Target product profiles for diagnosis of sepsis: Proposing a new approach for diagnostic innovation

Background & objectives: Sepsis, including neonatal sepsis, remains a prevalent cause of morbidity and mortality in low- and middle-income countries such as India, representing 85 per cent of all sepsis-related deaths globally. Early diagnosis and timely initiation of treatment is challenging due to non-specific clinical manifestations and non-availability of rapid diagnostic tests. There is an urgent need for affordable diagnostics with fast turnaround time catering to the needs of end-users. Target product profiles (TPPs) have been found instrumental in developing ‘fit-for-use’ diagnostics, thus reducing the time taken to facilitate development and improving diagnosis. Hitherto, no such guidance or criteria has been defined for rapid diagnostics for sepsis/neonatal sepsis. We propose an innovative approach for developing the diagnostics for sepsis screening and diagnosis which can be utilized by diagnostic developers in the country. Methods: Three-round Delphi method, including two online surveys and one virtual consultation, was adopted to define criteria for minimum and optimum attributes of TPPs and build consensus on characteristics. Expert panel (n=23) included infectious disease physicians, public health specialists, clinical microbiologists, virologists, researchers/scientists and technology experts/innovators. Results: We present a three-component product profile for sepsis diagnosis, (i) screening with high sensitivity, (ii) detection of aetiological agent, and (iii) profiling of antimicrobial susceptibility/resistance, in adults and neonates with an option of testing different considerations. An agreement of >75 per cent was achieved for all TPP characteristics by Delphi. These TPPs are tailored to the Indian healthcare settings and can also be extrapolated to other resource-constraint and high-disease burden settings.

Antimicrobial Resistance: The 'Other' Pandemic!

Antimicrobial resistance is projected to kill 10 million people by 2050. The biggest driver of antimicrobial resistance is excessive/unrestricted use of antimicrobials in humans and animals. Antimicrobial resistance is a problem in all types of pathogens including bacteria, mycobacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites both globally and India and in both adults and children. The areas of greatest concern for India is the epidemic of MDR and XDR tuberculosis and resistance in gram-negative pathogens. The alarming rate of extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) production in Enterobacteriales in both community and health care–associated infections is driving carbapenem use. Rates of carbapenem resistance are now signifcantly high in health care–associated gram negative pathogens with associated high mortality rates. The key solution to this antimicrobial resistance crisis needs participation of all stakeholders and lies in promoting rational antimicrobial therapy

Anaerobes in cardiac infections: A decade experience from the tertiary care center

Purpose: Anaerobic infections are common yet life-threatening. They are being recovered from all sites of the body, including the cardiovascular system. This study was aimed to determine the retrospective analysis on the isolation of anaerobes in cardiovascular samples received for a decade-long duration. It helps in knowing the frequency of isolation of anaerobic causes of cardiovascular infection. Methods: All cardiovascular samples from the department of Cardio-thoracic vascular surgery from January 2010 to December 2020 were studied. Results: Of 601 samples received, predominant samples were vegetations and valvular tissues of 258, followed by 98 samples of pericardial tissues, 92 samples of embolus, 90 samples of blood and post-operative collections, and 63 excised aneurysms and vascular grafts. Of the total, 15 samples grew anaerobes where Clostridium species were the predominant isolates. Clostridioides difficile was isolated in 2 samples. Conclusions: Anaerobes in cardiovascular samples are uncommon yet form a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Most infections are from the contiguous spread, penetrating trauma, and hematogenous causing endocarditis or valvular infections. These conditions and samples form the seat of infectious focus and clinical suspicion towards the anaerobic cause of these conditions, especially in conventional routine culture-negative samples. Timely diagnosis of anaerobic infections plays a vital role in the good prognostic outcome of patients undergoing cardiothoracic and vascular surgery.

The Emergence of Omicron: Challenging Times Are Here Again!

COVID-19 has been reported to have caused more than 286 million cases and 5.4 million deaths till date. COVID variants have appeared at regular intervals—alpha, beta, gamma, delta and now omicron. ‘Omicron’ is driving the current surge of cases in most countries including India and is poised to replace ‘delta’ the world over. This variant with more than 50 mutations is phylogenetically very diferent from other variants. The omicron variant spreads rapidly with an average doubling time of two days. The disease so far has been mild as compared with delta. Though previous infection and vaccination ofer little or no protection against infection with omicron, they do seem to partially protect against hospitalization and severe disease. Booster vaccinations have not made any notable impact on the spread of omicron and have further worsened global vaccine equity. The indirect consequences of omicron from lockdowns, restrictions, travel bans, economic losses, health care worker infections and overwhelming of health care facilities are likely to be enormous. The direct efects of omicron on children are expected to be mild like with the previous variants. However, the indirect efects on child mental, physical, and social health may be considerable owing to school closures, missed vaccinations, neglect of other diseases, etc. It is, therefore, imperative that governments take rational decisions to navigate the world through this latest crisis.

Diethylcarbamazine citrate-fortified salt for lymphatic filariasis elimination in India

Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a vector-borne neglected tropical disease, causing permanent disability. The disease is debilitating and widespread, leading to tremendous productivity and economic loss. The Government of India (GOI) prioritized the elimination of LF through the annual mass drug administration (MDA) programme in 2004 and continued with a single dose of diethylcarbamazine citrate (DEC), 6 mg/kg of body weight, plus albendazole annually over a period of 5-6 years. The GOI had set the target to achieve LF elimination by 2015 and now by 2030. The progress so far has been suboptimal. Much remains to be done as about 84 per cent of the total 328 endemic districts are still under MDA. The major challenge in implementing MDA is poor compliance. It is necessary to have a feasible alternative strategy addressing the above challenge to achieve the desired goal of LF elimination. At this juncture, a well-researched approach, i.e. the use of DEC-fortified salt, also advocated by the World Health Organization, as a unique form of MDA, is proposed. As per this strategy, a low dose of DEC (0.2% w/w) is added to the cooking salt at the manufacturing facility of iodized salt and consumed by the LF-endemic communities for about two years. Many examples of successful use of this strategy for LF elimination in small- and large-scale trials have been documented in India and several other endemic countries in the world. Implementing DEC–iodine-fortified salt is a safe, less expensive, more efficient and prompt approach for achieving the elimination of LF in India. Adverse effects are none or minor and self-limiting. The DEC-fortified salt strategy can easily piggyback on the existing countrywide deployment of iodized salt under the National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme (NIDDCP), which has achieved a great success in reducing iodine-deficiency disorders such as hypothyroidism. This existing robust programme can be leveraged to launch DEC-fortified salt for the community. If implemented appropriately, this strategy will ensure the complete cessation of LF transmission within two years from its introduction. If the said strategy is implemented in 2022, it is expected that India will be able to achieve the LF elimination by 2024, much before the global target of 2030.

Generalised Myoclonus and Cerebellar Ataxia Associated with COVID-19 : A Case Report

COVID-19 pandemic is a Global burden to Public Health. An array of Neurological Manifestations have been reported to be associated with COVID-19 like Anosmia, Cerebrovascular accident, Meningitis, Encephalitis, Seizures, Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM) etc. Generalised Myoclonus and Cerebellar Ataxia, is a less common Neurological Manifestation when compared to others. Here, we report a case of Generalized Myoclonus and Cerebellar Ataxia following COVID-19 infection. The possible mechanisms of Myoclonus and Ataxia following COVID-19 are also discussed

An In Vivo Study to Evaluate the Efficacy of Aloe-Vera and 0.2% Chlorhexidine Digluconate as Preprocedural Mouth Rinses for Disinfecting Alginate Impression

A total of thirty subjects was selected. For each individual subject, 3 impressions of maxillary arch were made using alginate. Impressions were divided into three categories. First impression (Group 1) was made without using any preprocedural mouth rinse. After the impression was made, a sterile cotton swab was wiped over the impression surface and sent for culture sensitivity test. This swab acted as the control group. The swab was then run over the Blood Agar culture medium. The incubation of culture-medium plates was done for 24 hrs. at 37 °C. From the culture plate, smear was taken to examine bacterial growth and the colony forming units were counted on the slide. 24 hours after initial impression, the second impression (Group 2) was made after making the subject rinse with aloe vera for 30 seconds. After 48 hours after Group 1, third impression (Group 3) of the same subject was made, making the subject rinse with 0.2% chlorhexidine digluconate solution for 30 seconds. Rest of the steps were same for both the impressions as the first impression.Data was recorded and analysis for difference in the bacterial count between Group 1, Group 2 and Group 3 was done using ANOVA with post-hoc Bonferroni test from SPSS version 18. ResultsThe result showed an overall significant difference in the mean CFU among the three groups. Post-hoc test showed that group 1 had significantly higher mean CFU (7.54) than group 2 (2.98) and 3 (1.82). The least bacterial count was seen in the samples in which chlorhexidine digluconate was used as a mouth rinse before making the impression. The mean percentage reduction in bacterial count was 60.33 in the group for which aloe vera was used and 75.81 in the chlorhexidine digluconate group. Conclusions0.2 % chlorhexidine digluconate when used as preprocedural mouth rinse for 30 seconds markedly reduces the bacterial growth of aerobic culture. Although Aloe vera does have an antibacterial effect when used as preprocedural mouth rinses when compared with 0.2 % chlorhexidine digluconate, it is a weaker disinfectant. The antibacterial activity of 0.2 % chlorhexidine digluconate is more effective than aloe vera (99.9 %) when used as preprocedural mouth rinse.

Comparative Evaluation of Disinfecting Alginate Using Aloe Vera and 0.2% Chlorhexidine Digluconate by Internal Disinfection Method - An In Vivo Study.

Aloe vera and chlorhexidine are traditionally used as disinfectants of irreversible hydrocolloids. Most popular among irreversible hydrocolloids is alginate which is most commonly used in dentistry. We wanted to compare and evaluate the efficacy of aloe vera and 0.2% chlorhexidine as an internal disinfectant.METHODSFor each subject three impressions of the upper arch were made using irreversible hydrocolloid impression material i.e. Alginate (Zelgan 2002). After the impression was made, a sterile cotton swab was used and wiped over the impression surface from the center of the palate and was sent for culture sensitivity test. This swab acted as the control group (Group 1). The swab was then placed in normal saline transport medium and was sent for culture sensitivity test to the Gyan Pathology Lab, Kanpur. The swab was then run over the Blood Agar culture media. Incubation of the culture medium plates was done at 37°C for 24 hrs. From the culture plate, smear was taken to examine bacterial growth on a slide, semi-quantitatively, under light microscope, and the colony forming units were then counted. 24 hours after initial impression, second impression (Group 2) was made by mixing alginate with 99.9% aloe vera. 48 hours after the first impression, the third impression (Group 3) of the same subject was made after mixing alginate with 0.2% chlorhexidine digluconate. Remaining procedural steps were similar for second and third impressions as the first impression. Bacterial count was recorded and analysed for variation between group 1, group 2 and group 3 using Repeated Measures ANOVA with post-hoc Bonferroni test from SPSS version 18.RESULTSThis study showed that using 99.9% concentration of Aloe Vera as an internal disinfectant to manipulate irreversible hydrocolloid impression material did show a reduction (65.96%) in growth of aerobic bacteria. However, the decrease was significantly less when compared with chlorhexidine.CONCLUSIONSAmongst the two disinfecting agents used in this study, 0.2% chlorhexidine digluconate has shown to be more effective disinfecting agent than Aloe Vera.

Myomectomy during cesarean section: is it a contraindication these days?

Myomectomy during the cesarean section is a debatable procedure because of raised risk of associated uncontrollable hemorrhage and postoperative morbidity. 38 years, elderly primigravida, who conceived after primary infertility with large leiomyoma in the lower uterine segment, underwent myomectomy during the cesarean section. Her intra-operative hemorrhage was within normal limits and post-partum period was uneventful. Conclusion of this study is Safety and feasibility of myomectomy along with cesarean largely depends upon the case selection, experience of the obstetrician and backup ICU and transfusion facilities.

Study the association between platelets count and grades of oesophageal varies in patients of cirrhosis of liver with portal hypertension

Background: cirrhosis of liver is a diffuse process of fibrosis that converts the liver architecture into structurally abnormal nodules Portal hypertension leads to dilatation of portal vein, splenomegaly, and formation of portal systemic collaterals at different sites. Screening endoscopy is recommended for early detection of esophageal varices (EVs) in cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension. However, this approach is limited by its invasiveness and cost. The aim of the study was to determine if platelet count can predict the presence of EVs, especially large (grade III, IV) EVs in need of prophylactic therapy.Methods: Statistically 100 patients previously or newly diagnosed with cirrhosis of liver with portal hypertension without history of hepatic encephalopathy, variceal bleeding, EVL, use of beta blockers, were selected for the study. Ultrasonography was performed in all cases to note the spleen size. Routine blood testing including platelet count was done and UGI-Endoscopy was done to detect presence of varices with grades. Statistical Analysis: Statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Survey (SPSS) for Windows version 17.0. The data obtained was analysed using mean, SD, Student’s t-test and chi square correlation coefficient, p value <0.05 was considered significant.Results: Among 100 patients studied ,90% patients were found to have esophageal varices. Based on endoscopic grading, incidence of grade 2 and grade 3 esophageal varices predominated, accounting to 48% and 23 % respectively. On correlation of platelet count with grades of esophageal varices it was evident that 44 patients had their platelet count less than 1 lac out of which 24 patients had grade 2 varices followed by 14 patients with grade 3 varices, p value <0.001 and was highly significant.Conclusions: The study depicts that with decrease in platelets count the chances of formation of higher grades of oesophageal varices increases and also a positive association exists.

To Study the Association between Splenic Size and Grades of Oesophageal Varices in Patients of Cirrhosis of Liver with Portal Hypertension.

Chronic liver disease develops when the functional capacity of the liver is deranged, and it is not able to maintain normal physiological conditions. This study was carried to find out the association of portal vein size with gastro-oesophageal varices in diagnosed cases of cirrhosis of liver, so that this parameters can be used in predicting propensity to oesophageal varices non-invasively, and thus help in starting prophylactic therapy earlier to prevent bleeding and other complications of varices.METHODS100 patients previously or newly diagnosed with cirrhosis of liver with portal hypertension without history of hepatic encephalopathy, variceal bleeding, EVL, use of beta blockers, were included for the study. Ultrasonography was done in all cases to find out the spleen size. Routine blood testing including platelet count was done and UGI-Endoscopy was performed to see the presence of oesophageal varices of different grades. The data obtained was analysed using mean, SD, Student’s t-test and chi square correlation coefficient. p Value of <0.05 was considered for significant.RESULTSAmong 100 patients studied, 90% patients were found to have oesophageal varices. Based on endoscopic grading, incidence of grade 2 and grade 3 oesophageal varices predominated, accounting to 48% and 23 % respectively. On correlation of splenic diameter with grades of oesophageal varices, it was found that patients with splenic diameter >13 cm had higher grades of oesophageal varices i.e. 32 patients were grade 2 and 18 patients were grade 3, with p<0.001 and was found highly significant.CONCLUSIONSIn this study, we found that with increasing spleen size there are chances of formation of higher grades of oesophageal varices and both are also having positive association.

Prognostication in Traumatic Brain Injury- A Prospective Study of 100 Patients in Tertiary Care Hospital in Rural Area.

Traumatic brain injury is a major health issue responsible for considerable mortality and morbidity worldwide especially in subjects under the age of 40 yrs. It is important to assess and grade the TBI as soon as possible to guide management and decrease the comorbidities. Various guidelines have been issued by the neurosurgical societies to immediately assess and intervene when ever required. In this study, we have tried to assess the role of basal cisternal effacement in the management and prognosis of RTA patients, and hence tried to simplify the prognostication process and improve the patient management.METHODS100 subjects were studied who were having history of traumatic head injury. NCCT was done for all the patients using 128 slice Multidetector CT- Ingenuity (Philips Medical Systems, USA). Other parameters like pupillary reaction, GCS at the time of presentation, midline shift and associated fractures and bleed were assessed. All the patients were followed up till the time of discharge. The data so obtained was analysed.RESULTSParameters like age, pupillary reflex, GCS at presentation, associated intracranial bleed, associated cranial vault fractures and presence or absence of midline shift correlated well with the final outcome with p value consistently <0.05. We analysed that the degree of obliteration of perimesencephalic cistern was a good prognostic marker in traumatic head injury patients. 36% of patients had favourable outcome out of which none of the patients had obliterated perimesencephalic cistern or interpeduncular cisterns. 64% patients had unfavourable outcome out of which 60% and 48% had obliterated or partially obliterated perimesencephalic cisterns and interpeduncular cisterns respectively, and only 4% and 16% had normal perimesencephalic cisterns and interpeduncular cisterns respectively.CONCLUSIONSIt is important to investigate, grade and prognosticate traumatic head injury patients at the earliest. Our study and various other studies prove that various clinical predictors including age, Glasgow coma scale, and pupil reactivity correlate with outcome of patient. Presence of midline shift, intraventricular haemorrhage, and obliteration of cisterns in patients of traumatic brain injury also correlate with the outcome and can be used; thus, making the prognostication process much easier. These findings can be used on the first day of admission itself.

Developmental and Morphological Variations of Frontal Sinus in Pediatric Age Group in Gurugram Region of Haryana – A Study

Background: The aim is to know gender wise development and morphological variation of the frontal sinus in the pediatric age group of Gurugram district of Haryana. The development and pneumatisation of the frontal sinus is the predictor of skeletal growth pattern. The craniofacial structures grow proportionately with the normal development of the body structures. Methods: In this prospective study, a total of 36 subjects were studied. The study was conducted in the Department of Radiodiagnosis of SGT Medical College, Budhera (Gurugram) Haryana from January 2019 to March 2019. This included 12 females and 24 males falling in the age group of 8-18 years. The frontal sinuses were evaluated on various morphological features. Plain X-Ray of paranasal sinus was evaluated by Caldwell’s view. The sinuses were evaluated for width, height, number of scallops, septations and supraorbital cells. Results: Average width and height of left frontal sinuses were 23.8 mm with the range of 5.5 – 43 mm and 28.4 mm with the range of 13-45 mm respectively. Average width and height of right frontal sinuses were 20.4 mm with the range of 9.8 – 39 mm and 20 mm with the range of 13-38 mm respectively. The average number of scalloping on right and left were 1.9 and 2.19 respectively. The septations were noticed in 13 (36.11%) on left and in 16 (44.44%) on right side. Supraorbital cells were found in 16 (44.44%) on left side and 17 (47.22%) on right side. Conclusion: There is a lot of variation in the appearance and development of the frontal sinus in pediatric age group. The dimensions had been found smaller on right side as compared to left side. Scalloping and supraorbital cells had been found more on right side than on the left side. Septations were more on left side as compared to right side.

A comparative study on safety and efficacy of tolperisone with etodolac and thiocolchicoside with etodolac in patients of acute low back pain with musculoskeletal spasm

Background: Low back pain is one of the most common health problems in society which leads to considerable disability, loss of work days, and puts a huge burden on socioeconomic and healthcare system. It is often associated with musculoskeletal spasm. The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy and safety of tolperisone and thiocolchicoside in combination with etodolac in patients of acute low back pain associated with musculoskeletal spasm.Methods: it was a prospective, randomized, open label study which included patients of either sex between age 18-50 years of acute low back pain with musculoskeletal spasm. Patients were allocated in two groups. Patients in 慓roup A� were given tolperisone 150 mg + etodolac 400 mg twice a day and patients in 慓roup B� were given thiocolchicoside 4 mg + etodolac 400 mg twice a day. Efficacy of two drugs was assessed by decrease in finger to floor distance (FFD), decrease in pain as per visual analog scale (VAS) and global assessment of efficacy of treatment by physician. Follow-up of the patients was done on day 3 and 7 of treatment. Various side effects reported by patients in both the groups were also recorded and compared.Results: Both tolperisone and thiocolchicoside caused significant decrease in FFD, reduced pain score thus indicating decrease in pain and spasm. Side effects reported in both groups were mild and did not result in discontinuation of therapy.Conclusions: Tolperisone was found to have efficacy similar to that of thiocolchicoside though number of side effects reported was more with tolperisone.

A rare case of gartner duct cyst presenting as a genital prolapse: a case report

Mullerian cysts are usually small, ranging from 0.1 to 2 cm in diameter. Rarely, they may be enlarged and mistaken for other structures such as uterovaginal prolapse/cystocele/rectocele or urethral diverticulum. Posterior vaginal wall cyst is a very rare case. We present a case of patient presenting with mass coming out from vagina, which, after clinical evaluation and USG, was diagnosed as a Gartner’s cyst. Gartner’s duct cyst is a derivative of Wolffian duct (mesonephric duct) in females. Assessment of the lesion via history taking and pelvic examination is important to confirm both the lesion’s size and location, but appropriate clinical evaluation supported with investigations clinched the diagnosis easily.

Predictors of maternal outcome in women on mechanical ventilation in an obstetric intensive care unit: an observational study

Background: Present study was designed to note the indications for and the complications and outcome of women on mechanical ventilation in our obstetric intensive care unit, and in addition to look for the applicability and correlation of Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores for the prediction of outcome in these women.Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in the obstetric intensive care unit of our teaching hospital which included all women requiring mechanical ventilation in the study period. The diagnosis of the woman on admission, the clinical course and outcome along with total maximum sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score and SOFA score for each system were noted. Women were divided into two groups, survivors and non-survivors. Student t test and chi square test were used for analysis.Results: The foremost indication for mechanical ventilation was hypertension in pregnancy namely eclampsia and pre-eclampsia, followed by obstetric hemorrhage and then by hepatic failure. Maternal mortality rose significantly as the number of days of mechanical ventilation increased (p value <0.05). The total SOFA score correlated highly significantly with the outcome (p<0.0001).Conclusions: In women with eclampsia and pre-eclampsia suffering from respiratory failure, survival is inversely correlated with the number of days of mechanical ventilation. The total SOFA score is highly predictive of the woman’s outcome and all individual organ system scores also significantly correlate with outcome except for the score of coagulation system.

A randomized, open-label, comparative study of oral tranexamic acid and tranexamic acid microinjections in patients with melasma

Background: Melasma poses a great challenge as its treatment modalities are unsatisfactory. Treatment using tranexamic acid is a novel concept. Aim: This study aimed to compare the therapeutic efficacy and safety of oral tranexamic acid and tranexamic acid microinjections in patients with melasma. Methods: This is a prospective, randomized, open-label study with a sample size of 64, 32 in each treatment arm. Thirty-two patients were administered localized microinjections (4 mg/ml) of tranexamic acid monthly in 1 arm, while in the other arm, 32 were given oral tranexamic acid 250 mg twice a day. Patients were followed up for 3 consecutive months. Clinical photographs were taken at each visit, and a modified melasma area and severity index scoring was performed at the beginning and end of treatment. Results: Improvement in melasma area and severity index score in the oral group was 57.5% as compared to 43.5% in the intralesional group. All 32 patients in the oral group (100%) showed >50% improvement, out of which 8 showed >75% improvement. In the intralesional group, 17 (53%) patients had >50% improvement, of which 3 had >75% improvement. The remaining 15 patients in this group had <50% improvement. Thus, the oral group showed a more significant response as compared to the intralesional group. No major adverse effects were observed in both the groups. At 6-month follow-up, two patients (6.2%) in the oral group had recurrence as compared to three patients (9.4%) in the intralesional group. Limitations: A small sample size was one of the limitations in this study. The dose of tranexamic acid in microinjections and the frequency of injections could have been increased. Conclusion: Tranexamic acid provides rapid and sustained improvement in the treatment of melasma. It is easily available and affordable. Oral route is undoubtedly efficacious, but the results of microinjections, while encouraging, can probably be enhanced by either increasing the frequency of injections or increasing the concentration of the preparation.

Neuroschistosomiasis: An Unusual Intracranial Space Occupying Lesion

Background: Neuroschistosomiasis is an uncommonly reported disease. Casecharacteristics: An adolescent Indian boy residing in Kenya presented with headache,visual symptoms and seizures, with MRI showing space-occupying lesions in the occipitallobe and cerebellum. Observation: Brain biopsy was diagnostic of neuro-schistosomiasis;complete recovery was seen with praziquantel and corticosteroid therapy. Message: Thiscase highlights the importance of considering epidemiology in differential diagnosis andestablishing definitive diagnosis even if it is by invasive methods

Study the usefulness of ascitic fluid cholesterol level in diagnosis of malignant related ascites

Background: Dengue fever is currently the most important arthropod borne viral disease. Since occurrence of dengue infections has been an epidemic in many parts of India and complications like DHF and DSS are increasing, while at the same time the diagnosis is challenging, particularly the laboratory diagnosis is confusing, this study was conducted to evaluate the different laboratory test methods and to compare their respective efficacy, timing, advantages and disadvantages.Methods: This study was done in the Department of Microbiology in collaboration with the Department of Medicine and Pediatrics in two tertiary care medical colleges and hospitals in eastern India. Blood samples from 319 patients with clinical features suggestive of Dengue fever were included in this study. Laboratory investigations were done which included immunological assays that were performed using commercially available kits - SD dengue duo NS1Ag + Ab combo rapid test, NS1 Ag capture ELISA, IgM capture ELISA, IgG capture ELISA test for dengue and other routine tests -full blood cell count, coagulation tests, routine biochemical and lipid profile were also done. Ethical considerations were taken care of and statistical evaluations were done.Results: An increased detection of IgM antibody (46.15%) was seen in the early febrile period (1-5 days) as compared to the mid-febrile period (6-10 days), and late febrile period (6-10 days) when it is 6.89%. IgG antibody is much less in early febrile period (4.16%). Compared to mid-febrile period (24.13%), and late febrile period (62.5%). IgM antibodies were detected in 44.5% of the samples, IgG antibodies were detected in 43.5% of the samples, Rapid test was positive in 36.9% and NS1AG ELISA was detected in 43.5% of the samples in the study.Conclusions: It can be inferred from our study that for detection of dengue in the early febrile period (1-5 days), estimation of dengue-specific serum IgM is the most sensitive antibody detection method.

Etiology of Fever of Unknown Origin in Children from Mumbai, India

This descriptive study evaluated 49 children with fever lasting formore than 7 days at a tertiary hospital in urban Mumbai. Etiologicdiagnosis could be established in 88% of the cases. Infectionswere the causein 34 (79%)patients, 6 (14%) were diagnosed ascollagen vascular diseases, and 3 (7%) had other cause