A cross sectional study on antibiotic resistance pattern of Salmonella typhi clinical isolates from Bangladesh

Objective: To investigate and compare the resistance and sensitivity of Salmonella typhi samples to commonly used antibiotics in three major divisions of Bangladesh and to evaluate the gradually developing resistance pattern. Methods:The antibiotic susceptibility of 70 clinical isolates collected from blood, sputum, urine and pus samples were identified by specific antisera and with standard biochemical tests. The patients were divided into 5 age groups. Susceptibility and resistance was also tested by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method using 12 regularly used antibiotics. Results:Antibiotic susceptibility test demonstrated that 64.28% isolates of Salmonella typhi were multidrug resistant. Present study suggests that the clinical samples were mostly resistant against nalidixic acid with all age groups and in all three divisions with similar resistance pattern. Resistance is more common among adult people (30-40 years) and children (0-10 years).Salmonella typhi was mostly sensitive against gentamycin, chloramphenicol and ciprofloxacin. Conclusions: Although the population density of Dhaka region is markedly higher than Rajshahi and Chittagong regions, no significant difference in resistance pattern was found. The rate of multidrug resistance is a matter of concern. Physicians should reconsider before prescribing nalidixic acid and cefixime. Further molecular study is needed to reveal the genomic and proteomic basis of resistance.

Analgesic, Anti-Inflammatory and Antipyretic Effect of Mentha spicata (Spearmint).

Aim: Mentha spicata (L.) is popularly used as herbal remedy for various ailments. But the scientific basis for its medicinal use especially in pain and inflammation remains unknown. Therefore, the present study was aimed to investigate the analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects of whole plant of Mentha spicata in laboratory animals. Materials and Method: The methanol extract of Mentha spicata (MEMS) was used to investigate the acute effect on analgesia by Hot-plate test and acetic acid induced writhing method (By acetic acid) in mice and on inflammation in rats by carrageen induced paw edema method. Subcutaneous injection of 20% aqueous suspension of Brewer’s yeast in wistar rats leads to pyrexia. Results: The extract showed a significant (p<0.001) dose dependent increase in reaction time in mice in the hot-plate test at the doses of 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg body weight. The extract showed a significant (p<0.05) dose dependent increase in reaction time in mice in writhing method at the doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight. The extract also exhibited promising anti-inflammatory effect as demonstrated by statistically significant (p<0.05) inhibition of paw volume by 42.58% at the dose of 250 mg/kg body weight and 45.10% at the dose of 500 mg/kg body weight at the sixth hour of study. Intraperitoneal administration of MEMS showed dose dependent decrease in body temperature in brewer’s yeast induced hyperthermia in rats at both doses. However, MEMS significantly decreased body temperature (p<0.05) at 500mg/kg compared to control. Conclusion: This study suggests that the methanol extract of Mentha spicata have analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activity in a dose dependent manner which supports its use as an analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic drug in folk medicine.

Investigation of Consumer Attitudes, Intentions and Brand Loyal Behavior on the OTC Drugs in Bangladesh.

Aims: To investigate the consumers’ attitudes and intentions to exhibit brand loyal behavior of Bangladeshi consumer on over the counter (OTC) drugs. Study Design: A cross- sectional survey. Place and Duration of Study: Consumers from the five major hospitals (Dhaka, Bangladesh) had been surveyed between January 2012 and June 2012. Methodology: The study was conducted among 100 OTC consumers in Bangladesh. Data were collected through questionnaire surveys and personal interviews. Results: The experimental data suggest that direct experience with the product, price range and brand reliance are important determinants of repetitive purchase behavior on OTC drugs. Cost sensitivity had a vital effect on intention to further purchase (r = .02, p =0.05). Moreover, earlier experience with the brand was critical in determining trustworthiness, beliefs, price sensitivity and purchase behavior. The behaviors of OTC consumers are influenced by a different set of factors. Previous experience and price sensitivity is dependent (Chi square = 31.603; p = 0.01. Furthermore, medical experience and buying an OTC product is dependent and the result were also found significant (Chi square = 32.292; p = 0.01). Conclusion: Present study shows that branding and prior experience remains the major influences to buy an OTC drug in Bangladesh.

Management of benzodiazepine dependence and toxicity.

The key target of this review is to compare the efficacies of the different adjuncts and methods used in the management of benzodiazepine dependence (tolerance and withdrawal) and poisoning. A systemic review of randomized controlled trials was carried out to determine which method of adjuvant therapy can be best used to overcome the withdrawal symptoms exhibited during benzodiazepine discontinuation. In addition, different tapering methods employed have also been presented in this review. Zolpidem in combination with cognitive behavioural therapy with a parallel gradual taper after conversion to long half-life Benzodiazepine seems to be a promising method among the several analysed. Finally the efficacies of the two available methods to combat benzodiazepine toxicity, namely flumazenil and naloxone have been discussed and compared.