Effect of Rosmarinus officinalis on Mental Disorder Symptoms in Incarcerated People and Prison Workers

Introduction: common mental disorders whose symptoms are not early identified can turn into more serious illnesses, such as depression, anxiety, and mood disorder. The literature presents the use of rosemary as a form of treatment of physical and mental illnesses, including depression. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of treatments with different doses of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) extract on symptoms of Common Mental Disorders (CMD) in incarcerated people and prison workers. Methods: This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial study. The intervention was carried out using rosemary extract doses at 100, 500, and 1000 mg day-1 in groups composed of 10 participants, for 3 months. A 20-item self-reporting questionnaire (SRQ-20) was used to assess the presence of CMD. The project was submitted and approved by the Research Ethics Committee under the number 4,973,589. Results: The treatments with rosemary extract at 500 and 1000 mg day-1 showed statistically significant results for reducing CMD symptoms when compared to the those found at the beginning of the research. Conclusion: The use of rosemary extract was effective to reduce CMD in the evaluated prison staff and incarcerated people, especially when used at doses of 500 and 1000 mg day-1, and presented safety, as the participants did not experience side effects.

Incidence of Metopic Suture in Adult Human Crania in Uttar Pradesh

Introduction: Failure of ossification in the vertical direction between the two halves of the frontal bone is called a metopic suture; this suture is present in between the superciliary arch and tubers of the frontal bone so it is also called a median frontal suture. At birth, the frontal bone present is two half, in the 1st year they contact each other, and within the 7th to 8th year, they fused together. Sometimes, bones may not be fused completely and it becomes metopic fontanelle. MaterialsandMethods: The goal of the current study was to determine the prevalence of metopic suture in adult human skulls in Uttar Pradesh. One hundred and fifty macerated skulls of undetermined age and sex were used for this. The anatomical departments of Teerthankar Mahaveer Medical College and Research Center (Moradabad), King George Medical College (Lucknow), SRMS Institute of Medical Science (Bareilly), Govt. Medical College Kannauj, and Govt. Medical College Saharanpur provided these skulls. Results: This study has found the incidence of metopic sutures of about 12.90%. The two types of metopic sutures were found in this study, namely complete metopic suture 4.52% and incomplete metopic suture 8.38% in which found 0.64% “V” shape metopic suture. Conclusion: Themorphological study of metopic sutures on adult crania is useful for anatomists, experts in forensic medicine, and neurologists for performing surgical procedures in this area

A Study on Depression among Transgender Residing In Chennai District, Tamil Nadu

Introduction: In India, transgender population is one among the stigmatized and discriminated sector who face a lot of psychological problems due to their gender identity and lack of support. The study was done with the major objective to find out the prevalence of depression and the associated factors among transgender people residing in Chennai district. Methodology: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study done among 178 transgender residing in Chennai district selected by snowball sampling method. Patient Health Questionnaire � 9 was used to assess the prevalence of depression and semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect details regarding associated factors. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 22. Results: The prevalence of depression among the present study was found out to be 76.8%. The major factors associated with depression were found to be lack of family and social support, faced violence due to discrimination and involvement is sex work which had a statistically significant association. Conclusion: Outreach camps have to be conducted among transgender population to screen for common mental health problems like depression and provide counseling to them and identify their problems and measures can be taken to address the same.

Exploring the Pathway towards Depression among Working Married Women � A Qualitative Study Done In Urban Area of Kancheepuram District, Tamil Nadu

Introduction: Globally, around 264 million people suffer from depression according to World Health Organization (WHO). As per the National Mental Health Survey (NMHS), in the year 2015-2016, one in 20 people over the age of 18 years have ever had depression in India amounting to 45 million persons with depression in the year 2015. This study aimed to find out the self-perceived reasons of depression among married working women residing in an urban area of Kancheepuram district, Tamil Nadu. Methodology: This is a qualitative study done on married working urban women above 18 years of age visiting an UHTC of a private medical college at Anakaputhur. Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) was used to assess whether they have depression. Data was collected by in-depth interviews, and it was recorded and transcribed verbatim. Results: Based on the responses obtained from the participants the following themes and subthemes are formed like Workplace factors, Factors related to family, social factors and Mental Health seeking behaviour. Among the workplace factors job satisfaction, long working hours and relationship with peers were common reasons elicited. Conclusion: Most of these problems could be overcome only if the society changes their mentality about women and practice gender equality and social justice.

Efficacy of pentamidine-loaded chitosan nanoparticles as a novel drug delivery system for Leishmania tropica

@#The present study compares the in vitro effects of nanoparticles loaded pentamidine drug and conventional pentamidine on Leishmania tropica. Herein, pentamidine-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (PTN-CNPs) have been synthesized through an ionic gelation method with sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP). Next, the physical characteristics of PTN-CNPs were determined through the surface texture, zeta potential, in vitro drug release, drug loading content (DLC), and encapsulation efficacy (EE) and compared its efficacy with free pentamidine (PTN) drug against promastigotes and axenic amastigotes forms of L. tropica in vitro. The PTN-CNPs displayed a spherical shape having a size of 88 nm, an almost negative surface charge (-3.09 mV), EE for PTN entrapment of 86%, and in vitro drug release of 92% after 36 h. In vitro antileishmanial activity of PTN-CNPs and free PTN was performed against Leishmania tropica KWH23 promastigote and axenic amastigote using 3-(4, 5- dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyletetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. It was observed that the effect of PTN-CNPs and free PTN on both forms of the parasite was dose and time dependent. Free PTN presented low efficacy even at higher dose (40 µg/ml) with 25.6 ± 1.3 and 26.5 ±1.4 mean viability rate of the promastigotes and axenic amastigotes, respectively after 72 hrs incubation. While PTN-CNPs showed strong antileishmanial effects on both forms of parasite with 16 ± 0.4 and 19 ± 0.7 mean viability rate at the same higher concentration (40 µg/ml) after 72 hrs incubation. Half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of PTN-CNPs toward promastigotes and amastigotes were obtained as 0.1375 µg/ml and 0.1910 µg/ml, respectively. In conclusion, PTN-CNPs effectively inhibited both forms of the L. tropica; however, its effect was more salient on promastigotes. This data indicates that the PTN-CNPs act as a target drug delivery system. However, further research is needed to support its efficacy in animal and human CL.

Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome in a man presenting with palpitation – A case report

Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome is not a common presentation, but physicians get to see cases with pre-excitation syndrome. WPW is characterized by the existence of an accessory pathway that predisposes patients to tachyarrhythmias and sudden death. Patients with WPW syndrome are at greater risk of hazardous ventricular arrhythmias. The majority of the cases never present with an underlying structural cardiac disease. It is always controversial to manage asymptomatic patients with WPW syndrome. Here, we discuss an uncommon case of a 48-year-old man with WPW syndrome after being evaluated for palpitation and giddiness.

A cross-sectional study on the compliance to antihypertensive drugs in a rural area

Background: The burden of the non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is increasing over the years. Worldwide, the leading cause of morbidity and mortality has been due to NCDs. Although NCDs are multifactorial, hypertension plays a major role as a risk factor. Lack of treatment adherence can lead to negative health consequences. Objectives: The objectives of the study were as follows: (1) To assess patients’ compliance to antihypertensive drugs; (2) to evaluate association between treatment compliance and sociodemographic determinants; and (3) to find out the factors responsible for non-adherence. Materials and Methods: This study was carried among 350 hypertensive patients in the rural field practice area of a medical college using simple random sampling method. The study population consists of hypertensive patients belonging to 20–60 years of age. A pretested structured questionnaire containing Morisky’s scale was used to assess patient’s adherence. Data analysis was done using SPSS (Version 22). Results: Nearly 53.7% of the study participants were female. The prevalence of treatment compliance was estimated to be 24.6%. Statistically significant association was observed between age, education, and socioeconomic status with adherence to hypertensive medications (P < 0.05). Many reasons were identified for non-adherence and they include cost of treatment (21.4 %), side effects (27.5%), alternative treatment (16%), lack of knowledge (32.8%), and multiple drugs (25%). Conclusion: The prevalence of 23.6% of patient’s being adherent to hypertensive medications was observed among the study population. It is necessary to strengthen treatment adherence by various health education campaigns and implementing various health programs.

Effect of Incorporation of Corn Bran, Dried Carrot Pomace and Dried Tomato Pomace on Quality Attributes of Chicken Nuggets

A study was conducted to improve dietary fibre content of chicken nuggets by incorporating corn bran (CB), dried carrot pomace (DCP) and dried tomato pomace (DTP) as dietary fibre sources. Lean meat was replaced with each dietary fibre source at 3%, 6% and 9% level. One product from each fibre source was selected on the basis of sensory evaluation. Sensory acceptability of 3% fibre treated nuggets was comparable with control and further increase in fibre level resulted in a decline in sensory acceptability. All CB and DCP treated nuggets were harder and firmer than control while 3% DTP treated nuggets were harder than control. Fibre addition resulted in less springier and less cohesive nuggets. Yellowness increased in DCP added nuggets while both redness and yellowness increased in DTP added nuggets. Fibre treated nuggets had less moisture and cholesterol content and higher protein, ash, crude fibre, emulsion stability and cooking yield. pH of DCP and DTP treated nuggets was lower than control. Drastic increase in total dietary fibre and insoluble dietary fibre content was observed in treated nuggets. Sensory scores of nuggets declined significantly while thiobarbituric acid reacting substance value (TBARS) and microbial counts increased significantly during refrigerated storage. It is concluded that incorporation of dietary fibre at 6% level resulted in healthier and fibre enriched nuggets with higher cooking yield and acceptability upto 15th day of refrigerated storage

Prevalence of depression among outpatients visiting an urban health center in Kancheepuram District, Tamil Nadu

Background: Depression an illness that affects both the body and mind and is one of the leading causes of disability, decreased productivity, workplace absenteeism, and high suicide rates. If diagnosed at an earlier stage, the associated morbidities can be prevented, and the prognosis will be good. Objective: The objective of this study was to find out the prevalence of depression in an urban area of Kancheepuram district, Tamil Nadu. Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among outpatients attending Urban Health Training Centre situated in Anakaputhur, an urban area of Kancheepuram district, Tamil Nadu. All the outpatients >18 years of age attending the Urban Health Training Center during the month of August were including in the study after obtaining informed consent. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was used to collect the sociodemographic details and Patient Health Questionnaire -9 questionnaire to assess the prevalence of depression. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22. Results: The prevalence of depression was found to be 33.1%. It was higher in females (38.1%) when compared to males (27.3%). Around 12.3% of the participants suffered from mild depression, followed by moderate (14%), moderately severe (5.7%), and severe depression (1.4%). Nearly 44% of the depressed patients felt somewhat difficult to carry out their everyday activities. Among male participants, depressed persons were more likely to be alcohol and tobacco consumers. Among female participants, depressed persons were more likely to be unemployed. Conclusion: The high prevalence of depression shows that apart from increasing mental health services and integrating this with general health services in our community there is also a dire need to focus on greater Information, Education and Communication activities regarding awareness of causes of the depression and its prevention. This can lead to early diagnosis and management which can improve the overall morbidity due to depression.

Variations of Middle Segmental Artery of Human Kidney and Clinical Significance.

Aim: To assess the arterial pattern of middle segmental artery and its relation with collecting system in the human kidneys. Materials and Methods: We studied 50 fresh human Kidneys by corrosion cast techniques. We used different colour coded moulding granules of butyl butyrate, red for artery, blue for vein and black for collecting system of the human kidneys. 20% solution of butyl butyrate in acetone was injected into renal vessels and ureter of each kidney. Injected kidneys were kept immersed in concentrated Potassium Hydroxide solution for corrosion to obtain the endocasts. These endocasts were cleaned under the running tap water and observed macroscopically. Results: We observed three types of variations in arterial pattern of middle segmental artery namely Middle Segmental Artery Type-1 (MSAT1), Middle Segmental Artery Type-2 (MSAT2), Middle Segmental Artery Type-3 (MSAT3) and they were seen in 29(58%), 14(28%), 6(12%) kidneys respectively. We also observed three different variations in relation between middle segmental artery and collecting system namely Middle Segmental Artery Group-1 (MSAG1), Middle Segmental Artery Group-2 (MSAG2), Middle Segmental Artery Group-3 (MSAG3) and they were seen in 32%, 24%, 42% kidneys respectively. Conclusion: Anatomical knowledge of these variations is of valuable contribution for uro-surgeon in performing more and more conservative renal surgeries which lead to preservation of healthy and functional renal parenchyma and prevent intraoperative and post-operative complications.

Anatomical variations of coronary artery and frequency of median artery: A cadaveric study from Northern India.

Introduction: Clinicians and anatomists have been examining coronary artery variations for a long time. However, there is still no consensus on the normality or abnormality of coronary arteries. The present survey was therefore conducted to find out the variations in left coronary artery (LCA) and right coronary artery (RCA) branches, the existence and occurrence of the median artery in northern Indian population.Material and methods: The present study was planned and conducted during March 2012 to September 2014 at Department of Anatomy, Major S. D. Singh Medical College, Fatehgarh; a tertiary care teaching hospital. The hearts of 40 adult northern Indian cadavers fixed with 10% formaldehyde were used. To determine the dominant circulation, the artery that supplies the posterior inter ventricular sulcus was investigated. Dissections were performed under a dissection microscope and photographed. Results: LCA branched out of the aortic sinus in all the hearts and had an average diameter of 4.44 ± 1.79 mm. In 45% hearts, the LCA was separated into the anterior inter ventricular branch and the circumflex branch (bifurcation). In 42.5% hearts, in addition to the anterior inter ventricular branch and the circumflex branch; there was a median artery that coursed on the front wall of the left ventricle (trifurcation). In 10% hearts, branching occurred as in trifurcation but with two median arteries emerging from the LCA (quadrifurcation). Myocardial bridges were found on the LCA branches in 19 of the 24 hearts in which the median artery existence of the median artery and myocardial bridges. The median artery might be important as it may not result in any clinical symptom for many years in a large number of subjects. Knowledge of individual and racial variations in coronary arteries is essential for the diagnosis and treatment of coronary artery patients.

Anatomic variations in the origin of the left circumflex coronary artery with angiography in Northern Indian population.

Introduction: Knowledge of the normal and variant anatomy and anomalies of coronary circulation is definitely a crucial component in the management of heart diseases. Complex cardiac surgical repairs demand enhanced understanding of the basic anatomy to improve the operative Outcomes Material and methods: The present study was planned by Department of Anatomy and was executed in collaboration with Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiology during 2010 to 2014 at a tertiary care teaching hospital located in western Uttar Pradesh. The angiographic data of 5,532 patients who underwent coronary angiography were considered for anomalous origin of the left circumflex coronary artery (LCx). Results: The incidence of anomalous origin of the LCx was found to be 0.36%. The LCx arose from the left coronary sinus of valsalva (there was separate orifice for the LCx and the left anterior descending coronary artery) in 45.0% patients, from the right coronary sinus of valsalva, (there was a separate orifice for the LCx and the right coronary artery) in 25.0% patients, from the proximal part of right coronary artery in 30.0% patients. Conclusion: On the basis of findings of the current study it can be concluded that, the anomalous origin of the LCx may not be benign all the time. In case where ischemia does not resolve accurately after successful treatment of a coronary stenosis, anomalous coronary arteries must be considered.

Death due to Poisoning - a Medicolegal Study at Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka.

Self destruction or suicide by pesticide poisoning is a burning problem of Bangladesh. Rapid development in science and rapid growth in agricultural activities has led to the increase in the incidences of poisoning. The objective of this study was to find out the incidences and pattern of poisoning in an urban area, different aspects of poisoning along with demographic pattern, social factors related and other related perimeter, and modality to prevent loss of precious life due to poisoning. This retrospective cross sectional study was conducted among victims of poisoning at Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka Morgue during the period of January 2008-December 2009. Specific identification of poisons was made from Chemical Examiner's report. All the data were later on analyzed. A total of 5114 medico legal post mortems were performed during this study period. Among these 300 (5.87%) cases were suspected poisoning. Out of these cases specific poisons were identified in 131 (43.66%) cases. Among the detected poisoning cases OPC was the commonest agent 103 (78.63%) followed by alcohol/rectified spirit 12 (9.16%) and barbiturate 7 (5.34%). No poison was detected (Negative results) in 116 (38.66%) cases and no reports from chemical examiner were received in 53 (17.66%) cases during the study period. Out of 300 victims 174 (58%) were male and 126 (42%) were female. Highest incidence of poisoning was observed in 21-30 years age group 117 (39%) followed by age group of 31-40 years 84 (28%). Most of the victims were agricultural workers/ farmers 108 (36%) followed by housewives 51 (17%). Among the study subjects 178 (59.33%) were illiterate and 198 (66%) were married. Considering manner of death 274 (91.33%) victims committed suicide by poisoning and rests 26 (8.67%) were due to accidental poisoning. To reduce poisoning cases proper emphasis should be given for safe use of pesticides and consciousness should be created among the population about poisonous compounds. Detail study regarding death due to poisoning is required to be carried out in this country.

Antioxidant Status and Organ Function in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats treated with Aqueous, Methanolic and Petroleum Ether Extracts of Ocimum basilicum leaf.

The effects of various extracts of Ocimum basilicum leaf on biochemical indices of organ damage and oxidative stress status of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were examined. Oral administration of 200mg/kg of aqueous, methanolic and petroleum ether extracts of the leaf for 35 days resulted in a significant (P<0.05) reduction in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and an increase in catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats from diabetic levels. The leaf extracts brought about a significant (P>0.05) increase in serum protein and albumin as well as decreases in urea and creatinine levels of STZ – induced diabetic rats compared with diabetic control levels. The Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels increased significantly (P>0.05) in diabetic control group. The extracts caused a significant reduction in levels of AST and ALT in treated diabetic groups and maintained the normal level observed in normal rats. In this study a significant decrease in PCV was observed in diabetic control group and increase in the PCV in rats given extracts. It was concluded that the extracts have in vivo antioxidant, hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effects in STZ – induced diabetic rats. These results support its traditional use in the management of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

Antioxidant interactions of Pefloxacin, garlic, vitamins C and E on lipid profile level of Albino wistar rats.

The lipid profile studies of garlic, antioxidant vitamins C and E on pefloxacin-induced toxicity in wistar rat was evaluated. Method: One hundred adult wistar rats (120-180), of either sex were randomly selected into five study groups. Each group comprised of 10 pairs (ten males and ten females) were not allowed to mate, with group 1 as control. Group 11 were pefloxacin treated only while group 111 to 1V were pefloxacin treated with either garlic, vitamins C and E. Pefloxacin, garlic vitamin C and E in doses 11.43mg/kg, 4.28mg/kg, 14.29mg/kg body weight in normal saline (vehicle) was administered orally by intubation to male and female of groups 11 to V for 14 days. Control animals received 0.5ml of normal saline. In life observation measurements were taken and at the end of drug, garlic, antioxidant vitamins C and E combined administration animals were sacrificed and tissues obtained for biochemical assessment. Result: Physical signs of toxicity and ameliorating effects of antioxidant vitamins and garlic were also expressed in rats, pefloxacin treatment induced significant (P<0.05) increase in total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein, very low density lipoprotein, triacylglycerol and decrease in high density lipoprotein relative to control but PF exposed and antioxidant vitamins C, E and garlic treated groups produced significant (P<O.O5) reduction in TC, LDL, VLDL, TG and with an increase in HDL levels relative to PF only treated groups were observed. Conclusion: These results suggest adverse effect of pefloxacin and ameliorating role of garlic, vitamins C and E on wistar rats’.

Prevalence and risk factors of diabetic peripheral neuropathy among type-2 diabetic patients presenting to SMIMS hospital, Kulasekharam, Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu, India.

Background: Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy is a cause for significant morbidity and mortality. It includes mononeuropathies, polyneuropathies, plexopathies, and radiculopathies. Usually presents with sensory symptoms in the toes or feet, but in some patients there is loss of feeling mainly in hands. Aims & Objective: To estimate the prevalence and risk factors of peripheral neuropathy among Type-2 Diabetic patients presenting to SMIMS Hospital. Material and Methods: Study Design is Cross Sectional Study at SMIMS. Study Period is 10th September- 5th December 2011 & Sample Size is 283. A stratified random sampling and convenient sampling was done. The patients were questioned and Examined using a Pre-tested Questionnaire followed by a symptomatic history taking and Clinical Examination. Results: Prevalence of neuropathy among Diabetics is 33.33%. Hypertensive Diabetics, Diabetes with Dyslipidaemia have a higher risk of developing neuropathy. Conclusion: In this Study the prevalence of Diabetic-related Neuropathy is 33.33%. The study also shows risk factors for developing neuropathy such as Increasing duration of Diabetes, Comorbid diseases, Low Socio Economic Status.

Haematological studies of antioxidant vitamins C, E and garlic on Pefloxacin Induced Toxicity in Wistar Rats.

The Haematological studies of garlic, antioxidant vitamins C and E on pefloxacin-induced toxicity in wistar rat was evaluated. Method: One hundred adult wistar rats (120-180), of either sex were randomly selected into five study groups. Each group comprised of 10 pairs (ten males and ten females) were not allowed to mate, with group 1 as control. Group 11 were pefloxacin treated only while group 111 to 1V were pefloxacin treated with either garlic, vitamins C and E. Pefloxacin, garlic vitamin C and E in doses 11.43mg/kg, 4.28mg/kg, 14.29mg/kg body weight in normal saline (vehicle) was administered orally by intubation to both male and female of groups 11 to V for 14 days. Control animals received 0.5ml of normal saline. In life observation measurements were taken and at the end of drug, garlic, antioxidant vitamins C and E combined administration animals were sacrificed and tissues obtained for biochemical assessment. Result: Physical signs of toxicity and ameliorating effects of antioxidant vitamins and garlic were also expressed in rats, significant (p<0.05) decrease in Hb, PCV, RBC and Total WBC were observed. Conclusion: These results suggest adverse effect of pefloxacin and ameliorating role of garlic, vitamins C and E on wistar rats’.

Evaluation of the effects of calliandra portoricensis extracts on oxidative stress enzymes in wistar rats challenged with venom of echis ocellatus.

Evaluation of the effects of Calliandra portoricensis extracts on oxidative stress (antioxidant) enzymes was carried out using wistar rat model. The anti-oxidant enzymes evaluated were superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). These extracts were used to ascertain their potency in enhancing these enzymes activities in envenomed rats. A total of 30 rats were randomly assigned into 5 treatment groups of 6 rats each. Group 1 (control) received nothing. Group 2 received viperian venom only. Groups 3, 4 and 5 received same amount of venom in addition to calculated doses of flavonoid-rich, polyphenol-rich and whole ethanolic extracts respectively. The dosages of the venom and the C. portoricensis extracts were administered intramuscularly. After about 4 hours, the rats were sacrificed, serum collected and the oxidative stress enzymes assayed. Marked decrease of SOD, CAT and GPx enzymes activities occurred in the group 2 rats while increases (P<0.05) were observed in groups 3, 4 and 5 experimental rats. These findings suggest that C. portoricensis extracts actually attenuated the obliterating effects of the viperian venom on the naturally-occurring anti-oxidant enzymes in experimental wistar rats.

Clinical Significance Of Serum HbeAg Among HbsAg Positive Patients.

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection is a menace worldwide as a major cause of morbidity & mortality through its consequences viz. acute hepatitis, chronic active, or persistent hepatitis, cirrhosis of liver and primary hepatocellular carcinoma. A total of 127 'HBsAg positive' patients were studied for 'HBeAg' by serum ELISA. Patient's aged between 11 to 60 years with a mean age 27.11. Out of 127 'HBsAg positive' cases 19 (14.96%) were 'HBeAg positive', of which maximum (21.43%) were among <20 years age group. Among 106 male patients 15 (14.155) & among 21 female patients 4 (19.055) were 'HBeAg positive'. Often the initiation of therapeutic approach remains a dilemma in absence of laboratory assessment of viraemic load or presence of HBV DNA through PCR or other DNA hybridization techniques. In such situations, alternatively, a significantly serum 'HBeAg' among 'HBsAg positive' patients may be taken as a surrogate marker for acute viral replication, and, thus apply justifying the initiation of antiviral chemotherapy without delay.