On the path of continual improvement: An evaluation of biomedical waste management training.

Microbiologists play a pivotal role in the prevention of infection both at hospital and community level. Biomedical waste management (BMWM) is one of the aspects of infection control. For the effective implementation of this, various training programmes have been conducted at our regional training centre. This study evaluates the impact of the BMWM training programme. Knowledge on all parameters was signifi cantly better at post-course evaluation for all the participants (P value 0.001). Evaluation of training is recommended to improve the effectiveness of training method.

Fungal rhinosinusitis: A clinicomycological perspective.

Purpose: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a widely prevalent condition globally as well as in India. The spectrum of fungal involvement in CRS runs from benign colonisation to potentially life-threatening invasive disease. Successful treatment of such mycotic infections largely depends on the accurate identification of the pathogen, early and appropriate intervention by surgical clearance, supported with antifungal medication as per standard regimen. Thus, this study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of fungal rhinosinusitis (FRS), and to analyse its clinicomycological profile. Materials and Methods: Fifty-two patients with clinical suspicion of CRS attending a tertiary care hospital during a one-year period were included in this retrospective analysis. The sinonasal specimens were subjected to microscopy by KOH mount and fungal culture as per standard mycological technique. Tissue specimens were also subjected to histopathological examination. Results: Male to female ratio was 1.25:1; age varied from 14 years to 62 years with majority of patients (37%) belonging to age group 21-40 years. The prevalence of FRS was 44%, and 74% of it was caused by Aspergillus sp. Aspergillus flavus (A. flavus) (52%) was the most prevalent fungus isolated. Allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS) was the most common presentation (79%). Conclusion: FRS is a continuous spectrum of disease varying in presentation, treatment and long-term sequelae. Correct identification of the fungus remains essential for appropriate treatment.

An analysis of multimodal occupational exposure leading to blood borne infections among health care workers.

Occupational exposure poses a signifi cant risk of transmission of blood-borne pathogens to healthcare workers (HCWs). Adherence to standard precautions, awareness about post exposure prophylaxis is poor in developing countries. This retrospective study analyzes the self-reported cases of occupational exposure in a tertiary care hospital. During the study period, 105 HCWs sustained occupational exposure to blood and body fl uids. Majority of the victims 36 (34.2%) were interns and the clinical practice that led to the occupational exposure was withdrawal of blood (45.7%). Good infection control practices and emphasis on appropriate disposal are needed to increase the occupational safety for HCWs.