the end-users, there are scopes for improvement. Patient satisfaction survey should be encouraged in hospitals for better accountability and also for strengthening the quality of eye care services
ABSTRACT
Potentially pathogenic members of the Vibrionaceae family including Vibrio cholerae and Vibrio parahemolyticus were isolated from domestic sources of drinking water in coastal villages following sea water inundation during the tsunami in Southern India. Phenotypic and genotypic studies were done to confirm the identity and detection of toxins. Vibrio-gyr (gyrase B gene) was detected in all sixteen vibrio isolates. Toxin regulating genes i.e.: ctx gene, tdh gene, and trh gene, however were not detected in any of the strains, thereby ruling out presence of toxins which could endanger human life. Other potentially pathogenic bacteria Aeromonas and Plesiomonas were also isolated from hand pumps and wells, in a few localities. There was no immediate danger in the form of an outbreak or sporadic gastroenteritis at the time of the study. Timely chlorination and restoration of potable water supply to the flood affected population by governmental and nongovernmental agencies averted waterborne gastroenteritis. Assessment of quality of water and detection of potential virulent organisms is an important public health activity following natural disasters. This work highlights the importance of screening water sources for potentially pathogenic microorganisms after natural disasters to avert outbreaks of gastroenteritis and other infectious diseases.