Pankaj A Joshi

Abstract

Background and Aims: There are reports of the rise of Rhino-orbital mucormycosis in COVID-19 patients during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in India. Mucormycosis developed in patients who had the history of COVID-19 infection, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus with associated co-morbidities like hypertension, bilateral pneumonia, ischemic heart disease and concurrent use of steroids and oxygen therapy. So, to understand the association of mucormycosis with COVID-19 and other co-morbidities, we conducted a systemic study of mucormycosis in people with COVID-19. Materials and Methods: Tissue samples of patients, clinically and radiologically suspected of mucormycosis, received in microbiology department were examined by KOH mount microscopically and cultured on SDA. The culture isolates were then subjected to lactophenol cotton blue for identification. Results and Observations: A total of 35(72.91%) samples were positive for fungal filaments in either KOH mount or fungal growth on SDA. spp. was most commonly isolated in culture, followed by spp. Mucormycosis was predominantly seen in males, 37(77.08%), than in females, 11(22.91%). The commonest risk factors associated with mucormycosis were COVID-19 positivity 42(87.5%) and diabetes mellitus 41(85.41%). Conclusion: To reduce the risk of fungal infection, all efforts should be made to maintain blood glucose levels under control and judicious use of corticosteroids in patients with COVID-19.   Keywords: COVID­19, Rhino­orbital mucormycosis, Diabetes mellitus, Corticosteroids

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Abstract

Background and Objectives: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is the most commonly acquired bacterial infection. Bacterial biofilms play an important role in urinary tract infections and are responsible for persistent infections as well as higher antimicrobial resistance. The microbial biofilms pose a public health problem as the microorganisms in the biofilms are difficult to treat with antimicrobial agents. So the present study was undertaken with the aim to study biofilm production and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of urinary isolates. Materials and Methods: Aerobic bacterial isolates from urine samples submitted to microbiology laboratory for culture were included in the study. The isolates were tested for biofilm formation by Congo red agar method and Christensen tube method. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests were performed on these isolates by Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method as per CLSI guidelines. A total of 293 Gram negative bacilli and 59 Gram positive cocci were tested for biofilm production and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Results: Gram-negative organisms were predominant (83.24%) of all the isolates. Biofilm production was detected in 47% of the isolates. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (51.7%), were the most common biofilm producing Gram negative bacilli followed by Escherichia coli (44.32%). Amongst Gram positive cocci, Enterococcus faecalis (77.8%) was the most common biofilm producing organism. Biofilm producing urinary isolates displayed relatively less percentage of antimicrobial susceptibility than biofilm non producers. Conclusion: Biofilm forming isolates showed higher antimicrobial resistance as compared to biofilm non producer. Early detection of biofilm production in urinary isolates may aid clinicians in the treatment of urinary tract infections. Keywords: Biofilm, Urinary isolates, Antimicrobial susceptibility.

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