Reactivation of cytomegalovirus infection in a post-COVID patient leading to cytomegalovirus pneumonia and colitis

COVID-19 is a severe disease characterized by a multifactorial immunodeficient state in critically ill patients who have had no prior immunodeficiencies. Much of the mortality in COVID has been attributed to an unprecedented high number of secondary coinfections ranging from bacterial pneumonia to opportunistic infections such as invasive aspergillosis and mucormycosis. Case reports reporting reactivation of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection are scanty. To the best of our knowledge, we describe one of the very few cases of a previously immunocompetent healthy individual who suffered from reactivation of CMV infection and involvement of invasive infection (CMV pneumonia and CMV colitis).

Uterine tumor resembling ovarian sex cord tumor: Histomorphological features

Uterine tumors resembling ovarian sex cord tumors are rare neoplasms with varied histological and immunophenotypic profile, uncertain histiogenesis and biological behavior. A critical evaluation of histological features is essential for diagnosis and management of these cases.

In vitro effect of fl uoroquinolones against Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates from Agra & Kanpur region of north India.

Background & objectives: Fluoroquinolones (FQs) are important drugs used for treatment of drug resistant tuberculosis and are also now being considered as fi rst line drugs to shorten the duration of treatment of tuberculosis (TB). In order to fi nd out useful FQs for treatment of tuberculosis, the comparative effi cacy of fi ve FQs, namely, ofl oxacin (OFL), ciprofl oxacin (CIP), sparfl oxacin (SPX), gatifl oxacin (GAT) and levofl oxacin (LEVX) was studied against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) isolates obtained from both treated and untreated patients from Agra and Kanpur regions of north India. Methods: A total of 162 MTB isolates [including 110 MTB isolates obtained from untreated patients (Cat-I) and 52 isolates from treated patients (Cat-II)] were tested for their susceptibilities to FQs using standard minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method on Löwenstein-Jensen medium. Results: Keeping in view the therapeutically achievable drug levels, it was found that in Cat-I 97.2 per cent (107/110) isolates were sensitive to GAT, 89 per cent (98/110) to LEVX at 1 μg/ml whereas 92.7 per cent (102/110) isolates were inhibited by OFL at 2 μg/ml and 73.6 per cent (81/110) to SPX at 0.5 μg/ml. Only 63.6 per cent (70/110) isolates were found to be sensitive to CIP at 2 μg/ml which increased to 89 per cent (98/110) at 4 μg/ml (higher than achievable peak serum level). On the other hand, among 52 isolates for Cat-II, 37 (71.2%) were found to be sensitive to GAT and 33 (63.5%) to LEVX at 1 μg/ml concentration, 28 (53.8%) to SPX at 0.5 μg/ml whereas 33 (63.5%) and 24 (46.2%) isolates were found to be sensitive to OFL and CIP at 2 μg/ml, respectively. Interpretation & conclusions: It appears that GAT has higher activity against MTB isolates followed by OFL, LEVX and SPX whereas CIP showed the lowest activity. GAT was also found to be the most effective FQ against multi-drug resistant (MDR) isolates both from Cat-I and Cat-II patients. Thus, except CIP, other FQs showed potential to be included in the treatment regimens of tuberculosis including MDR-TB.

Ideal number of incisions in radial keratotomy--an experimental study.

The operation is very simple and safe and best for simple myopia. 16 ideal incisions give higher correction. Uniformity in depth of incision and steroid drops used post operatively brings higher correction.

The role of imipramine hydrochloride on plasma transaminase and glucose level on rats under altitude stress.

The effect of exposure of albino rats to simulated high altitude stress of 5000 metres for 3 and 6 hrs on plasma transaminases, non-protein nitrogen (NPN), total protein percentages and blood sugar levels have been studied both with and without the administration of an anti-stress drug Imipramine HCl at 2.0 mg/kg body weight. The drug appears to have a slight hepatotoxic effect.