Serological diagnosis of dengue in laboratory practice in Kolkata.

Purpose: To find out the most suitable serological investigative procedures to diagnose dengue cases effectively in the laboratory practice identifying primary and secondary cases as well as period of suffering. Materials and Methods: Dengue suspected cases sent to the laboratory in 2012 in central Kolkata by the local physicians were categorised into seven panels according to the investigations asked for such as (1) only dengue‑specific NS1 antigen (2) only IgM antibodies, (3) NS1 + IgM + IgG antibodies, (4) only IgM and IgG, (5) NS1 + IgM, (6) NS1 + IgG and (7) only IgG. Results: Out of 1892 suspected cases, dengue was diagnosed in 725 (38.3%). Through panels I, II, III, IV, V, VI and VII, it was possible to diagnose dengue in (I) 35.98% (435/1209), (II) 37.5% (24/60), (III) 49% (173/354), (IV) 30.8% (68/221), (V) 60.5% (23/38), (VI) 40% (2/5) and (VII) 0 of cases respectively. Detail information such as confirmed diagnosis, duration of the disease (whether early or prolonged) and classification of primary and secondary dengue in such early or prolonged stages would only be possible in panel III, which information would be helpful for effective monitoring and treatment of dengue patients. In all other panels, merely fragmentary information would be obtained. Conclusions: Serodiagnostic tests dengue‑specific NS1 antigen and IgM and IgG antibodies when conducted simultaneously would be able to diagnose confirmed dengue cases categorising primary and secondary dengue along with the duration of the disease, whether early or prolonged.

Histopathology based cancer pattern in Mymensingh region of Bangladesh.

To our knowledge, population-based published data regarding the cancer profile in Mymensingh region of Bangladesh is not available. This study was designed to provide information regarding the frequencies of cancers through sample data retrieved from histopathology (surgical pathology) laboratory based cancer registry from two laboratories in Mymensingh. All malignant tumours recorded in 2006 in the register of pathology laboratory of Mymensingh Medical College and one private pathology laboratory in Mymensingh town were taken as sample data for analysis in terms of age groups, gender and types of cancer with relation to site. A total of 470 cases diagnosed as cancer were found in the register, of which males were 249(53%) and females were 221(47%) with male to female ratio 1.2: 1. Highest numbers of cases were found in the age group of 51-60 years. In male group frequency of malignant tumours was found in the age group of 51-60 years and the female group it is 41-50 years. Top five sites of cancer, irrespective of sex, were of stomach, uterine cervix, colo-rectum, lymph nodes and breast. According to decreasing order of frequency, in the males, the top five cancers were of stomach, lymph node, oesophagus, urinary bladder and colo-rectum. In the female groups these were of uterine cervix, breast, ovary, colo-rectum and stomach. Cancer cases in the age group of 51-60 years were significantly higher in males than in females (p<0.001). The commonest cancers in males and females were of stomach and cervix, respectively. As the analysis was based only on surgical specimens, the exact incidence of cancer of lung and liver could not be evaluated. Because, majorities of the malignancies in these organs are diagnosed mainly on cytological examination. Population-based cancer registry should be maintained to explore the exact patterns of cancer in the study region. Cervical cancer screening program and eradication of H. pylori infection program may be helpful for the reduction of incidence of cancer in this region.

Eighth nerve involvement in meningo-encephalitis.

Seventy-two patients suffering from meningo-encephalitis were studied, clinically, biochemically, microbiologically and virologically. Evidence of rising titre in serum and CSF of antibodies to Japanese encephalitis were present in 50% of cases, and recent past infection in 20% of cases. Cranial nerve involvement particularly the "8th" was present in 70% of cases though there was a 2.5% involvement of the 2nd, 3rd and 6th nerves. All the patients belonged to plain Tribal population and all had a history of eating pork 7-10 days prior to development of the infection.