Detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae by two polymerase chain reactions and role of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in pediatric community-acquired lower respiratory tract infections.

PURPOSE: The study was conducted to evaluate the role of Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae) in children with community-acquired lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs). METHODS: Seventy five children aged 2 months -12 years with community-acquired LRTIs were investigated for M. pneumoniae etiology employing paired serum samples to assay M. pneumoniae antibodies. Nasopharyngeal aspirates were obtained for the detection of M. pneumoniae by using polymerase chain reaction(PCR) and nested PCR. RESULTS: M. pneumoniae infection was positive in 24(85.71%) children aged <5 years and 4 (14.29%) â€‹≥ â€‹5-12 years and the difference was statistically insignificant (P â€‹= â€‹0.18). Difference in prevalence of M. pneumoniae infection across male and female groups was statistically insignificant (P â€‹= â€‹0.69). Clinical and radiological profiles across M. pneumoniae positive and negative cases were comparable except bronchopneumonia which was statistically significant (P â€‹= â€‹0.04). Serological evidence of M. pneumoniae infection was observed in 26(33%); PCR was positive in 9 (12%) and nested PCR in 10 (13.33%) children. Together, serology, PCR and nested PCR diagnosed M. pneumoniae infection in 28(37.33%) patients. Sensitivity of serology was 77.78%: specificity 68.18%; positive predictive value 25.00% and negative predictive value at 95.74%. CONCLUSIONS: Serological and molecular methods in combination is useful for detection of M. pneumoniae. Our data underline the role of M. pneumoniae in community-acquired LRTIs in children of all ages.

Seroprevalence of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 and predictors of seropositivity among employees of a teaching hospital in New Delhi, India.

OBJECTIVE: Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at a high risk of contracting severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) due to the increased likelihood of clinical exposure during patient management. The study objective was to determine the seroprevalence of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 and its predictors among hospital employees. METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted at a teaching hospital from August 2020 to September 2020 among 1,401 employees, including 1,217 HCWs, in New Delhi, India. The serum samples were examined for immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 using the COVID Kavach-Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG Antibody Detection enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Data were collected electronically using the EpiCollect mobile platform. A p < 0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance. RESULTS: A total of 169 participants (12.1%) had detectable IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2. The highest seropositivity rate was observed in the administrative staff (20.1%), while it was lowest among medical doctors (5.5%, p < 0.001). Male sex and ever having lived in a containment zone were independently associated with past infection with SARS-CoV-2. CONCLUSION: The seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in health workers may be lower than in the general population in New Delhi. However, nonpharmaceutical interventions were not associated with a reduction in the risk of acquisition of SARS-CoV-2.

Clinical characteristic and epidemiological features of SARS CoV -2 disease patients from a COVID 19 designated Hospital in New Delhi.

SARS CoV -2 infection is rapidly evolving as a serious global pandemic. The present study describes the clinical characteristics of SARS CoV-2 infection patients. The Samples were subjected to RT - PCR or Rapid Antigen test for diagnosis of SARS CoV- 2. A cohort of 3745 patients with confirmed diagnosis of SARS CoV -2 infection in a tertiary care center in New Delhi, India were included in this study. Data was collected from offline and online medical records over a period of six months. Amongst 3745 SARS CoV -2 infected patients, 2245 (60%) were symptomatic and 1500 (40%) were asymptomatic. Most common presenting symptom was cough (49.3%) followed febrile episodes (47.1%), breathlessness (42.7%) and sore throat (35.1%). Cough along with breathlessness (24.1) was the most common combination of symptoms followed by fever with cough (22.7). The most common comorbidity found among symptomatic group was diabetes (42.5%) followed by hypertension (21.4%) and chronic kidney disease (18%). Comorbidities like diabetes mellitus, chronic diseases of lungs, heart and kidneys were found to be common in symptomatic group and this was found to be statistically significant (p<0.05). COVID-19 is an evolving disease and data from our study help in understanding the clinic-epidemiological profile of patients. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 and Risk Assessment Among Healthcare Workers at a Dedicated Tertiary Care COVID-19 Hospital in Delhi, India: A Cohort Study.

Background Healthcare workers (HCWs) have a substantially higher risk of Covid-19 infection but there is a paucity of information on the risk factors of disease transmission in high-burden real-world settings. The study objective was to determine the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 among healthcare workers in a high-burden Covid-19 setting and to estimate the incidence and identify the risk factors of infection. Methods This was a prospective observational cohort study amongst doctors and nurses working at a dedicated Covid-19 tertiary care government hospital in Delhi, India. A baseline blood sample (2-3ml) was collected from all the participants to test for the presence of total SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. The HCWs that were seronegative (non-reactive) at baseline were followed-up for ≥21≤28 days with the collection of a second blood sample to assess for the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Results A total of 321 (51.3%, 95% C.I 47.4, 55.3) HCWs were detected with SARS-CoV-2 antibodies on baseline examination. The seroprevalence, when adjusted for assay characteristics, was 54.5% (95% C.I 50.3, 58.6). On bivariate analysis, SARS-CoV-2 antibody positivity lacked statistically significant association with either age, sex, occupation, cumulative duty duration, and smoking status. The incidence of seroconversion in the baseline seronegative cohort on follow-up after 21-28 days was observed in 35 (14.9%) HCWs (n=245). Furthermore, the self-reported adherence to infection prevention and control measures did not show a statistically significant association with antibody positivity in the HCWs, neither at baseline nor on follow-up. Conclusions  The high risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in HCWs may be substantially reduced by adherence to Infection Prevention Control (IPC) and protective measures.

Rare case of anterior fontanelle epidermoid/dermoid.

Anterior fontanelle cysts are rare in occurrence in the area of anterior fontanelle. Most of them are dermoid cysts. Epidermoid cysts are even rarer to be seen. Authors are reporting a rare case of epidermoid cyst located in anterior fontanelle along with two cases of dermoid in this area. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed that a cystic swelling was present in the anterior fontanelle area. Few cases have been reported in the literature. Present case of epidermoid is analysed and available literature is reviewed.

Management of unusual case of self-inflicted penetrating craniocerebral injury by a nail.

During war, sharp high-speed missiles have been driven inside the brain; however, in civilian practice it is rare to see such episodes. An approximately 10-cm long nail was driven inside the brain in an attempt to commit suicide by a schizophrenic patient. The case is being reported for its rarity in civilian practice and as a case of clinical interest. After investigating the patient by plain X-rays and a CT scan, he was operated by a neurosurgical team and the nail was successfully removed. In post-operative phase, patient was given medical and psychiatric care along with psychological counseling. The patient made good uneventful recovery in the post-operative phase.