Prevalence Of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis In Sexually Active Females With Antifungal Susceptibility Patterns Of The Isolates

Introduction:Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is the most common fungal infection of lower genital tract of females. It is an important cause of morbidity in young women due to its increasing incidence and is considered as an important public health problem worldwide. In recent years there has been a change in the trend of infections caused by non-albicans Candida species and anti-fungal susceptibility patterns. This study was carried out to assess the prevalence, potential risk factors and detect the antifungal susceptibilities of the isolates. Methods:A prospective study was con-ducted in a tertiary health centre of southern Odisha from January 2016 to December 2017and included 240 clinical-ly diagnosed cases of VVC in the reproductive age group presenting with curdy white discharge with or without pruri-tus, burning, or dysuria. After getting an informed consent and brief history, vaginal swabs were collected and micro-scopic examination, culture and antifungal susceptibility were done. Results: Most common age group affected by VVC belonged to 26-35 years and majority of the cases were from rural areas. A total of 87 Candida species (36.3%) and, 4 Trichosporon asahiiwere isolated. Candida albicans was the most common isolate (52), followed by Candida glabrata. Most of the isolates were sensitive to clotrimazole (90.1%) followed by fluconazole (83.5%). Conclusion:The prevalence of VVC in our study was found to be 36.3%. Low socioeconomic status, low education, oral contra-ceptive pill users and Diabetes were the common predisposing factors. The most common agent causing VVC was Candidia albicans followed by Candida glabrata. Most of the yeasts isolated were sensitive to Clotrimazole followed by fluconazole.

Parasitic Enteropathogens In Hiv Seropositive Patients In Relation To Cd4 Count At A Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: Parasitic Entero pathogens causing diarrhoea is considered as one of the major health problems in HIV infected patients especially those with AIDS. The knowledge of prevalence of these pathogens in a particular area can guide clinicians to provide early clinical management in HIV-associated diarrhea.Objectives: The primary objec-tive of this study was to study the prevalence of parasitic enteropathogens and compare the intestinal parasitic path-ogens in HIV infected diarrhoeal (acute and chronic) and in HIV infected non diarrheal patients and to elucidate the relation between CD4 counts and intestinal parasitic infections Materials and Methods: This study was conducted between Nov 2016 and November 2017 in the Department of Microbiology. Stool samples from 105 HIV seropositive cases with diarrhea and without diarrhea were examined by routine parasitological laboratory procedures. CD4 testing was done to know the CD4 cell count. Results:Out of 105 cases of HIV seropositive cases 15 cases had acute diarrhea, 66 cases had chronic diarrhea and 24 HIV seropositive cases were without diarrhea. Enteric pathogens were detected in 48 (45.7%) number of patients. Isosporasp. was the most common parasite. Other parasites includ-ed Ancylostoma duodenaleand Entamoeba histolytica. The diarrheal HIV-positive patients had lower mean CD4 counts as compared to those without diarrhea. Conclusions: Identification of the etiological agent of diarrhea in pa-tients with HIV/ AIDS is very important as it can help in the initiation of appropriate therapy which helps in reduction of morbidity and mortality in these patients.

Pyopericardium due to infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis - A rare case report.

Summary: Pyopericardium or purulent pericarditis is a rare entity but usually associated with a high mortality. We report a case of 30-year-old male presenting with pyopericardium due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The patient was treated with Anti-tubercular therapy (ATT) alongwith pericardiocentesis and pericardiectomy. The patient responded well to treatment and recovered completely in due course of time.

Laboratory diagnosis of chikungunya virus: Do we really need it.

Chikungunya (CHIK) fever is a re-emerging Aedes mosquito-transmitted viral disease caused by CHIK virus belonging to the Togaviridae family of genus Alphavirus. The disease is almost self-limiting, occurs with characteristic triad of sudden onset fever, rash and arthritis. During the recent outbreak CHIKV was also found to cause long-term arthralgia, severe neurological disease and even fatalities. Although there are no antiviral or vaccines available for CHIKV, still there are several advantages to diagnose the infection. The present article provides an overview of various diagnostic modalities available and its significance by searching PubMed MeSH terms "Chikungunya virus" and "Diagnosis" for recent articles. The gold standard of CHIKV diagnosis is culture, yet requires facilities and skills. Highly sensitive and specific PCR assays for CHIKV have been developed, but the reagents and equipment are costly for widespread use. Serological diagnosis by detecting IgM antibody is most widely used as it is relatively cheaper and easier to perform. Disadvantages of antibody testing are cross-reactivity with other alpha viruses, cannot differentiate between recent past and acute infection, and its sensitivity varies in clinical settings. When tested for diagnosing acute CHIKV disease, sensitivities were just 4 to 22% and after 1 week rose to more than 80%. As most acutely infected patients seek medical attention within the first few days of illness, the ideal test should detect RNA or antigen. Therefore, the more realistic aim would be to develop a reliable antigen detection assay that could be used in rural areas, where CHIKV infection often occurs.