Diagnostic role of MGIT culture of BAL samples in sputum smearnegative pulmonary tuberculosis.

Background: In view of the diagnostic difficulties associated with sputum- negative pulmonary TB (PTB), we aimed at exploring if bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples can be subjected to smear- microscopy and rapid mycobacterial culture (by Mycobacterial Growth Indicator Tube (MGIT) method) to achieve improved diagnosis of this condition. Methods: Patients presenting with clinico-radiological features suggestive of pulmonary tuberculosis and whose sputum smears were negative for acid- fast bacilli (AFB) or who could not expectorate sputum were prospectively enrolled in this study. BAL samples collected from them were subjected to smear- microscopy for AFB and micro-MGIT culture. BAL samples were also inoculated on Lowenstein- Jensen (LJ) slants. Results: A total of 105 patients (74 males) were recruited in the study, with a mean (±SD) age of 51 (± 15) years. The diagnosis of PTB was made in 52 patients on the basis of clinico- radiological presentation, with or without microbiological confirmation. Thirty- four patients (65.4 %) had microbiologically confirmed PTB. Of them, AFB were detected in 12 BAL samples, while culture- positivity was noted in 24 and 27 patients by the LJ and MGIT methods respectively. Intertest agreement between the LJ and MGIT methods was found to be significant (ê= 0.655; p= <0.001). However, the mean time to positivity was significantly lower for the MGIT method than for the LJ method (p= <0.001). Conclusion: Examination of BAL samples by smear- microscopy and micro-MGIT culture can, therefore, provide a rapid and definitive diagnosis of PTB in sputum- negative patients.

Comparative immunomodulator activity of leaves and bark of albizia lebbeck (LINN.) benth.

Adaptability is probably the most distinct characteristics of life which may be defined as sum of all non specific response of the body to any demands made upon it; fundamentally it was a physiological response; primary object of which was to maintain life & to re-establish the normal state. Immunomodulator activity of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of leaves and bark of Albizia lebbeck Benth. were investigated in Swiss albino mice by using swim endurance test and acetic acid induced writhing test model. The ethanolic and aqueous extracts of leaves and bark of Albizia lebbeck were administered to the experimental animals among which the ethanolic extract of Albizia lebbeck leaves have shown to be exhibit strong immunomodulator effect by increasing the swimming or survival time (P<0.001) and also decreased the writhing produced by glacial acetic acid (P<.001). The maximum increase in swimming or survival time was noted in mice receiving test and standard drugs which were significantly more than the control group animals. Test and standard drugs offered maximum protection against acetic acid induced writhes by reducing frequency of writhes per minute.

Potential role of nutraceuticals in present scenerio: A review.

Food and drugs from nature place a quite significant role in public healthcare system throughout the world. Nutraceuticals have evolved from the recognition of the link between food and health. Nutraceuticals contain health-promoting ingredients or natural components that have a potential health benefit for the body. Consumer interest in the relationship between diet and health has increased the demand for information on nutraceuticals. Rapid advances in science and technology, increasing health care costs, an aging population and rising interest in attaining wellness through diet are among the factors fueling interest in nutraceuticals. Nutraceuticals currently on the market represent a small fraction of the possible products. The vast potential for functional foods will not be achieved without extensive scientific research to ensure the safety and efficacy of these products.