Trichophyton violaceum: a rare isolate in 18-day-old neonate.

Trichophyton violaceum, a less common and geographically restricted infection is reported in a 18-day-old neonate. The diagnosis was made by potassium hydroxide of skin scraping examination and confirmed by culture. The patient was treated successfully with miconazole nitrate application. A large family with crowded living was considered the main predisposing factor.

Dental erosion in children : an increasing clinical problem.

Epidemiological studies carried out on dental erosion have established that the prevalence is high in young people and adolescents. The objective of this study was to look at the prevalence and etiology of dental erosion, particularly in children, and its practical management for its possible control. The children between 5-6 yrs were examined and findings recorded, and this study has shown that approximately 1/3rd of 5-6 yrs old children have appreciable tooth wear and dental erosion.

Caries prevalence and treatment needs in 11-15 year old children of Belgaum city.

The present study was carried out on 2005 school going children between 11-15 years of age, studying at Belgaum city. The sample was selected by stratified random sampling method. The examination was done under natural light and caries was diagnosed according to WHO criteria (1987). The prevalence of dental caries in the present population was 45.12%. The mean DMFT was 1.18. Males and low socio-economic groups showed a higher prevalence, though the difference was not significant. Intraoral distribution of caries pattern has also been discussed. The treatment needs showed that 57.94% of affected teeth required single surface restorations. The needs for other treatment modalities have been discussed in relation to the dental caries prevalence. The results of this study call for more emphasis on restorative care for these children at primary level.

A study of mycotic keratitis in Mumbai.

A total of 1010 clinically suspected cases of mycotic keratitis were studied from 1988 to 1996 for evidence of fungal infection and for identification of the aetiologic agents of keratitis in Mumbai. Of these 367 cases were reported positive by microscopy and culture. Seventy nine percent of the cases were between the ages 21 and 50 years. Male patients were more often affected than females. Eighty eight percent of patients were farmers or construction workers and 89.92% of cases gave a definite history of antecedent corneal trauma. A single fungal isolate was obtained in 307 cases and multiple isolates in 20 cases. Mixed isolates of bacteria and fungi were grown in 40 cases. The predominant isolate was Aspergillus species in 219 cases, followed by Candida species (36), Fusarium species (33) and Penicillium species (34). Filamentous fungal isolates from 22 cases remained unidentified. Mycotic keratitis should be suspected in every patient with a corneal lesion and should be ruled out before commencing steroids and antiboitics.

Shear bond strength of resin-modified restorative glass-ionomer cements to dentin--an in vitro study.

An in vitro study was carried out on 40 periodontally involved, caries free human maxillary and mandibular molars to evaluate shear bond strength of resin- modified restorative glass-ionomer cements to dentin. Teeth were divided into four groups, Group I--Fuji II (Conventional glass ionomer) Group II (Fuji II LC), Group III (Vitremer), Group IV (Geristore). Shear bond strength was tested using a transaxial testing machine. Results showed that shear bond strength of all resin-modified restorative glass-ionomer cements was higher than conventional glass ionomer (Fuji II) tested. No statistical difference was found between Fuji II LC and Geristore. However, bond strength of Vitremer was lower than Fuji II LC and Geristore but higher than Fuji II.

Effect of honey on multidrug resistant organisms and its synergistic action with three common antibiotics.

A total of 15 bacterial strains (7 Pseudomonas & 8 Klebsiella species) isolated from various samples which showed multi-drug resistance were studied to verify in vitro antibacterial action of honey on the principle of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) & its synergism with 3 common antibiotics--Gentamicin, Amikacin & Ceftazidime. The MIC of honey with saline for both organisms was found to be 1:2. The synergistic action was seen in the case of Pseudomonas spp. and not with Klebsiella spp.