Isolation and characterization of bacteria associated with silkworm gut under antibiotic-treated larval feeding

Abstract The impact of antibiotics on growth, cocoon production was assessed in addition to isolation and characterization of bacteria associated with silkworm gut of infected larvae. Larval rearing was maintained at recommended conditions of temperature and humidity. Silkworm larvae showing abnormal symptoms were collected from the control group and dissected for gut collection. Bacteria were isolated from the gut content by spreading on agar plates and incubated at 37 °C for 48 hrs. Bacterial identification and phylogenetic analysis were carried out by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The isolated bacteria were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility test (disc diffusion methods) by using Penicillin (10 µg/mL), Tetracycline (30 µg/mL), Amoxicillin (25 µg/mL), Ampicillin (10 µg/mL), and Erythromycin (15 µg/mL). All isolated strains showed positive results for the catalase test. We isolated and identified bacterial strains (n = 06) from the gut of healthy and diseased silkworm larvae. Based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence, isolated bacteria showed close relation with Serratia, Bacillus, and Pseudomonas spp. Notably, 83.3% of strains were resistant to Penicillin, Tetracycline, Amoxicillin, Ampicillin, and Erythromycin but 16.6% showed antibiotic susceptibility to the above-mentioned commonly used antibiotics. Silkworm larvae fed on penicillin-treated leaves showed significant improvement in larval weight, larval length, and cocoon production. Significantly higher larval weight (6.88g), larval length (5.84cm), and cocoon weight (1.33g) were recorded for larvae fed on leaves treated with penicillin as compared to other antibiotics. Isolated bacterial strains showed close relation with Serratia spp., Bacillus spp. and Pseudomonas spp.

Resumo O impacto dos antibióticos no crescimento e na produção do casulo foi avaliado, além do isolamento e caracterização das bactérias associadas ao intestino de larvas infectadas do bicho-da-seda. A criação das larvas foi mantida nas condições recomendadas de temperatura e umidade. As larvas do bicho-da-seda com sintomas anormais foram coletadas do grupo controle e dissecadas para coleta do intestino. As bactérias foram isoladas do conteúdo intestinal por espalhamento em placas de ágar e incubadas a 37° C durante 48 horas. A identificação bacteriana e a análise filogenética foram realizadas pelo sequenciamento do gene 16S rRNA. As bactérias isoladas foram submetidas a teste de sensibilidade antimicrobiana (métodos de difusão em disco) com penicilina (10 µg / mL), tetraciclina (30 µg / mL), amoxicilina (25 µg / mL), ampicilina (10 µg / mL) e eritromicina (15 µg / mL). Todas as cepas isoladas apresentaram resultados positivos para o teste da catalase. Isolamos e identificamos cepas bacterianas (n = 06) do intestino de larvas de bicho-da-seda saudáveis e doentes. Com base na sequência do gene 16S rRNA, as bactérias isoladas mostraram estreita relação com Serratia, Bacillus e Pseudomonas spp. Notavelmente, 83,3% das cepas eram resistentes a penicilina, tetraciclina, amoxicilina, ampicilina e eritromicina, mas 16,6% mostraram suscetibilidade aos antibióticos comumente usados mencionados acima. As larvas do bicho-da-seda alimentadas com folhas tratadas com penicilina apresentaram melhora significativa no peso larval, comprimento larval e produção de casulo. Peso larval significativamente maior (6,88g), comprimento larval (5,84cm) e peso do casulo (1,33g) foram registrados para larvas alimentadas com folhas tratadas com penicilina, em comparação com outros antibióticos. Cepas bacterianas isoladas mostraram estreita relação com Serratia spp., Bacillus spp. e Pseudomonas spp.

Assessment of land use cover changes, carbon sequestration and carbon stock in dry temperate forests of Chilas watershed, Gilgit-Baltistan

Abstract Land use and land cover change are affecting the global environment and ecosystems of the different biospheres. Monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) of these changes is of utmost importance as they often results in several global environmental consequences such as land degradation, mass erosion, habitat deterioration as well as micro and macro climate of the regions. The advance technologies like remote sensing (RS) and geographical information system (GIS) are helpful in determining/ identifying these changes. In the current study area, changes in carbon stocks, notably in forest areas, are resulting in considerable dynamics of carbon stocks as a result of climate change and carbon sequestration. This study was carried out in the Diamer district of the Gilgit Baltistan (GB) Pakistan to investigate the change in cover change/land use change (particularly Forest Land use) as well as carbon sequestration potential of the forests in the district during almost last 25years. The land cover, temporal Landsat data (level 1, LIT) were downloaded from the USGS EROS (2016), for 1979-1989, 1990-2000 and 2001-2012. Change in land uses, particularly forest cover was investigated using GIS techniques. Forest inventory was carried out using random sampling techniques. A standard plot of size 0.1 ha (n=80) was laid out to determine the tree density, volume, biomass and C stocks. Simulation of C stocks was accomplished by application of the CO2FIX model with the data input from inventory. Results showed a decrease in both forest and snow cover in the region from 1979-2012. Similarly decrease was seen in tree volume, tree Biomass, dynamics of C Stocks and decrease was in occur tree density respectively. It is recommended we need further more like project such as BTAP (Billion Tree Afforestation Project) and green Pakistan project to increase the forest cover, to control on land use change, protect forest ecosystem and to protect snow cover.

Resumo O uso e as mudanças na cobertura da terra estão afetando o meio ambiente global e os ecossistemas das diferentes biosferas. O monitoramento, relatório e verificação (MRV) dessas mudanças são de extrema importância, pois muitas vezes resultam em várias consequências ambientais globais, como degradação da terra, erosão em massa, deterioração do hábitat, bem como micro e macroclima das regiões. As tecnologias avançadas, como sensoriamento remoto (RS) e sistema de informações geográficas (SIG), são úteis para determinar / identificar essas mudanças. Na área de estudo atual, as mudanças nos estoques de carbono, principalmente em áreas florestais, estão resultando em uma dinâmica considerável dos estoques de carbono como resultado das mudanças climáticas e do sequestro de carbono. Este estudo foi realizado no distrito de Diamer de Gilgit Baltistan (GB), Paquistão, para investigar a mudança na mudança de cobertura / mudança de uso da terra (particularmente uso de terras florestais), bem como o potencial de sequestro de carbono das florestas no distrito durante quase os últimos 25 anos. A cobertura da terra, os dados temporais do Landsat (nível 1, LIT), foram baixados do USGS EROS (2016), para 1979-1989, 1990-2000 e 2001-2012. Mudanças nos usos da terra, particularmente na cobertura florestal, foram investigadas usando técnicas de SIG. O inventário florestal foi realizado por meio de técnicas de amostragem aleatória. Um lote padrão de 0,1 ha (n = 80) foi estabelecido para determinar a densidade das árvores, volume, biomassa e estoques de C. A simulação dos estoques de C foi realizada pela aplicação do modelo CO2FIX com a entrada de dados do inventário. Os resultados mostraram uma diminuição na cobertura florestal e de neve na região de 1979 a 2012. Da mesma forma, diminuição foi observada no volume da árvore, biomassa das árvores, dinâmica dos estoques de C e diminuição na densidade das árvores, respectivamente. É recomendado que precisemos de mais projetos como o BTAP (Billion Tree Afforestation Project) e o projeto Green Pakistan para aumentar a cobertura florestal, controlar as mudanças no uso da terra, proteger o ecossistema florestal e proteger a cobertura de neve.

Isolation and characterization of bacteria associated with silkworm gut under antibiotic-treated larval feeding / Isolamento e caracterização de bactérias associadas ao trato intestinal do bicho-da-seda sob alimentação larval tratada com antibióticos

Abstract The impact of antibiotics on growth, cocoon production was assessed in addition to isolation and characterization of bacteria associated with silkworm gut of infected larvae. Larval rearing was maintained at recommended conditions of temperature and humidity. Silkworm larvae showing abnormal symptoms were collected from the control group and dissected for gut collection. Bacteria were isolated from the gut content by spreading on agar plates and incubated at 37 °C for 48 hrs. Bacterial identification and phylogenetic analysis were carried out by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The isolated bacteria were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility test (disc diffusion methods) by using Penicillin (10 µg/mL), Tetracycline (30 µg/mL), Amoxicillin (25 µg/mL), Ampicillin (10 µg/mL), and Erythromycin (15 µg/mL). All isolated strains showed positive results for the catalase test. We isolated and identified bacterial strains (n = 06) from the gut of healthy and diseased silkworm larvae. Based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence, isolated bacteria showed close relation with Serratia, Bacillus, and Pseudomonas spp. Notably, 83.3% of strains were resistant to Penicillin, Tetracycline, Amoxicillin, Ampicillin, and Erythromycin but 16.6% showed antibiotic susceptibility to the above-mentioned commonly used antibiotics. Silkworm larvae fed on penicillin-treated leaves showed significant improvement in larval weight, larval length, and cocoon production. Significantly higher larval weight (6.88g), larval length (5.84cm), and cocoon weight (1.33g) were recorded for larvae fed on leaves treated with penicillin as compared to other antibiotics. Isolated bacterial strains showed close relation with Serratia spp., Bacillus spp. and Pseudomonas spp.

Resumo O impacto dos antibióticos no crescimento e na produção do casulo foi avaliado, além do isolamento e caracterização das bactérias associadas ao intestino de larvas infectadas do bicho-da-seda. A criação das larvas foi mantida nas condições recomendadas de temperatura e umidade. As larvas do bicho-da-seda com sintomas anormais foram coletadas do grupo controle e dissecadas para coleta do intestino. As bactérias foram isoladas do conteúdo intestinal por espalhamento em placas de ágar e incubadas a 37° C durante 48 horas. A identificação bacteriana e a análise filogenética foram realizadas pelo sequenciamento do gene 16S rRNA. As bactérias isoladas foram submetidas a teste de sensibilidade antimicrobiana (métodos de difusão em disco) com penicilina (10 µg / mL), tetraciclina (30 µg / mL), amoxicilina (25 µg / mL), ampicilina (10 µg / mL) e eritromicina (15 µg / mL). Todas as cepas isoladas apresentaram resultados positivos para o teste da catalase. Isolamos e identificamos cepas bacterianas (n = 06) do intestino de larvas de bicho-da-seda saudáveis e doentes. Com base na sequência do gene 16S rRNA, as bactérias isoladas mostraram estreita relação com Serratia, Bacillus e Pseudomonas spp. Notavelmente, 83,3% das cepas eram resistentes a penicilina, tetraciclina, amoxicilina, ampicilina e eritromicina, mas 16,6% mostraram suscetibilidade aos antibióticos comumente usados mencionados acima. As larvas do bicho-da-seda alimentadas com folhas tratadas com penicilina apresentaram melhora significativa no peso larval, comprimento larval e produção de casulo. Peso larval significativamente maior (6,88g), comprimento larval (5,84cm) e peso do casulo (1,33g) foram registrados para larvas alimentadas com folhas tratadas com penicilina, em comparação com outros antibióticos. Cepas bacterianas isoladas mostraram estreita relação com Serratia spp., Bacillus spp. e Pseudomonas spp.

Dosimetric analysis of intracavitary brachytherapy applicators: a practical study

Purpose@#Intracavitary brachytherapy is one of the important methods of gynecological cancer treatment. The effect of attenuation is not considered in the dose calculation method released by the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) Task Group No. 43 Report (TG-43). In this study, the effect of high-dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy applicators on dose distribution was measured using Gafchromic films and well-type ionization chamber. @*Materials and Methods@#A plan created by the treatment planning system was first executed using a well-type ionization chamber with a water equivalent elasto-gel in place for charge collection. Again, same plan was executed using central tandems of various angulations with different diameters of vaginal cylinders and charge collection was measured. For in vitro dose measurements this plan was also executed on tandem and vaginal cylinder assembly with Gafchromic films fixed on the surface of vaginal cylinder. @*Results@#The results show that the central tandem when used with different vaginal cylinders resulted in increase in effective attenuation of the beam. The central tandem of 300 angulations when used with a 35-mm diameter vaginal cylinder results in maximum attenuation whereas the 0º tandem when used with 20-mm diameter vaginal cylinder results in least attenuation of the beam. @*Conclusion@#Due to the attenuation by various applicators used in brachytherapy for the treatment of gynecological cancers, it can be concluded that the difference between practical dose and the treatment planning system calculated dose should be considered for the correct estimation of the dose to the target and the organs-at-risk.

Serological, Isolation and Molecular Studies on Brucellosis in an Organized Farm, Jammu and Kashmir, India

The present study was conducted in an organized farm of Jammu region, Jammu and Kashmir state having history of late-term abortions in cattle and buffaloes to elucidate the role of brucellosis in causing abortions on the farm. The farm had 46 animals (23 adults, 15 heifers and 9 calves). The farm was positive in herd test (milk ring test). Serological tests viz., Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT) and serum agglutination test (SAT) were conducted on 30 serum samples and 11 samples were found positive in both tests. Five vaginal swabs from abortion cases were processed for isolation and 3 isolates of Brucella were obtained which on further characterization by biochemical tests, genus-specific PCR and species-specific PCR were identified as B. abortus biovar 1. As brucellosis is an anthropozoonoses, the high prevalence of brucellosis in livestock of farm demands the surveillance of disease in humans working on the farm and necessitates the control of disease on the farm.

Vaginal Bacterial Profile in Buffaloes Following Treatment with Progesterone Insert

The objective of this study was to characterize the vaginal bacterial flora and subsequent conception rates after AI in buffaloes subjected to 3 different estrous induction regimes-the use of CIDR and use of two intravaginal sponges (Polyurethane sponges with micronized progesterone and Polyurethane sponges with micronized progesterone with Carboxy methyl cellulose). The estrus induction was 100% in Group I and II followed by 91.67 % in group III. The pregnancy rates were Group I, II and III were 50.00, 66.67 and 54.55% respectively. All the vaginal swabs in all three groups yielded growth of bacteria and the predominance of mixed isolates over single isolates 81.94% vs 18.06% was indicative of dominance of mixed culture over single isolates. E. coli, Staphylococcus, Proteus and Klebsiela spp. were the commonest isolates obtained prior to insertion and after removal of implants in postpartum anestrus buffaloes. The gram positive bacteria were Staphylococcus, Streptococcus and Bacillus spp. while, gram negative bacteria were E. coli, Proteus and Klebsiella spp. These organisms could be considered as a part of the normal bacterial flora of the buffalo

Molecular detection of Anaplasma in apparently healthy Cholistan breed of cattle from the Bahawalpur district, Pakistan

The present study was designed to report the prevalence of Anaplasma sp. in blood samples of Cholistan breed of cattle from Bahawalpur District and to determine the risk factors associated with the prevalence of this parasite. A total of 148 blood samples were randomly collected from apparently healthy cattle. On the sampling sites, data on the characteristics of the animals (species, gender, age) were collected through questionnaires. 47 blood samples (31.8% of total) produced the 577 base pairs DNA fragment specific for 16S rRNA gene of Anaplasma sp. by PCR amplification. Out of 47 Anaplasma sp. positive PCR products, 9 were found to be Anaplasma marginale by restriction with BssNa1 and 9 were confirmed to be Anaplasma phagocytophilum (A. phagocytophilum) as they amplified 550 bp fragment from the amplified MSP 2 gene of this species. Risk factor analysis indicated that the presence of parasite was not limited to a particular sex or age group of the infected animals. Comparison of hematological profile revealed that Anaplasma sp. positive cattle had significantly reduced levels of mean corpuscular volume (P=0.02) and eosinophils (P=0.02) than in parasite negative animals. While studied serum biochemical profile remain unaffected when compared between the two groups.

Reproducibility and validity of a quantitative food frequency questionnaire in an urban and rural area of northern India.

Background. Food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) have been used in epidemiological studies across the world to capture the usual food intake of individuals. As food habits vary in different population groups, FFQs should be validated before use. Hence, we determined the reproducibility and validity of FFQs designed for urban and rural populations of northern India. Methods. Separate FFQs, designed for urban and rural populations using standard methods, were administered to a sample of 200 subjects (100 urban and 100 rural) in the age group of 35–70 years in the beginning (baseline FFQ) of the study and after an interval of 1 year (1-year FFQ) to assess their reproducibility. Six 24-hour dietary-recalls, taken at an interval of 2 months over a period of 1 year, were used as a reference method to test the validity. Crude and energyadjusted nutrient intakes estimated from FFQs and 24-hour dietary-recalls were compared using Pearson correlation coefficients. Bland and Altman plots were also used to test the agreement between the two methods. Results. Nutrient intakes were found to be similar at the baseline and 1-year FFQs in urban and rural areas. The unadjusted Pearson correlation between 24-hour dietaryrecalls and 1-year FFQ ranged from 0.22 for vitamin C to 0.63 for iron in the urban area. It ranged from 0.06 for vitamin C to 0.74 for energy in the rural area. The correlations lowered after adjusting for energy and there was a minimal increase after de-attenuation. Conclusion. The FFQs were reproducible and valid for assessing nutrient intakes except for some micronutrients.

Purification and characterization of thermostable chitinase from a novel S. maltophilia strain

Aims: The presents study examines the purification and characterization of a chitinase from S. maltophilia SJ602 strain isolated from a soil sample collected from Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi. Methodology and Results: The purification steps included chitin affinity using colloidal chitin as the affinity matrix and column chromatography using Sephadex G-100. The chitinase was purified to 66 fold having a yield of 17%. The molecular weight of the chitinase was found to be around 29 kDa by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The pH and temperature optima of the purified chitinase were found to be at pH 5.5 and 60 °C, respectively. Conclusion, Significance and Impact of the study: Besides showing a significant yield, the enzyme has a high thermal stability which has its applicability in the recycling of chitin waste.

Bacteriological Profile Of Ear Discharge And Their Antibiotic Sensitivity In Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media In Kashmir,India.

The objective of the study was to study the microflora and the antibiograms of patients with chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) in Kashmir,in order to provide a guidelines for making a protocol for empirical antibiotic therapy. Study design:Prospective study Material and methods: This study was conducted on OPD basis in Department of Ear, Nose and Throat and HNS Government medical college Srinagar kashmir from july 2010 to june 1011 and one hundred twenty five(125) patients with unilateral or bilateral active chronic suppurative otitis media were prospectively studied.They had chronic ear discharge and had not received antibiotics for the previous five days. Swabs were taken from discharging ear's and sent to microbiological section of hospital were culture for bacteria was done Antibiotic sensitivity testing was done with standard antibiotic discs using Kirby-bauer disk diffusion method.4 Results:From the Clinical specimens off the 125 patients microbiological culture was positive in 110 specimens. The most common causal organisms isolated were Staphylococcus aureus (48%) including 8% of methcillin resistant staph aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (16%) followed by coagulase negative.Antibiotic sensitivities of staph aureus (other than MRSA) showed that 72% isolates were sensitivity to gentamicin,55% to ciprofloxacin followed by 36% to cephalosporins(cetazidime,ceftriaxone).For pseudomonas aeruginosa 72% isolates were sensitive to piperacillin/tazobactum 48% to ciprofloxacin and 32% to ceftazidime/ceftriaxone. Of the three antibiotics commonly available as topical eardrops,ciprofloxacin and gentamicin has the highest susceptibility rate.

Stercolith Perforation

A 62-year-old diabetic bed ridden woman, presented to the emergency department with symptoms suggestive of peritonitis. She had been taking oral laxatives and enemas to relieve her chronic constipation for last 6 years. Hard impacted stools and pelvic tenderness were found on digital rectal examination. Her X-ray abdomen showed soft tissue shadows in the colon but there was no gas under the diaphragm on chest X-ray. Sonography found free fluid in pelvis. She was resuscitated, and her hyperglycemia was controlled by use of regular insulin as per sliding scale. Operative findings revealed free fluid in pelvis and very hard faecalomas lying free in peritoneal cavity. There was a 2 x 3 cm perforation at the anterior wall of the recto-sigmoid junction. Peritoneal toilet was carried out followed by Hartmann's procedure. Histopathology of perforation side showed no evidence of malignancy

Scurvy; radiological diagnosis

Hypervitaminosis and hypovitaminosis occur in children in our country mainly due to socioeconomic reasons. Most common being the rickets due to vitamin D deficiency, however scurvy is also not uncommon and radiological changes suggestive of scurvy are occasionally seen. Three cases of scurvy are presented here, between one and three years of age, showing typical radiological changes especially in knees. Good history, physical examination and quality X-rays are essential for making diagnosis of scurvy

Clinical spectrum of typhoid fever in children

One of the most important health problem in Pakistan and other developing countries is Enteric Fever. As the definitive diagnosis of typhoid fever requires certain laboratory tests, emphasis must be given to clinical diagnosis of typhoid fever especially in communities where laboratory services are not available, so that a rapid diagnosis can be made and appropuate treatment started on clinical grounds without waiting for laboratory investigations. A descriptive study was carried out on 80 patients admitted in Paeds Ward Jinnah Hospital Lahore from June 2003 to June 2004 with strong suspicion of typhoid fever. These patients were either blood culture or widal test positive. Out of 80 admitted patients,29 were female and 51 were male. Maximum incidence was seen in children between 5-15 years of age Fever was the most consistent feature in all patients which was mostly high grade and remittent. The important physical findings were coated tongue and hepatosplenomegaly

Level of health awareness of Saudi patients on renal replacement therapy

To assess health awareness in patients on renal replacement therapy [RRT] in Saudi Arabia. This is a cross-sectional survey using a 22-item questionnaire in 143 randomly selected adult RRT patients [40 on hemodialysis [HD], 61 on peritoneal dialysis [PD] and 42 with renal transplant [TX]]. The study was carried out at King Abdul-Aziz Medical City, Riyadh in April 2006. The questionnaire was designed to evaluate patients' knowledge in 5 areas: 1. causes of renal failure, 2. biology of the kidneys, 3. symptoms of kidney disease, 4. therapeutic options available, 5. national kidney patients support facilities. The association between the level of awareness [the percentage of correct answers] to different demographic factors was assessed. Three fifths of the patients had less than secondary education. The average mark for correct responses of all patients was 45.9% with a highest [58%] for the category on biology of the kidney and lowest [36.8%] for national kidney patients support facilities. The PD group had the highest score [54.4%] followed by HD [44.3%] and finally TX [35.1%]. The level of our patients' health awareness is lower than satisfactory. Level of education seems to be a contributory factor

Hyper IgE syndrome

Hyper immunoglobulin E syndrome is a rare disease. We report a case of a 2, 1/2 years old girl of consanguineous parents who presented with recurrent staphylococcal infections, failure to thrive and death of four siblings with similar illness. CBC revealed a peripheral eosinophilia and serum IgE level was markedly, raised which led to the diagnosis of hyper IgE syndrome

Antibody levels against polioviruses in children following Pulse Polio Immunization Program.

This cross sectional study was performed in a tertiary level teaching hospital to evaluate and compare the antibody levels in children below 6 years who had received oral polio vaccination through Pulse Polio Immunization (PPI) with those children who had received both routine immunization as well as PPI. Detail history of polio immunization was taken. Serum samples were then collected for antibody determination by neutralization tests with standard polio viruses using Vero cell lines. Total 400 children were studied; 14 were found unvaccinated. Out of the remaining 386 (96.5%) vaccinated children, 292 (75%) had received both routine and pulse polio immunization, 68 (17%) had only PPI while 26 (6.7%) had received only routine immunization. The seropositivity was lowest for P3 and highest for P2. Overall seroprevalence for PI, P2 and P3 in vaccinated children was 89.1%, 93% and 80.6% respectively, and did not differ significantly between the three vaccinated subgroups. However, children who were immunized by both routine and PPI had higher geometric mean titers (315.5, 484.7 and 187.4 for PI, P2 and P3 respectively) when compared with those who had received only PPI (P<0.001 for each PI, P2 and P3), as well as those who had received only routine immunization with OPV (P<0.05 for PI, p<0.001 for P2, and P<0.01 for P3). Despite the reasonable immunization coverage in study population, there were 29 (7.25%) triple negative cases. Hence other causes of low seroconversion should also be considered to achieve polio free India.

Prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus infection in children with tuberculosis.

This prospective study was carried out in the pediatric ward and outpatient department of a tertiary care centre to estimate the prevalence of HIV seropositivity in children with tuberculosis. Two hundred and fifty consecutive children below 12 years of age with (pulmonary and extrapulmonary) tuberculosis diagnosed between March 1999 and July 2000 were screened for HIV infection. A patient was labeled as HIV positive if two consecutive ELISA tests were found positive using different antigen/principle. Supplemental western blot test was also done. Parents of seropositive children were also screened for HIV infection and tuberculosis. Total 5 cases were HIV positive giving a seroprevalence of 2%. All the five patients had disseminated tuberculosis. We suggest regular screening of children with disseminated/miliary tuberculosis for HIV co-infection.

Clinical spectrum of typhoid fever in children

One of the most important health problem in Pakistan and other developing countries is Enteric Fever. As the definitive diagnosis of typhoid fever requires certain laboratory Tests, emphasis must be given to clinical diagnosis of typhoid fever especially in communities where laboratory services are not available, so that a rapid diagnosis can be made and appropriate treatment started on clinical grounds without waiting for laboratory investigations. A descriptive study was carried out on 80 patients admitted in Paeds ward Jinnah Hospital Lahore from June 2003 to June 2004 with strong suspicion of typhoid fever. These patients were either blood culture or widal test positive. Out of 80 admitted patients, 29 were female and 51 were male. Maximum incidence was seen in children between 5-15 years of age. Fever was the most consistent feature in all patients which was mostly high grade and remittent. The important physical findings were coated tongue and hepatosplenomegaly