Perception and practices of solid waste management among adults in households and commercial establishments of villages under a sub centre, Bangalore urban district: a mixed methods study

Introduction: Solid waste management in rural areas is laced with many challenges which involve multiple stakeholders. Objective was to explore the perspectives and practices of adults regarding solid waste management in households and commercial establishments of villages under a sub-centre, Bangalore Urban district. Methods: A mixed method study (Quantitative and Qualitative) was conducted at a sub-centre area which caters to 10 villages of Bangalore urban district, Karnataka over a period of two months (January 2019 to February 2019). Quantitative data was collected from 200 adult participants while for the qualitative part a total of 2 FGDs and 10 IDIs were conducted. Results: Mean age of the participants was 40.2±14.7 years and majority (83%) of them were female. Mean perception score of the participants was 6.7±2.4 out of a total of 14. The most commonly reported disposal methods were burning (51.5%) followed by dumping in open spaces (48%). Majority (96.5%) were willing to keep the streets clean, 53% were willing to segregate waste or compost (49%). Although the participants were aware of harmful effects of improper management of solid waste on environment and health, good practices were inadequate. Scarcity of appropriate dumping sites, lack of transportation facilities of waste to the dumping site and non-co-operation among the residents emerged as the barriers in solid waste management. Conclusions: Lack of land availability and social consciousness among the villagers played a major role in solid waste management. Addressing this issue demands a intersectoral co-ordination with interventions directed at empowering the villagers and local bodies and enhancing their involvement in proper waste management.

Assessment of depression in diabetic patients

Background: Diabetes is one of the most common chronic conditions in the world. The worldwide prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) has risen dramatically over the past two decades because of increasing obesity and reduced activity levels. The purpose of this study was to show the association between depression and diabetes. Methods: It was a cross-study. The study included 240 patients who were chosen randomly with no gender bias. A convenient subject of 240 diabetic patients was interviewed. Results: Out of the total 240 diabetic patients, included in this study, the majority of patients, 52.63% in the age group of 60 years had depression with a Hamilton score of >19 while 47.37% of patients in the age of 40 to 50 years had Hamilton score of >19. 84.21% of males had depression with a Hamilton score >19 as compared to females who had a Hamilton score of 15.79%. The patients within the age group of 40-59 have 2.5 times more risk of having depression as compared to the age group of 20 to 39 and patients in the age group >60 years have 4.23 times higher risk of depression as compared to patients in the age group of 20 to 39 years. The association between gender and depression shows that males have a higher rate of depression (78.17%) as compared to females (21.81%) with an odd's ratio of 3.0. Conclusions: Our study showed a high prevalence of depression and anxiety in male patients and the elderly age group. Planning and implementation of screening for mental health issues in the elderly population diagnosed with a lifestyle disease-such as type 2 diabetes mellitus-with existing comorbidities should be recognized as one of the most important goals of the public health system. It seems necessary to involve medical teams in the screening process to verify the symptoms, promptly establish the diagnosis, and initiate the appropriate depression treatment. In diabetic patients, depression remains underdiagnosed and an important aspect of the diabetic specialists would be the awareness of this quite common co-morbidity.

An evaluation of effect of hydroxyurea on frequency of blood transfusion, vaso-occlusive crisis and hospitalisation in children of sickle cell anemia

Background: Hydroxyurea therapy is a known effective and safe therapy for the treatment of sickle cell anemia (SCA). Although it is used worldwide in our Indian based setup, it is underutilized not only due to economic reasons but also due to unaware practitioners about its use.Methods: An ambispective observational study was performed at our tertiary care center over a period of 1 year 8 months. One hundred and ninety patients were enrolled after taking a complete history, then started on Hydroxyurea and followed up every 2 months till 1 year. On follow-up, frequency of vaso-occlucive crisis, blood transfusion and hospitalization were noted along with routine investigations and for any side effects.Results: Of 190 total recruited patients, 84 were studied at the end because of loss to follow-up due to various reasons. Significant decrease in the frequency of vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC), blood transfusion and hospitalisation were observed within 1 year of starting hydroxyurea (p<0.05).Conclusions: The use of hydroxyurea in our native population at our setup can decrease the frequency of vasooccluisve crisis, blood transfusion and hospitalisation in sickle cell patients.

Clinical and epidemiological trends in childhood leprosy: A 20-year retrospective analysis from a tertiary care hospital in Jammu, North India

Background: Slightly more than half the total number of childhood leprosy cases worldwide are from India. Aim: To analyze the clinical and epidemiological trends of childhood leprosy over 20 years in a tertiary care hospital. Methods: We retrieved the medical records of all children less than 15 years of age registered in the leprosy clinic between April 1998 and March 2018. We tabulated and analyzed data pertaining to demographic details along with clinical findings such as cutaneous lesions, nerves involved, sensory loss, deformities, reactions, smear status, histopathology and treatment. Results: Out of total 1548 leprosy cases registered during the study period, 55 (3.55%) cases of childhood leprosy were diagnosed. Thirty five (63.6%) children were in the age group of 11–15 years and 83.7% were migrants from other states. Thirteen (23.6%) children reported contact with a diagnosed case of leprosy, mainly in close contacts. Fifty three (96.4%) children presented with cutaneous lesions while 2 (3.6%) had pure neural involvement. Borderline tuberculoid leprosy was the most common clinical presentation in 27 (49.1%) followed by borderline lepromatous leprosy in 11 (18%). Thickened peripheral nerve trunks were detected in 42 (76.4%), most commonly the ulnar nerve. Reactional episodes occurred in 12 (21.8%) cases (Type 1 reaction, 10 (18.2%); Type 2 reaction, 2 (3.6%)). Grade 2 disability was detected in 4 (7.3%). Multidrug therapy was started in all patients, multibacillary (MB) regimen in 42 (76.3%) patients and paucibacillary (PB) regimen in 13 (23.7%). Twenty five (45.4%) children defaulted from the treatment. On comparing the data of 2008-18 with that of the previous decade (1998–2007), there was a higher proportion of migrant cases as compared to local cases (3:1–11:1) and MB cases as compared to PB cases (2:1–6:1). The proportion of treatment defaulters declined from 60% to 36%. Limitations: Relapse rate could not be calculated due to inadequate follow-up period. As it is a hospital-based retrospective study with no active surveys, these findings may not reflect trends in the community. Conclusion: Childhood leprosy continues to be a significant problem. There is a clear need to strengthen early detection, treatment and regular follow-up of these cases in both high and low endemic settings.

Influence of Gestational Age on Eruption of Primary Teeth in Indian Children - A Prospective Longitudinal Study

Context: Eruption of primary teeth is the most anticipated event in a child’s life. Genetics, gender, socio?economic status, gestational age are a few of the determinants of the primary teeth eruption. However, the effect of gestational age on the timing of primary teeth eruption among the Indian population has not been explored to date. Aim: The study was conducted to evaluate the influence of gestational age on time and sequence of eruption of primary teeth among children of Mysore. Settings and Design: A prospective longitudinal cohort study design was conducted at ‘Baby Oral Health Promotion Clinic’ at the Department of Paediatrics, JSS Hospital, Mysore. Methods and Material: 150 newborn babies were recruited by simple random sampling and followed up from birth to 36 months. Teeth present during each visit were recorded. Data were statistically analysed and interpreted. Statistical Analysis Used: Descriptive statistics, t?test for an independent sample, and Pearson’s Chi?squared test were applied. Results: The mandibular central incisor was the first tooth to erupt. Statistically insignificant early eruption in males was noted in both term and preterm children. When the chronological ages were compared, the preterm group showed a statistically significant delay in the eruption of all the teeth. However, when the age was adjusted for prematurity, only the central incisors and second molars showed a statistically significant delay. Conclusions: Gestational age has a strong significant association with the eruption of primary teeth and maybe one of the strong predictors for delayed eruption among children of Mysore.

The Effect of Surfactant on Polyherbal Liquid Shampoo and its Comparative Analysis

Objective: Herbal shampoo is gaining immense popularity among all consumer groups due to rising awareness about the side effects of chemical formulations. It was also observed that not many marketed shampoos incorporated excellent hair nurturing properties of curry leaves. The aim of the study was to formulate and evaluate herbal shampoo using Murraya koenigii, Phyllanthus emblica, Acacia concinna Linn., Trigonella foenum-graecum, Sapindus mukorossi and perform a comparative analysis with marketed formulation. Method: Three formulations were prepared using extracts of Murraya koenigii, Phyllanthus emblica, Acacia concinna, Trigonella foenum-graecum and Sapindus mukorossi in definite proportions. Decyl Glucoside and Sodium Lauryl Sulphate were added as surfactant in adequate amount. The formulated shampoo was evaluated for organoleptic properties (colour and odour), pH, surface tension, viscosity, dirt dispersion, cleansing action, foaming ability and stability studies. Results: The formulated shampoos were brown in colour with good acceptable fragrance. All the formulations showed good cleansing and detergency power with stable foam. F1 showed comparatively better foaming ability. All the formulations had neutral pH and low surface tension (21-25 dyn/cm). The solid content was found to be in the range of 23-27 % and viscosity 4885 cP- 4903 cP. The results of the prepared formulations were compared with a marketed formulation and were found that F1 formulation was on par with marketed formulation. Conclusion: The prepared shampoo had good characteristics. It was further inferred that it is possible to develop safer and equally effective shampoo using ingredients of plant origin.

Effect of Vitiligo on Auditory Functions: Is There Any Association?

Abstract Introduction Vitiligo is an acquired pigmentary disorder of unknown etiology, clinically characterized by whitish macules caused by selective loss of melanocytes. There are many melanocytes in the human cochlea. Recent studies have suggested a direct relation between cochlear dysfunction and decreased amounts of melanin. Objective To determine the effect of vitiligo on auditory function. Methods The present prospective, case control study was performed over a period of 1 year in patients between 15 and 40 years old with nonsegmental disease and the same number of controls. Pure tone audiometry (PTA) and Otoacoustic emission (OAE) were performed to analyze the correlation between vitiligo and auditory function. Results The mean pure tone audiometric threshold in the right ear at 0.5, 8 kHz, and in the left ear at the frequency of 8 kHz in the case group were significantly higher as compared with controls. The average band reproducibility (%) in the right and left ear of controls was significantly higher at the frequency of 4 kHz as compared with cases. It has been observed that signal to noise ratio was statistically higher at the frequency of 5kHz in the right ear and at 2, 3, and 5kHz in the left ear in controls as compared with cases. On the basis of disease type and duration of disease; mean pure tone audiometric threshold, average band reproducibility and signal to noise ratio, no significant effect was observed in the present study. Conclusion Vitiligo has an effect on cochlear function irrespective of the duration or distribution of the disease.

Association of Squamous Cell Carcinoma with Nonfunctioning Kidney due to Renal Stone Disease

Introduction: Sqamous cell carcinoma accounts for 0.5-0.8%of all renal tumour. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of therenal pelvis is a rare neoplasm and is usually associated withlong standing renal stone disease. There is lack of definiteclinical presentation and inconclusive imaging finding, thesetumors are high grade, highly aggressive with poor prognosis.Histopathology report is hallmark for diagnosis.Material and methods: Our study is Retrospective studywith sample size of 5 patient (3 male and 2 female), presentingcomplaints of all patients had a chronic history of renal stonedisease with loin pain presented during last 2 year of period inUrology department. All patient were evaluated with routinepreoperative blood investigation, DTPA renogram, and NCCT(KUB), found to have nonfunctioning kidney underwentsimple nephrectomy.Result: In our study mean age is 52 year, 3 male and 2 female,mean operative time- 2hr,during postoperative period 3patient have uneventful postoperative course,1 patient haveatrial fibrillation,1 patient have a suture site infection, averagehospital stay 4.5 days. Postoperative histopathology reportconfirmed presence of squamous cell carcinoma, 3 patient onregular follow up with no evidence of recurrence, 1 patientdies during follow up and 1 patient lost follow up.Conclusion: Primary squamous cell carcinoma of kidney arerare aggressive tumour with poor prognosis. As this tumor isassociated with renal stone and non functioning kidney, theyshould be evaluated with newer imaging technology for earlydetection of tumour.

Menstrual restrictions among young females in urban slums of Cochin

Background: Menstruation is associated with taboos and socio-cultural restrictions. The social and cultural significance of menstruation interacts with the physiological process to produce culturally determined norms and practices. This study was conducted among young females aged 15-35 years from urban slums of Kochi, India. The objective was to assess prevalence, factors, and patterns of restrictions faced by young females during menstruation.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 130 young females in three urban slums of Kochi. A pre-formed pretested questionnaire was used. Data were analysed statistically by simple proportions.Results: Only 8.8% young females felt they had restrictions during menstruation but when asked in detail 88% had socio-religious restrictions. Source for restrictions was traditionally followed patterns 60.8%, patterns taught by elderly mainly mother or mother in law 11.2% and self-imposed restrictions 28%. Reasons for restriction are that 14.4% considered it was good and give rest to the body, 8% women think they are unclean and 57.6% women fear to disobey religious restrictions. 77.6% of Women felt these restrictions are necessary and 40.8% felt restrictions do not need change. Out of 22.4% who felt religious restrictions were unnecessary only 1.6% were affected by religious restrictions.Conclusions: Only a few (8.8%) felt they had restrictions and more than two-third had restrictions (88%) and felt these restrictions are necessary (77.6%). This paper explains restrictions practiced and the origin of such restrictions during menstruation. The key issues identified from the community will be an asset to combat restrictions.

Outbreak investigation of acid fly attack among residential students in a tertiary care centre in South India

Paederus dermatitis is the skin irritation resulting from contact with the haemolymph of certain rove beetles, a group that is comprised by the genus Paederus. In May 2018, there was an increase in the number of residential students reporting with burning skin lesions. In this context, an outbreak investigation was conducted. A team of public health specialists visited these residential buildings and premises. The inmates who were affected were interviewed and examined. Suspected insects were collected and entomologically evaluated by the Zoological Survey of India. On examination of the affected individuals, it was observed that the rashes were very much suggestive of acid fly toxin induced lesions. Inspection of the premises, revealed small heaps of dried leaves with moisture at two sites which could have served as a suitable environment for acid fly multiplication. Our study concluded that Paederus fuscipes as the causative agent. Top storeys of buildings, illuminated at night, facing potentially wet areas were considered to be the potential risk factor. Fly proofing of the building, cleaning the institution premises and chemical treatment was suggested as appropriate control measures.

Accidental ingestion of an endodontic file: A case report and clinical review

Foreign body ingestion or aspiration during dental procedure is a rare but serious mishap. Ingestion of blunt foreign objects is less hazardous, and the object is generally egested through the gastrointestinal tract uneventfully, but sharp objects like endodontic files may sometimes cause intestinal perforation. Safety during dental treatment of children cannot be overemphasized. The present paper reports a case of accidental ingestion of a file during pulpectomy and the retrieval by endoscopy. This article also discusses the management of such an untoward event.

Comparisons of Results of Type 1 Tympanoplasty Using Temporalis Fascia and Tragal Perichondrium: A Prospective Study

Introduction: Type 1 tympanoplasty is one of the commonest operations done by an ENT surgeon. There are a number of choices regarding the graft material that one uses in this operation. Among those, temporalis fascia and tragal perichondrium are the most common. The aim of the study was to compare the results of tympanoplasty between two groups of patients- one using temporalis fascia as the graft material and the other using tragal perichondrium. Material and methods: This prospective study group consisted of 46 patients between the ages of 10 to 49 years. Only patients with dry safe central perforations and pure conductive hearing loss were included. Success was defined as ear-drum closure with no residual perforation. Hearing improvement was defined as air-bone gap less than 10dB. Results: We had included 46 patients in our study. Of them, 23 had tympanoplasty with temporalis fascia and the other 23 had tympanoplasty with tragal perichondrium. Conclusion: The study showed that both temporalis fascia and tragal perichondrium gave more or less the same results with regard to successful drum closure and hearing improvementthere was little to choose between these two

A study of serum lipid profile in normal pregnancy and pregnancy induced hypertensive disorders: a case-control study

Background: Pregnancy induced hypertensive disorders are one of the commonest complication of pregnancy which accounts for 12% of the maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity. Dyslipidemias are associated with endothelial dysfunction that may result in proteinuria and hypertension which is a clinical hallmark of PIH. It affects both maternal health as well as fetal growth. Hence, this study was done to assess the role of altered lipid profile in the development of PIH.Methods: A Case Control study was conducted at the Department of Biochemistry, Kurnool Medical College and Govt General Hospital, Kurnool in collaboration with its Obstetrics Dept during the period of November 2015-2017. A total of 300 pregnant women, primigravida /multigravida with singleton pregnancy, in the age group of 18‐ 35 years with >20 weeks of gestation were included in the study. Subjects were divided into gestational hypertensives, n=39 (BP ≥140/80) and preeclamptic women, n=111 (≥140/80 and proteinuria) as cases. Age matched normotensive pregnant women, n=150 (BP 120/80) were recruited as Controls. Subjects with history of multiple pregnancies, pregnancy with congenital anomalies, chronic hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cardiac/thyroid/hepatic/renal disease, dyslipidemia were excluded. Total cholesterol, TG, HDL, LDL, VLDL were performed.Results: A comparison of these values between hypertensive and normotensive women showed a significant rise in TC, TG, LDL and VLDL. HDL-C showed a significant decrease in hypertensive women compared to normal pregnant women. LDL: HDL and TG:HDL ratios were higher in PIH group.Conclusions: The results of this study suggests an abnormal lipid metabolism, predominantly high TG concentrations and low HDL-C, which may add to the promotion of vascular dysfunction and oxidative stress seen in PIH. This association is significant in understanding the development of hypertension during pregnancy and is useful in early diagnosis and prevention of PIH.

Study on oral smokeless tobacco use among migrant labourers and their attitude towards tobacco cessation in an urban settlement in Ernakulam district of Kerala

Background: Interstate migrant workers in the state of Kerala are increasing day by day. Tobacco usage is quite common among them; however, there are only few studies about oral smokeless tobacco consumption among them. The objectives of the study were to study the prevalence of oral smokeless tobacco use among migrant labourers in an urban settlement in Ernakulam district of Kerala and to assess the knowledge and attitude of users towards cessation. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 140 migrant workers residing in an urban settlement in Kochi. Data regarding their socio demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitude and practices of smokeless tobacco consumption was collected using a questionnaire adapted from the global adult tobacco survey questionnaire (GATS). Data was entered into excel sheet and was analyzed using Epi Info. Results: The prevalence of oral smokeless tobacco was found to be 32.85%. Of which, majority of them used a tobacco-lime mixture called Khani (50%) and used tobacco on a daily basis (65.2%). It was observed that 71.74% of the users were unaware of the ill effects of the use of smokeless tobacco and 69.57% of them were not interested in quitting this habit. Among those who had quit, majority of them had done it on their will power alone. Conclusions: The use of smokeless tobacco is quite prevalent among the migrant population. Effective behavioural change communication activities need to be directed towards them.

Clinical profile of children with pneumonia admitted at KIMS hospital, Bangalore, India: a prospective study

Background: In India acute respiratory infections are an important public health problem accounting for 15-30 % of under-five mortality. Early detection, timely intervention, standard management and a proper early referral service can reduce the mortality rate. The objective of this study was to study the sociodemographic and clinical profile of children admitted with pneumonia, to study its relation to the duration of stay at the hospital.Methods: The study was conducted in KIMS hospital, Bangalore from September 2016 to August 2017. Sociodemographic and clinical features of children aged from 2 months to 18 years of age were studied. A total of 92 children who fulfilled the inclusion criteria for community-acquired pneumonia were studied. The patient population comprises mainly of the low-income group from rural areas, urban slums, referred patients from surrounding rural areas, and other centres.Results: A total of 92 children were studied, 52 boys and 40 girls. 45% children were breastfed for <6 months, and 28% were incompletely immunized. Majority of children belonged to lower socioeconomic group. Passive smoking was present in 38 % of the patients and overcrowding was seen in 50% of children studied. There is a significant association between passive smoking, delayed hospital care, and length of stay.Conclusions: Present study concluded that ARI was more common in LES children and incompletely immunised children. And children who got early medical attention i.e. <4 days had a lesser duration of hospital stay i.e. <7 days.

Evaluation of Anti-inflammatory and Regenerative Efficiency of Naringin and Naringenin in Degenerated Human Nucleus Pulposus Cells: Biological and Molecular Modeling Studies

STUDY DESIGN: Development of an in vitro model for assessing the anti-inflammatory efficacies of naringin (Nar) and naringenin (NG).PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of natural flavonoids as therapeutic drugs against anti-inflammatory processes in the nucleus pulposus (NP) cells using in-vitro and in-silico methods.OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Intervertebral disc (IVD) disease is a common cause of low back pain. Chronic inflammation and degeneration play a significant role in its etiopathology. Thus, a better understanding of anti-inflammatory agents and their role in IVD degeneration and pro-inflammatory cytokines expression is necessary for pain management and regeneration in IVD.METHODS: We performed primary cell culture of NP cells; immunocytochemistry; gene expression studies of cytokines, metalloproteases, extracellular proteins, and apoptotic markers using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR); cytotoxicity assay (MTT); and molecular docking studies using AutoDock 4.2 software (Molecular Graphics Laboratory, La Jolla, CA, USA) to confirm the binding mode of proteins and synthesized complexes. We calculated the mean±standard deviation values and performed analysis of variance and t-test using SPSS ver. 17.0 (SPSS, Inc., Chicago, IL, USA).RESULTS: Molecular docking showed that both Nar and NG bind to the selected genes of interest. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis reveals differential gene expression of collagen (COL)9A1, COL9A2, COL9A3, COL11A2, COMT (catechol-O-methyltransferase), and THBS2 (thrombospondin 2); up regulation of ACAN (aggrecan), COL1A1, COL11A1, interleukin (IL)6, IL10, IL18R1, IL18RAP, metalloprotease (MMP)2, MMP3, MMP9, ADAMTS5 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 5), IGF1R (insulin-like growth factor type 1 receptor), SPARC (secreted protein acidic and cysteine rich), PARK2 (parkin), VDR (vitamin D receptor), and BCL2 (B-cell lymphoma 2); down regulation of IL1A, CASP3 (caspase 3), and nine genes with predetermined concentrations of Nar and NG.CONCLUSIONS: The present study evaluated the anti-inflammatory and regenerative efficiencies of Nar and NG in degenerated human NP cells. Altered gene expressions of cytokines, metalloproteases, extracellular proteins, apoptotic genes were dose responsive. The molecular docking (in silico) studies showed effective binding of these native ligands (Nar and NG) with genes identified as potent inhibitors of inflammation. Thus, these natural flavonoids could serve as anti-inflammatory agents in the treatment of low back pain and sciatica.

A cross-sectional study on eruption timing of primary teeth in children of Mysore, Karnataka

Eruption of first primary teeth is the most anxiously awaited developmental milestone in a child. However, primary teeth have shown wide variations in their eruption time among different population, ethnic, and racial groups. Aims: The present study was conducted with the aim to evaluate the time and sequence of eruption of primary teeth of children of Mysore. Settings and Design: A cross-sectional study design included 1392 participants aged 3 months to 36 months recruited by simple random sampling method. The variables such as age, gender, and number of erupted primary teeth were recorded. Subjects and Methods: Clinical examination was done under natural illumination. A tooth was considered erupted when any part of its crown had penetrated the gingiva and was visible in the oral cavity. Statistical Analysis Used: Probit regression analysis was performed to obtain the mean and median age of eruption of teeth. The significance of difference in the mean age of eruption across gender and arch was determined using paired t-test. Results and Conclusion: The first primary tooth to erupt was mandibular central incisor at 10.24 ± 2.47 months followed by maxillary central incisor at 11.06 ± 2.65 months. The duration of primary teeth eruption was 17.89 and 18.32 months in males, 18.54 months and 18.32 months in females for maxilla and mandible, respectively. Eruption of primary tooth is delayed among children of Mysore as compared to standard eruption chart. The results will provide information to health professional about contemporary tooth eruption time derived from an Indian population.

A new focus of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Jammu division of Jammu and Kashmir State, India.

Background: Cutaneous leishmaniasis in India is mainly confi ned to the deserts of Rajasthan; some cases have been reported from the dry north-western half of the Indo-Gangetic plain, including Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi and Varanasi. Aims: To highlight a new focus of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the Jammu division of Jammu and Kashmir State, previously a non-endemic area. This report presents the clinico-epidemiological and investigative results of 120 new cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis detected between November 2012 and October 2013. Methods: The clinical diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis was made using criteria proposed by Bari and Rahman. It was further confi rmed by the demonstration of Leishman-Donovan bodies in Leishman stained slit skin smears and skin biopsy specimens, and/or by a satisfactory response to intra-lesional sodium stibogluconate given weekly for 4 weeks. Serial clinical photographs were taken before giving injections and at the end of the 6th week. Results: There were 67 females and 53 males with an age range of 8 months to 80 years. The most frequently affected site was the face. Lesions were most commonly of the nodulo-ulcerative type. The number of lesions ranged from 1 to 4. Farmers (28.1%), homemakers (27.2%) and students (27.2%) were signifi cantly over-represented among the occupations (P < 0.001). Skin smears and biopsies were positive for Leishman-Donovan bodies in 50.8% and 44.2% cases, respectively. Conclusions: There is a new focus of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Jammu division which deserves urgent attention from the public health angle. Further epidemiological studies are warranted to establish the identity of the vector and the strain of Leishmania involved.