Spectrum of Aspergillus infections in post TB patients

Background: Fungal colonisation of airways in Post TB patients, can lead to a spectrum of diseases based on the immune response of the host. This study was aimed at studying the different entities of this spectrum. Methods: A cross sectional observational study was conducted over 100 patients of post TB patients to make an observation of the diseases of the spectrum of Aspergillus infections. Results: Of the 100 patients who were studied, IPA was found in 24 (48%), ABPA in 13(26%), CPA in 5(10%) patients out of the 50 diabetics. ABPA in 23 (46%) patients, Simple colonization, CPA in 11(22%) and 4 (8%) patients showed IPA out of the 50 non-diabetics. Conclusion: Chronic pulmonary Aspergillosis was the most common disease from Aspergillus among Post TB patients. Diabetes was associated to invasive forms of Aspergillosis, Invasive Pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) and subacute invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (SAIA).

Bio-eco-social determinants of Aedes breeding in field practice area of a medical college in Pune, Maharashtra

Background: Major determinant of dengue incidence is interaction between ecology, vector bionomics, and social factors. Objectives: The objective of the study is to find out bio-eco-social determinants of Aedes breeding. Methods: Background, household, entomological, and knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) surveys were undertaken post- and premonsoon showers from May to June 2016 in urban and rural practice area of medical college. Results: A total of 181 and 204 households, 131 and 137 individuals, and 1250 and 1268 water-holding containers were included in household survey, KAP survey, and larval survey in urban slum and rural area, respectively. In both locations, maximum water-holding containers were indoors (41.4% and 61.8%, respectively); however, maximum positivity was peridomestic (63.6% and 83.1%, respectively). Pupae per container were 0.9 and 1.9 in respective locations and pupae per person were 1.2 and 2.3, respectively. Container positivity was seen in containers with rain as water source (8.8%) as well as among those who were never used (10.7%). Irregular water supply was significantly more in rural area (P < 0.05). KAP survey revealed that majority (90.1% and 71.5%, respectively) had heard about dengue, with significantly higher knowledge in urban slum, and television was the main source of information. Majority (89% and 83%, respectively) were unaware that peak biting time of Aedes is daytime. Use of mosquito repellent coils was the predominant preventive practice (46.6% and 61.2%, respectively). Pupae were reared; all were found to be Aedes aegypti. Conclusions: Despite enhanced awareness campaigns, an integrated vector management approach is required for prevention of dengue.

Identification, antifungal resistance profile, in vitro biofilm formation and ultrastructural characteristics of Candida species isolated from diabetic foot patients in Northern India.

Purpose: Diabetic foot ulcers are a serious cause of diagnostic and therapeutic concern. The following study was undertaken to determine the fungal causes of diabetic foot ulcers, with their phenotypic and genotypic characterisation. Materials and Methods: A total of 155 diabetic foot ulcers were studied for 1 year. Deep tissue specimen was collected from the wounds, and crushed samples were plated on Sabouraud dextrose agar with chloramphenicol (0.05 g). Identification was done by growth on cornmeal agar, germ tube formation and urease test. For molecular identification, conserved portion of the 18S rDNA region, the adjacent internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) and a portion of the 28S rDNA region were amplified, using the ITS1 and ITS2 primers. Antifungal susceptibility against voriconazole, fluconazole and amphotericin B was determined by standard broth microdilution method. Biofilm formation was studied in three steps. First, on the surface of wells of microtiter plates followed by quantification of growth by fungal metabolism measurement. Finally, biofilms were analysed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results: Fungal aetiology was found in 75 patients (48.38%). All were identified as Candida species (100%). The prevalence of different species was Candida tropicalis (34.6%), Candida albicans (29.3%), Candida krusei (16.0%), Candida parapsilosis (10.6%), Candida glabrata (9.33%). All were susceptible to amphotericin B (100%). On microtiter plate, all the isolates were viable within 48 h showing biofilms. The metabolic activity of cells in the biofilm increased with cellular mass, especially in the first 24 h. On SEM, majority showed budding yeast form. Conclusion: Non‑albicans Candida spp. with potential biofilm forming ability are emerging as a predominant cause of diabetic foot ulcers.

Knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) regarding voluntary non-remunerated blood donation (VNRBD) among the students of colleges of Jammu, India.

Background: A voluntary non-remunerated blood donor forms the firm foundation of blood transfusion services of a country. The healthy, active and receptive student population can be potential blood donor to meet the safe blood requirements. The objective of this study was to find out the prevalence of blood donors and to explore the Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) of the college students of Jammu, India regarding Voluntary Non-Remunerated Blood Donation (VNRBD). Methods: A descriptive study was conducted over a period of one year. It involved students of six colleges. A structured donor questionnaire regarding KAP on VNRBD was distributed among the college students. Results: 1520 college students with 880 females and 640 males were involved in the study. Out of which 210 were blood donors. Prevalence of blood donors was 13.81%. In this study 81.57 % of students were aware of Voluntary Blood Donation (VBD). 62.5% of the students had awareness regarding spread and transmission of HIV/AIDS. 49.34% students were not aware of the fact that paid / professional blood donation has been banned in India. 76.68% of the students had knowledge that blood donation has medical benefits. The commonest reason for blood donation was sense of social responsibility and for not donating blood was fear of illness. 90.13% of the students were willing to donate blood in future. Conclusions: To increase the prevalence of voluntary blood donation, specific campaigns involving interactive awareness sessions on blood donation should be organized, targeting the youth, motivating them to become regular voluntary blood donors should be conducted. Barriers to blood donation especially by women should be studied and evaluated. Efforts must be undertaken to bring the knowledge and positive attitude towards VBD into application in future to achieve the goal of 100% VNRBD.

HIV/AIDS knowledge among first year MBBS, nursing, pharmacy students of a health university, India

To determine level of HIV/AIDS knowledge among first-year MBBS, nursing and pharmacy students of a health university. A pre-designed, pre-tested, anonymous self-administered, semi-structured questionnaire was circulated among available 129, 53 and 55 first-year MBBS, nursing and pharmacy students during Oct' 09. Data entry, management and analysis were carried out using MS excel and software statistical package. Out of the total 237 students, there were 123 [51.9%] female and 103 [44.0%] students from rural native place. A majority of students were able to correctly write the full form of AIDS [95.8%] in comparison to HIV [72.6%] and the difference between two terminologies were known to 87.6%, 81.1% and 70.9% of MBBS, nursing and pharmacy students, respectively. All four common routes of transmission of infection and methods of prevention were known to majority of the lot. However, injecting drug users [IDU] and truck driver as a risk category was correctly reported by 67.5% and 55.3% students, whereas 35.9% incorrectly mentioned that smoking is a risk factor for acquiring infection. A statistically significant [P <0.05] proportion of MBBS followed by nursing and pharmacy students were aware that infection neither spreads by social activities like handshake/playing nor by mosquito bite. However, low level was ascertained with regard to items related to non-curability of infection [57.4%] and availability of anti-retro viral therapy [27.4%]. Overall high level of knowledge was recorded in the present study with a difference noted among students in three professional streams

Physical mapping, expression analysis and polymorphism survey of resistance gene analogues on chromosome 11 of rice.

Rice is the fi rst cereal genome with a fi nished sequence and a model crop that has important syntenic relationships with other cereal species. The objectives of our study were to identify resistance gene analogue (RGA) sequences from chromosome 11 of rice, understand their expression in other cereals and dicots by in silico analysis, determine their presence on other rice chromosomes, and evaluate the extent of polymorphism and actual expression in a set of rice genotypes. A total of 195 RGAs were predicted and physically localised. Of these, 91.79% expressed in rice, and 51.28% expressed in wheat, which was the highest among other cereals. Among monocots, sugarcane showed the highest (78.92%) expression, while among dicots, RGAs were maximally expressed in Arabidopsis (11.79%). Interestingly, two of the chromosome 11-specifi c RGAs were found to be expressing in all the organisms studied. Eighty RGAs of chromosome 11 had signifi cant homology with chromosome 12, which was the maximum among all the rice chromosomes. Thirty-one per cent of the RGAs used in polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplifi cation showed polymorphism in a set of rice genotypes. Actual gene expression analysis revealed post-inoculation induction of one RGA in the rice line IRBB-4 carrying the bacterial blight resistance gene Xa-4. Our results have implications for the development of sequence-based markers and functional validation of specifi c RGAs in rice.

Field evaluation of a mechanical fly catcher in the control of houseflies.

'Fly Catcher', an innovative herbal based mechanical trap was evaluated for its efficacy in reducing fly nuisance in and around messes operating in a large teaching establishment and the adjacent garbage dumps. It is recommended that the 'Fly Catcher' may be used as an adjunct to other routinely followed anti fly measures.

Prospects for the use of ornamental fishes for mosquito control: a laboratory investigation.

Use of larvivorous fishes Gambusia and Poecilia for mosquito control has been a well established option. The study evaluated the larvivorous potential of some ornamental fish vis-a-vis Gambusia and Poecilia in the laboratory settings using standard testing protocol. Gold fish and Blue Gourami were found to be as effective larvivores as Gambusia affinis, the mosquito fish. The study recommends introduction of Goldfish and Blue Gourami in ornamental tanks for control of mosquito breeding as well as providing aesthetic beauty.

Malaria control using deltamethrin impregnated mosquito nets/ insecticide treated bed nets: experience in armed forces.

The study was undertaken to evaluate the impact of deltamethrin-impregnated mosquito nets on malaria incidence, mosquito density, any adverse side effect among users. A field trial was carried out over a period of three years in two adjacent military stations at Allahabad (UP), keeping one as a trial and other as a control station. During first year, baseline data were collected and during next two years residual spray was replaced with use of deltamethrin impregnated mosquito nets in trial station. The use of deltamethrin-impregnated mosquito nets/insecticide treated bed nets resulted in a significant decline in malaria incidence and Annual Parasite Index (API). The average mosquito density of Anopheline mosquitoes decreased by 67.8% and Culex by 49.7%. The insecticide was found safe for use amongst troops. Use of deltamethrin-impregnated mosquito nets has beneficial impact on integrated control of malaria.

Malaria control using deltamethrin impregnated bed nets in a cantonment area at Allahabad (U. P.).

The study was undertaken to evaluate the impact of deltamethrin impregnated mosquito nets on malaria incidence, mosquito density, any adverse side effect among users and collateral effects on bed bugs and houseflies. A field trial was carried out over a period of three years in two adjacent military stations at Allahabad (UP), keeping one as a trial and other as a control station. During first year, baseline data were collected and during next two years residual spray was replaced with use of deltamethrin impregnated mosquito nets in trial station. The use of deltamethrin-treated bed nets resulted in a significant decline in malaria incidence and annual parasite index (API). The average mosquito density of anopheline mosquitoes decreased by 67.8% and culicine by 49.7%. The insecticide was found safe for use amongst troops and had favourable collateral effects against bed bugs and flies. Use of deltamethrin impregnated bed nets has beneficial impact on integrated control of malaria.

Laboratory evaluation of repellents against Leptotrombidium deliense, vector of scrub typhus.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Scrub typhus, a rickettsial disease transmitted by larvae of Leptotrombidium deliense, is of special importance to the Armed Forces personnel, due to the heightened risk to this disease during movement in mite endemic areas during exercise/war. The disease is best prevented by the use of personal protective measures including repellents. Studies were undertaken to determine the relative efficacy of repellents: diethyl toulamide (DEET), dibutyl phthalate (DBP) with an indigenously developed repellent diethyl phenyl acetamide (DEPA) against the larval trombiculid mite. METHODS: The repellents were tested for persistence on impregnated cloth prior to washing, post washing and ironing by means of a specially fabricated testing kit. Acaricidal efficacy estimation was performed on the treated fabrics and topical application efficacy of repellents on mice was evaluated by a novel animal testing model. RESULTS: DEET and DEPA were found to provide maximum protection (repellence and acaricidal efficacy), could withstand two launderings of the impregnated uniform and also had superior efficacy on topical application (8 h). Ironing was found to significantly reduce the repellence of DEET and DBP. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: The findings of this study point towards the superiority of DEPA and DEET for impregnation of the uniform cloth as well as for topical application for the prevention of scrub typhus amongst the troops.