ABSTRACT
Background & Objectives: Objective structured practical examination (OSPE) is a good tool to assess skill competency. The objectives of the study was to compare the score of marks obtained by Conventional method of assessment (CPE) with OSPE for assessing skill competency to perform Gram and Zeihl- Neelsen stain and to know the students’ and teachers’ perception about OSPE. Methods: Ninety two MBBS students were included in the study as ‘OSPE’ and ‘CPE’ groups (46+46). The two groups were assessed for their skill competency to perform Gram and Zeihl- Neelsen stain using OSPE and CPE methods respectively. Teachers’ perception was analysed for both the assessment methods with respect to objectivity, reliability, validity, feasibility etc. Feedback was taken from students too. Results: The difference of marks score by OSPE and CPE was found to be extremely statistically significant. The perception (students’ & teachers’ ) assessment reflected the acceptability of the method among students and teachers. Interpretation & Conclusion: OSPE is a tool which would help increase the objectivity while assessing skills in Microbiology and needs to be evaluated further so as to enable teachers to use this valuable tool alone or in combination with CPE.[Namrata K NJIRM 2016; 7(5):87-91]
ABSTRACT
The aim of the present study was to determine the etiological agents, predisposing factors and important diagnostic tests in keratomycosis in Patna. During period of 2 years, 204 clinically suspected cases of keratomycosis were studied by microscopy (10% KOH smear preparation and Gram's staining) and culture (for bacteria as well as fungus). Out of 204 clinically suspected cases, 76 cases (37.23%) were reported positive for fungus by microscopy and culture. 77% cases were between the age group of 21 to 50 years. Males were more than double the number of females affected. 82% patients were farmers by occupation. 81.58% cases gave a definite history of antecedent corneal trauma. 6.58% cases were known diabetics. Peak incidence was recorded in the months of September-October of the years. Single fungal isolates were present in 63 cases (31%) and multiple were there in 3 cases (1.47%). Mixed isolates of bacteria and fungi were there in 4.90% cases. The predominant isolate was Aspergillus species--42 cases (52.26%) followed by Candida--7 cases (9.21%), Penicillium--6 cases (7.89%) and Fusarium-6 cases (7.89%). Ten (13.15%) of fungal isolates remained unidentified. Therefore mycotic keratitis should be suspected in every patient with a corneal lesion and should be ruled out promptly to save sight and before commencing steroids and antibiotics.