Anti-avian influenza virus H[9]N[2] activity of aqueous extracts of Zingiber officinalis [Ginger] and Allium sativum [Garlic] in chick embryos

In the present study, anti-Avian influenza virus H9N2 activity of aqueous extracts [5, 10, 15, 20, 25%] of Zingiber officinalis and Allium sativum was evaluated. Embryo-toxicity was evaluated by histopathological scoring of Chorio-allantoic membrane of chick embryos. Cytotoxicity of extracts was determined by MTT assay on Vero cells. Aqueous extract of ginger had antiviral activity at 10, 15, 20 and 25% while garlic had activity at 15, 20 and 25%. Histopathological scoring of chorio-allantoic membrane for aqueous extracts [5, 10, 15, 20, 25%] of ginger [0.66+/-0.57, 1.33+/-0.57, 1.66+/-0.57, 2.66+/-0.57, 3.66+/-0.57, respectively] and garlic [1.00+/-0.00, 1.33+/-0.57, 2.00+/-0.00, 2.33+/-0.57, 3.66+/-0.57, respectively] was concentration dependant. MTT assay revealed cytotoxicity of both plants was also concentration dependent. Extracts of ginger [5, 10, 15, 20, 25%] had lower cytotoxicity [71, 59, 28, 22, 0 % cell survival, respectively] as compared to garlic [61, 36. 20, 11, 3% cell survival, respectively]. Overall results revealed that concentration of aqueous extract of ginger [10%], showing antiviral activity against H[9]N2, was less toxic to vero cells [> 50% cell survival]. It is insinuated that ginger may have anti- Avian influenza virus H9N2 potential and its active compounds needs further investigations

Isolation and antibiotic susceptibility of E. coli from urinary tract infections in a tertiary care hospital

The study was conducted to isolate and determine the antibiotic resistance in E. coli from urinary tract infections in a tertiary care hospital, Lahore. Urine samples [n=500] were collected from patients with signs and symptoms of Urinary tract infections. Bacteria were isolated and identified by conventional biochemical profile. Antibiotic resistance pattern of E. coli against different antibiotic was determined by Kirby-Baur method. Bacterial etiological agent was isolated from 402 samples with highest prevalence of E. coli [321, 80%] followed by Staphylococcus aureus [9.4%], Proteus species [5.4%] and Pseudomonas species [5.2%]. The E. coli were highly resistant to penicillin [100%], amoxicillin [100%] and cefotaxime [89.7%], followed by intermediate level of resistance to ceftazidime [73.8%], cephradine [73.8%], tetracycline [69.4%], doxycycline [66.6%], augmentin [62.6%], gentamycin [59.8%], cefuroxime [58.2%], ciprofloxacin [54.2%], cefaclor [50%], aztreonam [44.8%], ceftriaxone [43.3%], imipenem [43.3%], and low level of resistance to streptomycin [30%], kanamycin [19.9%], tazocin [14%], amikacin [12.7%] and lowest to norfloxacin [11.2%]. Out of 321 E. coli isolates, 261 [81%] were declared as multiple drug resistant and 5 [1.5%] were extensive drug resistant. It is concluded that most of the urinary tract infections in human are caused by multiple drug resistant E. coli

Rectal prolapse: an unusual presentation of malakoplakia in a child

A case of a young girl is presented. The main concern was recurrent rectal prolapse not responding to conservative and sclerotherapy. Colonoscopy showed diffuse colitis with superficial ulcerations and pseudopolyps. Colon biopsies finally showed classical features of malakoplakia confirmed by histopathological test. Conservative treatment failed and ultimately proctocolectomy was performed with ileoanal endorectal anastomosis