Impact of COVID-19-related lockdown on metabolic syndrome variables in healthcare workers with pre-existing metabolic syndrome: A prospective study

Background: An extraordinary impact on health-care personnel has been caused by the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, a health-care crisis. Aims and Objectives: Our aim was to assess the effects of a changing lifestyle on anthropometric measurements, blood glucose levels, atherogenic lipid profiles, and blood pressure over the course of a year in Indian healthcare workers (HCWs). Materials and Methods: A prospective study was carried out on 40 HCWs including 23 male and 17 females between the age of 22 and 59 years. The study was conducted in the Department of Physiology and the Department of Biochemistry, Government Medical College, Kathua, UT of Jammu and Kashmir. Informed written consent was obtained from the subjects and ethical clearance was obtained from the Institutional Ethics Committee. Height, weight, waist circumference, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured using standard methods. Body mass index was calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters. Results: The present study found statistically significant increase in systolic blood pressure and statistically significant decrease in mean HDL-cholesterol before and after COVID-19 pandemic in HCWs. Conclusion: The onset of metabolic syndrome and its potential effects could be stopped by early use of preventative interventions in the changed parameters.

A Clinical Case Study on Pittaja Atisara with reference to Ulcerative Colitis

The symptomatology of Ulcerative Colitis (UC) presents from irregular, incomplete bowel evacuation to mucous and bloody defecation. Direct correlation of UC in Ayurvedic literature is not possible, may be correlated to Pittaja Atisara, Rakthaja Atisara, Kshataja Grahani, Samgrahini Grahani. This case report shows diagnosed case of Ulcerative Colitis with nidana (etiology), Samprapti (pathophysiology) and Rupa (clinical presentation) similar to Pittaja Atisara. Signs and symptoms observed were stools mixed with blood & mucous (Pita-Haridra-Saraktha-Sadavalaprabham), Udarashula (abdominal pain), Payusanthapa (burning sensation in anal region) and showed Rupa that of Pittaja Atisara. Treatment was given according treatment approach of Pittaja Atisara viz., Langhana, Pachana and Picha Vasthi. Initially patient general condition was worst, managed under the guidance of modern medicine consultation and gradually tapered to Ayurvedic medicines. Oral medicines chosen were based on Rakthasthambaka, Vranaropana, Agni deepana and Grahi action, the drugs used for Pichha vasti are Madhu, Charngeryadi ghritam, Murivenna, Yashtimadhu kalka, Shalmali kwatha. A 45-day course of treatment was given, during which 30 Picha Vasthi were administered, includes 14 days of solely Vasthi and the final 11 days of Samsarjana Kala. Treatment outcomes were evaluated using partial Mayo scores and through routine blood tests and colonoscopy. Partial Mayo score was evaluated at 0th, 15th, 30th, and 45th day of the treatment cycle. Total partial Mayo Index score went from Severe Disease (9) to Remission (1). Total Leucocyte Count (TLC) and indices for hemoglobin and RBC returned to normal range after treatment. The patient got improvement and Ayurveda treatment protocol was successful.

Comparative evaluation of therapeutic efficacy and safety of 40% hydrogen peroxide versus 80% of trichloroacetic acid in genital warts

Background: Warts are a common manifestation of infection due to HPV, prevalence more common in developing world. No modality is 100% efficacious in the management of warts. Topical therapy is more preferred method by majority of patients. Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) solution is well established modality in treatment of genital warts. Hydrogen peroxide used in higher concentrations is a good cautery agent. Aim and Objectives: The study was conducted to evaluate and compare the therapeutic efficacy and safety of 40% hydrogen peroxide solution and 80% TCA solution in genital warts. Materials and Methods: Topical 40% hydrogen peroxide and 80% TCA were used in Group A (20 patients) and Group B (20 patients), respectively, for three sittings at 2 weeks interval. Results: About 65% of the patients in TCA and 55% patients in H2O2 group had significant improvement (Grade 4 and Grade 3) (P = 0.311). Descriptive statistical methods and 2-Chi-square relation were used for analyzing data with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 21 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Results: About 40% H2O2 and 80% TCA, both are cost-effective and easy to use modalities with 40% H2O2 having better safety profile as compared to 80% TCA. H2O2 group showed decrease in size of lesions 63.33% versus and TCA group 70% (p value 0.311) with 10% of TCA group patients having ulcer formation versus none of the patients having significant adverse effect in H2O2 group. Conclusion: We found both the modalities to be safe and effective. However, we recommend further studies should be carried out to assess the safety and efficacy with bigger sample size and control arms for both the groups topical 40% hydrogen peroxide solution and topical 80% TCA solution.

Evaluation of sleeping patterns during the pandemic

Background: As the ongoing pandemic has triggered negative psychological effects and these negative effects have a role to play in affecting the quality of sleep, leading to sleep disorders. This demonstrates the need to implement the strategies which would be helpful in preventing and reducing the complications caused due to altered sleeping patterns. Aim and Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the alteration in the sleep quality during pandemic. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire-based survey scheduled for a month was conducted in the students, office, and health-care workers. Questionnaire was based on Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). This is a self-rated questionnaire which assesses sleep quality and disturbances over a 1-month time interval. The PSQI differentiates “poor” from “good” sleep by measuring seven components: Subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep duration, habitual sleep efficiency, sleep disturbances, use of sleep medication, and daytime dysfunction over the past 4 weeks. Consent was obtained from all participants and participation was voluntary. Results: There was observed a decline in all the seven components of PSQI score, namely, subjective quality, sleep latency, sleep duration, habitual sleep efficiency, sleep disturbances, use of sleeping medications, and daytime dysfunction in COVID times as compared to the pre-COVID times. Conclusion: Pandemic has led to the alteration of the sleeping patterns and has led to decline in the sleep quality index.

Unilateral Vocal Cord Paralysis In Gastrointestinal Malignancies- A Rare Presentation

Background Advancements in diagnostic modalities have brought many hidden etiological causes of unilateral vocal cord paralysis (UVCP) to light. Here we are presenting two cases of gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies with metastases causing UVCP which can further add to another rare cause of UVCP. Case summary We are presenting a case of 40 year male with metastatic periampullary carcinoma leading to UVCP and another case of 45 year female with rectal carcinoma further causing UVCP. Both patients were under treatment while during follow-up, symptoms of UVCP were observed which changed our perspective towards cases of UVCP. Conclusion Vocal cord palsy is a symptom of an underlying disorder and not a disease. In above case reports metastases are the commonest etiology for vocal cord palsy. Relevant investigations have to be conducted in order to diagnose the etiology and the modality of treatment varies depending on the etiology of the condition.

Prospective Study on Road Traffic Accident Cases in Sub-urban Region of Chennai, Tamil Nadu State

The present study consists of 100 road traffic injury cases admitted in our tertiary health care centre. In the present study, males victims (84 cases, 84%) outnumbered the females victims (16 cases, 16%) with an approximate male female ratio of 5:1. Four wheelers and two wheelers involving mainly pedestrians were the most common cause for fatal head injury seen in 66 cases, 66%. Multiple abrasions were the most commonly seen external injury, seen in 68 cases, 68%. Skull bone fracture was seen in 40 cases, 40%. Temporal and parietal bones were common site of fracture seen in 41 cases, 41%.The mean survival period was 73.42 hours, range being 6 hours to 600 hours.

Quantitative Assessment of Muscle Activity and Joint Load in Braced and Unbraced Osteoarthritis Knee by External Strain Gauge Sensor.

Objectives: Altered biomechanics leads to the development of degenerative joint disease. The joint pressure and dynamic loading varies during activities of daily living. The study was undertaken to assess the muscle activation pattern of the medial and lateral knee compartments (tibiofemoral joint) during gait in osteoarthritis subjects without and with knee brace undergoing either exercise therapy or balance therapy. The joint load was assessed by the strain gauge transducer and the weight shift pattern is taken as an indicator for the muscle activation pattern. Methods: In a prospective design study on 57 male subjects diagnosed osteoarthritis knee with KellagrenLawrennce scale walked barefooted with and without designed offloader knee brace on a level surface for three minutes. The subjects were allocated in two different study groups i.e. Conventional (exercise therapy) (Control Group, n=31) and Structured Neuromuscular Postural Training (SNPT) group (Balance therapy) (Study Group, n=26). The subjects were sub grouped as pre-elderly (40-60 Years) and elderly (>61 years) group in both. The quantitative assessment of muscle activity and joint loading with and without knee brace was done using designed strain gauge sensor instrument. The pressure changes of strain gauges of muscles around the knee joint viz. vastus medialis (VM), vastus lateralis (VL), semi membranosus / tendinosus (Medial Hamstring) (MH), Biceps Femoris (Lateral Hamstring) (LH), gastro-soleus (GS) and tibialis anterior (TA) muscles during normal gait were observed at baseline and 6 weeks follow up after undergoing exercise therapy or balance therapy treatment as per allocation of study groups. The digital values from MATLAB were recorded and analyzed. Results: At the end of 6 weeks conventional / SNPT (structured neuromuscular postural training) treatments, medial hamstring muscle activity showed significant difference (p<0.001) in pre-elderly subgroup, while significant difference was seen in vastus laterals (VL), medial hamstring (MH) (p<0.005) and lateral hamstring (LH) muscles (p<0.001) in elderly subgroup

Clinical evaluation of the role of tulsi and turmeric in the management of oral submucous fibrosis: A pilot, prospective observational study.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the clinical efficacy of herbal medicines (1 gm tulsi and 1 gm turmeric mixed in glycerine base) for the treatment of oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF). Forty‑one patients in the age group of 17- 56 years without any systemic complications were included in the study. The patients were treated with medicines, which were to be applied 3-4 times a day. Blood samples were collected before and after treatment to screen for any systemic changes due to these medications. Burning sensation and mouth opening were recorded before and after treatment. Patients were followed up on monthly subsequent visits for three months. Changes in the burning sensation on visual analogue scale (VAS) scale and difference in the mouth opening were analyzed statistically. A statistically significant improvement was seen in both burning sensation and mouth opening. Tulsi and turmeric offers a safe and efficacious combination of natural products available for symptomatic treatment of OSMF.

Radiological assessment of age of adolescents from wrist joint: A prospective study of 151 cases .

It is a prospective, radiological study of age assessment of 151 cases of young adolescents (Boy = 70; Girl = 81) in the age range of 14-17 years by taking A-P view X-rays of their right wrist including hands. This study had resulted in considerable narrowing of the range of radiological age assessed using the X-ray of the hand, from 15 years 19 years to 14 years – 17 years in both boys and girls. Our finding was also consistent with the age from the available date of birth certificates of these students.

Trends of poisoning cases in Melmaruvathur region of Tamil Nadu: A retrospective study of 3 years.

Background: Poisoning cases is a significant contributor to mortality and morbidity all over the world. Acute poisoning cases form one of the commonest causes of emergency hospital admissions. Material and methods: It is a retrospective study of 106 poisoning cases admitted in M.A.P.I.M.S., which is a tertiary health care centre in Tamil Nadu, India from January 2010 to December 2012. Results: The incidence of poisoning was highest in the age range from 20-50 years. Most common poison was insecticide/ rodenticide and cases were mostly suicidal in nature. Conclusion: Trends of poisoning cases in melmaruvathur region of Tamil Nadu are more or less similar to other parts of India.

Fatal craniocerebral injuries in victims who survived for some period.

It is a prospective study of 50 fatal head injury cases whose medico legal autopsy was done in the Institute of Forensic Medicine, Madras Medical College and Government General Hospital, Chennai from December 2007 to June 2008. There were total 50 cases of fatal craniocerebral injuries which needed admission either in Intensive Care Unit or neurosurgery. In the present study, male victims (47 cases, 96%) outnumbered female victims (3 cases, 6%) with an approximate male-female ratio of 16:1. Road traffic accidents (RTA) involving mainly pedestrians and two wheeler users were the most common cause of fatal head injury, seen in 43 cases (86%). Out of the total 50 cases of fatal head injury, brain stem injury was seen in 41 cases (82%). Skull bone fracture was found in 26 cases (52%), 11 cases were associated with primary brain stem injury and 15 cases with the secondary brain stem injury. Temporal and parietal bones were the common site of fracture, observed in 17 cases (34%). The range of survival period was wide, spreading from 6 hours to 600 hours; the mean survival period being 73.42 hours. Brain stem injury, which is generally associated with skull base fracture, was found to be the main factor governing the prognosis of the case.

Comparison of Low- and High-dose Rate Brachytherapy in Carcinoma Cervix: Results From a Randomized Study.

Purpose: We are reporting results of a randomized study with the aim to compare the results of low-dose rate (LDR) versus high-dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy in locally advanced carcinoma cervix patients. Material and methods: Sixty cases of carcinoma of uterine cervix in Stage IIB-IIIB (FIGO) were included from a period of January 2002 to March 2003 and were randomized into HDR brachytherapy (6 Gy/fraction for 4 sessions) or LDR brachytherapy (27 Gy/single session) arm after completion of external beam radiotherapy (50 Gy/25#/5 weeks). Results: In HDR arm, 16/30 (53.33%) patients experienced complete response. In LDR arm, complete response was experienced by 13/30 (43.33%) of patients. Locoregional control in HDR group was 54.54%, 57.14% and 71.42% at 6, 9 and 12 months, respectively. Locoregional control in LDR group at 6, 9 and 12 months was 45%, 63.63% and 42.85%, respectively. Conclusion: The results of our study indicate that LDR and HDR groups are similar in locoregional control in the management of carcinoma uterine cervix. HDR brachytherapy can safely substitute LDR brachytherapy applications.

Protective Effect of Ethyl Acetate Extract of Acacia Catechu in Carbon Tetrachloride Induced Hepatotoxicity.

Objective: To study the protective effect of ethyl acetate extract of Acacia catechu in carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats. Methods: The liver damage in albino rat was induced by a subcutaneous injection of 50%v/ v carbon tetrachloride in olive oil at the dose of 2ml/kg twice a week for 14days. The hepatoprotective activity was monitored biochemically by estimating serum transaminases, serum alkaline phosphatase, serum bilirubin and serum protein after intraperitoneal injection of ethyl acetate extract of Katha(250mg/kg). Silymarin(5mg/kg.I.P) was given as a reference drug. The histopathological changes of liver samples were compared with that of control. Results: Ethyl acetate extract of Acacia catechu inhibited carbon tetrachloride induced liver toxicity in albino rats at 250mg/kg body weight as assessed by the biochemical and histological examination. Conclusion: Ethyl acetate extract of “Katha” exhibited significant hepatoprotective activity.

Mortalidad tras un año de protocolización en el manejo del paciente quemado / Effects of standarization of burn patient treatment on mortality

Background: In 2006, the burn unit of an emergency public hospital in Chile standardized its medical and surgical treatment protocols. Aim: To analyze the evolution of mortality among patients admitted to the unit after the standardization process. Material and Methods: Patients admitted to the unit between March 2005 and March 2006, were analyzed. An early surgical debridement was performed, according to the guide-lines, after a standardized reanimation with Lactate Ringer using Parkland formula (4 ml/kg/ percent burn surface area). All patients were monitored. An algorithm was used to decide the indication of vasoactive drugs or invasive monitorization. Results: Eighty eight patients aged 43 +/- 19 years (65 percent males) were admitted. The estimated percentage body burned was 30 +/- 21 percent, deep in 12.5 +/- 17 percent. A mean of 9.122 +/- 6.930 mi of fluid were administered in the first 24 hours. The first surgical debridement was performed at 48 hours (range 1 to 15 days). The first escharotomy was performed at 4.2 days (range 3 hours -15 days), the first covering at 3.8 days (range 3 hours-19 days) the first auto graft at 18 days (range 4-26 days). Operative times in the first three surgical procedures were less than 87 min. Global mortality was 37 percent. Conclusions: The standardized treatment of burns resulted in an absolute reduction of mortality.

Introducción: En el 2005 el Servicio de Quemados del HUAP inició un proceso de modernización. Durante el primer año se intervino en el protocolo terapéutico médico y quirúrgico. Se analizarán la mortalidad observada en este período. Materiales y Métodos: Se analizaron los pacientes admitidos en Cuidados Intermedios e Intensivos de nuestra unidad desde el Iº de marzo de 2005 a Iº de marzo de 2006. Se realizó aseo quirúrgico precoz, según protocolo, previa reanimación estandarizada con Ringer Lactato usando la fórmula de Parkland, 4 cc/kg/ por ciento SCT (superficie corporal total). Todos los casos fueron monitorizados, guiados por diuresis y con algoritmo para decidir inicio de drogas vasoactivas o monitorización invasiva. Resultados: Ingresan 88 pacientes, 58 por ciento trasladados de otros centros. Edad promedio 43 +/- 18,9 años; hombres 65 por ciento, mujeres 35 por ciento; superficie corporal quemada 30 +/- 21 por ciento, profunda 12,5 +/- 17 por ciento. Se administró en promedio 9.122 +/- 6.930 ce durante las primeras 24 hrs. Primer aseo se realizó a las 48 hrs (1 hr -15 días), Ia escarectomía a los 4,2 días (3 hrs - 15 días), Ia cobertura a los 3,8 días (3 hrs - 19 días), 1er autoinjerto a los 18 días (4 - 26 días). Tiempos operatorios promedio en las 3 primeras cirugías inferiores a 87 min. Mortalidad absoluta disminuyó a 19 por ciento. Mortalidad global 37 por ciento. Conclusiones: Luego del primer año del proceso de modernización, con reanimación estandarizada, equipos quirúrgicos proporcionales a la SCT quemada con disminución de los tiempos quirúrgicos, asociado a un manejo multidisciplinario, se logró una disminución de la mortalidad global.

Evaluation of mechanical injuries in homicidal deaths: (A retrospective study of 5 years).

Jamnagar region, Gujarat state, enjoys a relatively low incidence of homicide in India. The following study examined 120 cases, (67.04%) of homicides where death was produced by inflicting various mechanical injuries on the body, reported during the years 2000 to 2004. Incidence of homicidal deaths due to mechanical injuries was 24 cases per year. It formed about 2.89% of all the total medico legal autopsies conducted during the period. Mechanical injuries were quite common in homicidal deaths involving as many as 92 male and 27 female victims. Majority of the victims were in the age group of 21 to 40 years with 77 cases, (64.17%). Blunt force was the most commonly employed method seen in 58 cases, (48.33%). It was followed by sharp force seen in 38 cases, (31.67%) and sharp and blunt combine forces seen in 23 cases, (19.17%). Incidence of fire arm injuries was quite rare in the present study. Head injury was quite common in homicide. Maximum external injuries were seen on the head and mostly they were produced by hard, blunt and heavy weapons. Stab injuries were commonly seen on the chest and abdomen. In the present study 35 cases, (29.17%) showed presence of defence wounds. Defence wounds were commonly seen in the male victims.

On the conspecificity of Anopheles fluviatilis species S with Anopheles minimus species C.

Anopheles fluviatilis and An. minimus complexes,each comprising of at least three sibling species, are closely related and important malaria vectors in Oriental Region. Recently An. fluviatilis species S, which is a highly efficient malaria vector in India, has been made conspecific with An. minimus species C (senior synonym) on the basis of homology in 335 base pair nucleotide sequence of D3 domain of 28S ribosomal DNA (rDNA). We examined the conspecificity of these two nominal species by obtaining and analysing the DNA sequences of nuclear ribosomal loci internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) and D2-D3 domain of 28S rDNA (28S-D2/D3) from those of An. fluviatilis S and An. minimus C. We found that the sequences of An. fluviatilis S are appreciably different from those of An. minimus C with pair-wise distance (Kimura-2-parametre model)of 3.6 and 0.7%for loci ITS2 and 28S-D2/D3, respectively. Pair-wise distance and phylogenetic analyses using ITS2 sequences of members of Minimus and Fluviatilis Complexes revealed that An. fluviatilis S is distantly related to An. minimus C as compared to any other members of the Fluviatilis Complex. These findings suggest that the two nominal species, An. fluviatilis S and An. minimus C, do not merit synonymy. The study also confirms that the reported species An. fluviatilis X is synonym with species S.

Induction followed with concurrent chemo radiotherapy in advanced head & neck cancer.

BACKGROUND: The need for effective, well tolerated, and convenient therapies for inoperable Head and Neck cancer has led researchers to continually refine chemotherapeutic regimens with radiotherapy to balance efficacy with safety and tolerability in order to maintain or improve quality of life and chemotherapy either induction or concurrent with radiation have emerged as a viable alternative. AIM: This study was performed to analyze the efficacy and safety of induction chemotherapy with radiotherapy and concurrent radiotherapy on survival, functional and quality of life outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHOD: From Dec. 2001 to July 2003, hundred inoperable Head & Neck cancer patients were planned to be treated with methotrexate, Bleocin and cisplatin. On Completion of 3 cycles at 21 days interval, after 2 weeks of last cycles, fifty patients were planned to receive only radiotherapy (Group A) and rest 50 patients (Group B) were given cisplatin 50 mg weekly before Rt. on every Monday. All 100 patients received radiotherapy (66-70 cGy) to the locoregional sites by cobalt 60 units. RESULT: After completion of therapy in group A complete response was observed in 56% patients which was 68% in group B. After 2 years of follow up only 54% patient alive and 34% patients were disease free in group A where as in group B. 60% patient alive in which 42% were disease free. The survived patient enjoyed good quality of life. CONCLUSION: Patients responded better with induction chemotherapy can be treated with radiotherapy and those who failed to show satisfactory response may be treated with concurrent chemo radiotherapy to get additional benefit in term of survival with good organ preservation along with acceptable and manageable occurrence of schedule & dose related adverse events.

Evaluation of bifenthrin treated mosquito nets against anopheline and culicine mosquitoes.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The main rural malaria vector Anopheles culicifacies has developed resistance to dichloro diphenyl trichloroethane (DDT), hexachloro cyclo hexane (HCH) and malathion in the state of Haryana in northern India. An alternative synthetic pyrethroid insecticide bifenthrin was therefore evaluated on mosquito nets against anopheline and culicine mosquitoes, in two villages Jagdishpur and Garh Mirakpur of Community Health Center (CHC) Badhkhalsa in district Sonipat, Haryana state. METHODS: Two formulations of bifenthrin, suspension concentrate (SC) and micro-emulsion (ME) were compared with micro-capsule suspension (CS) of lambdacyhalothrin. The impact of three doses of bifenthrin (10, 25 and 50 mg/m(2)) impregnated on mosquito nets was compared with lambdacyhalothrin (25 mg/m(2)) and untreated control. Quality assessment of treatment on treated nets was carried out by residue analysis and the persistence of the insecticide on nets was determined by contact bioassays. Efficacy of treated nets on mosquito density was assessed by calculating mosquito entry rate, immediate mortality, delayed mortality and excito-repellency to the insecticides. RESULTS: In susceptibility tests An. culicifacies was susceptible to bifenthrin (0.1% test papers) and to lambdacyhalothrin (0.05% test papers). Bioassays on treated nets against A. culicifacies recorded 100 per cent mortality up to tenth fortnight for all the doses of impregnation with bifenthrin (SC and ME) and lambdacyhalothrin (CS). Ring-net bioassays against An. culicifacies showed median knock-down time between 3.1 to 11.4 min. Behavioural indices were also studied for anopheline and culicine mosquitoes. The reduction in entry rates of anopheline and culicine mosquitoes into the rooms with treated nets compared to control indicated good efficacy with all the formulations and doses of the insecticides. INTERPRETAION AND CONCLUSION: Indoor (immediate) mortality of mosquitoes with bifenthrin ME formulation was relatively lower compared to SC fomulation of bifenthrin and based on delayed mortility and continued susceptibility in bioassays, bifenthrin ME at the rate of 10 mg/m(2) dose was found suitable for the impregnation of mosquito nets for phase III trial.

An allele-specific polymerase chain reaction assay for the differentiation of members of the Anopheles culicifacies complex.

Anopheles culicifacies, the principal vector of malaria in India, is a complex of five cryptic species which are morphologically indistinguishable at any stage of life. In view of the practical difficulties associated with classical cytotaxonomic method for the identification of members of the complex, an allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (ASPCR) assay targeted to the D3 domain of 28S ribosomal DNA was developed. The assay discriminates An. culicifacies species A and D from species B, C and E. The assay was validated using chromosomally identified specimens of An. culicifacies from different geographical regions of India representing different sympatric associations. The assay correctly differentiates species A and D from species B, C and E. The possible use of this diagnostic assay in disease vector control programmes is discussed.