Debapriya Das Choudhury

Abstract

Filaria is known to be one of the neglected tropical disease. There are undiagnosed cases all across country due to asymptomatic nature, prolong incubation period and late manifestation of disease, ubiquitous mosquitoes and many are complacent when it comes to prevention; in part because of apathy towards the disease and pronged time it takes to manifest itself. Moreover, it is difficult to convince people to take tablet in asymptomatic stage. In this study we have reported, A 35-year-old male patient with symptoms of chronic urinary tract infection with hematuria followed by Chyluria. Mmicrofilaria was diagnosed in laboratory investigations; treated with anti-filarial drugs. However, the chyluria was not completely cleared till the last follow up indicating to lymphovenous fistula. To make India filaria free, we do not have alternative apart from shifting Mass Drug administration program from 2 drugs (albendazole + DEC) to 3 drug (Ivermectin, DEC and albendazole) MDA strategy. Keywords: Filaria, Chyluria

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Abstract

Background & Objectives: The COVID-19 Pandemic is an ongoing crisis that has strained hospitals and health systems around the globe. The provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) for frontline healthcare workers is of utmost importance in sustaining an effective response to this crisis. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) amongst healthcare workers about knowledge, attitude and practices regarding us of PPE. Materials and Methods: An online cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted from July 2020 to August 2020 at a tertiary care hospital and teaching institute of Navi Mumbai. Results: A total of 250 subjects responded to the questionnaire. Most of the respondents were 25-35 years of age. 40% were males whereas majority of the respondents were postgraduate residents followed by nursing staffs. Of the 272 respondents in this survey, only 70 (25.7%) had adequate knowledge about PPE. The knowledge of appropriate use of PPE is best among postgraduate residents, whereas the practices is best among nursing staffs. Conclusion: The study showed that HCWs’ knowledge, practices and attitude regarding appropriate use of PPE is good. However, continuous training program must be conducted on practical training on appropriate PPE use.   Keywords: COVID 19, KAP, Personal protective equipment

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Introduction: Needlestick injuries (NSIs) as defined by accidentally puncture the skin by needles. The occupational exposures to NSIs are considered to be much higher in the developing world and multiple risk factors eg. improper use of protective equipment (like failure to use suitable-sized gloves), working in surgical or intensive care units, insufficient work experience, young age, needle recapping, unsuitable needle disposal, intravenous cannulation may contribute to NSIs. Aim: To determine the occurrence/ prevalence of needle stick and sharp injuries (NSIs) among healthcare workers working in a tertiary care hospital and the factors responsible for NSIs. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital among HCws in the hospital over a period of one year Jan 2020-December 2020. Results: Nursing staffs are most frequently reported NSI. Among the groups, most common cause of NSIs was found to be recapping of needle followed by cleaning, HGT and procedure. The most common cause of NSI among housekeeping staffs found to be needle lying on the floor and accidental mixing of sharp biomedical waste with other waste. The HCWs from critical care unit eg. ICUs are the most commonly reported NSIs Conclusions: HCWs are always at high risk of attaining NSIs. The nursing staffs followed are the most vulnerable group who gets the sharp/NSI and require extra attention. As a preventive measures regular training and education of nursing staffs and all other categories of health care workers to be ensured in healthcare settings.   Keywords: Needle stick injury, Recapping, Healthcare worker, Risk factors

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Introduction: Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) isolates are resistant to carbapenem and other beta-lactam drugs. Infections with these CREs have been reported in different age groups and are difficult to treat because of their resistant pattern and thus, they have become epidemiologically important. Materials and Methods: Rectal swabs from 150 term/ late preterm neonates (> 35 weeks) and 150 preterm neonates (< 35> 3 days. Three rectal swabs were taken; 1st within 24hrs of birth (day 0), 2nd on day 3 and 3rd before discharge (day 4-10). They were screened for CRE in stool/rectal swab according to CDC criteria. These were further confirmed by following CLSI guidelines (MHT) to observe the carbapenemases production and real-time PCR for blaNDM-1, blaIMP, blaVIM, blaKPC. Results: A total of 8.7% (26/300) possible CREs were isolated in term/late preterm (15/26, 57.7%) and preterm neonates (11/26, 42.3%). Klebsiella pneumoniae was the commonest organism. In total, 22/26 (84.6%) possible CREs were MHT positive and rest 4 were MHT negative. The majority of MHT positive CREs were multidrug-resistant whereas MHT negative CREs was sensitive to tested carbapenem drugs. Carbapenemases genes (blaNDM-1=10, blaVIM=8, blaIMP=1, blaKPC=0) were identified in 19/26 of possible CREs, but multiple carbapenemases genes were not found. Conclusions: In this study, neonates were colonized with CRE within their gut as early as 72 hours after birth. This can cause infection in the postnatal period and may lead to spread of CRE in the community. Keywords: Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae, Neonatal Intensive care Unit, Modified Hodge Test.

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