Seroprevalence of torch infection in bad obstetric history.

Primary infection with TORCH complex [Toxoplasma, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Herpes simplex virus II (HSV-II)] in pregnant women can lead to adverse outcome which are initially inapparent or asymptomatic and thus difficult to diagnose on clinical grounds. Over a one-year period 380 serum samples were collected from pregnant women having bad obstetric history, attending antenatal clinic. In the present study we have shown the prevalence of Toxoplasma, Rubella, CMV, HSV-II infection in pregnant women by demonstrating the presence of IgM and IgG antibodies by ELISA test. It was found that, IgM antibodies were positive in 40 (10.52%) for Toxoplasma, 102 (26.8%) for Rubella, 32 (8.42%) for CMV and 14 (3.6%) for HSV-II. IgG antibodies were positive in 160 (42.10%) for Toxoplasma, 233 (61.3%) for Rubella, 346 (91.05%) for CMV 145 (33.58%) for HSV-II. Hence all antenatal cases with bad obstetric history should be routinely screened for TORCH as early diagnosis and appropriate intervention, will help in proper management of these cases.

Risk of needle stick injuries in health care workers - A report.

Health care workers (HCW) are at a risk of occupational acquisition of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection, primarily due to accidental exposure to infected blood and body fluids. In our general public hospital, over a period of one year (June 2000 - 2001) a total number of 38 self reported incidences of needlestick injuries and other exposures to patient's blood and body fluids were reported by HCWs. A greater incidence of occupational exposure was seen in surgery residents as compared to medicine residents. Till date, i.e. in one and a half-year follow up period, no seroconversion was seen in any of the reported accidental injury cases. This data emphasizes, that needle stick injuries present the single greatest risk to medical personnel and the importance of increased awareness and training in universal safety precautions (USP), for prevention of nosocomial infection.

Mixed infection due to leptospira and dengue in a patient with pyrexia.

A case of mixed infection due to Leptospira and Dengue in a two and a half-year-old girl with pyrexia is reported. Early detection and institution of appropriate therapy is crucial and lifesaving.

Device for miniscale isoelectric focusing of proteins.

A simple device is developed for mini-scale electrofocusing of proteins. The main apparatus consists of only two glass tubes joined by a small tubing. No special cooling system, stopcocks, stands, etc., are needed. Even the need for a peristaltic pump for fractionation is eliminated. The apparatus does not require very high voltages and the amount of Ampholines is drastically reduced. The model can be used for analytical as well as semiquantitative purposes.

A versatile gel casting cum electrophoresis apparatus.

A simple apparatus for vertical., in situ, polyacrylamide or agarose gel casting as well as for the subsequent electrophoresis is described. The apparatus is completely leakproof and does not require any special device like clamps, O-rings, gaskets, grease etc. for sealing. Slab gels of various thickness (0·04 to 1·0 cm) can be made and the apparatus can be used for analytical or preparative purposes. Gel rods can also be cast and run in the device. Forward as well as reverse polarity electrophoresis of a sample can be run simultaneously in the apparatus.