Naga Sri Latha Bathala

Abstract

Introduction: CoNS are gaining importance due to increase in resistance rates to betalactam antibiotics and multi drug resistance. Although specific virulence factors are not as clearly established, it seems clear that factors such as bacterial polysaccharide components, and ability to form biofilm are involved in attachment and/or persistence of bacteria on foreign materials. Biofilms usually result in persistent infections that cannot be easily resolved with standard antibiotic treatments; therefore, the biofilm formation ability and the resistance to antimicrobial therapy can be intimately related. Materials and Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was done on purely isolated CoNS from various clinical samples from both out patients and inpatients. All the test strains were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing. The ability to produce biofilm was detected by tube adherence method. Results: Among 193 CoNS isolates 156 were from inpatients and 37 were from out patients. Methicillin resistant was seen in 80.31%. Of the total, 40.41% showed moderate biofilm formation by tube adherence method. 23.32% of isolates did not form biofilm. All the isolates from blood samples showed moderate (20/26) and strong (6/26) biofilm formation. Among non biofilm producers 66.67% were MS CoNS isolates and 33.33% were MRCoNS. 94.59% of biofilm producers were MRCoNS and 5.41% were MSCoNS. Production of biofilm was relatively more (1.16) among CoNS isolates of IPD than OPD. Conclusions:  As Coagulase negative Staphylocooci are exhibiting multi drug resistance and are able to form biofilm, these organisms causing a major challenge for the physicians. Hence, such problems can be prevented by detection of biofilm producers and appropriate antibiotic doses modification. The issue of antibiotic resistance among CoNS needs to be addressed through a more rational use of existing antibiotics as well as the development of new antimicrobial agents.   Keywords: CoNS, Antimicrobial resistance, Biofilm.

View Article

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 is referred as pandemic due to its severity and fierceness also as the greatest global health crisis since after centuries in human civilization. This made many schools and colleges to remain shut down for an indefinite time as the only option left to prevent transmission of virus in the institutions. At the same time, teaching concepts have changed with a similar speed than the evolution of the Internet, social media and digital technology. In these circumstances online teaching has become the only option left to fulfill the academic necessities of the students. Objectives: This study will help to find out the students' opinion and attitude towards online classes during COVID – 19 Pandemic. Methodology: An Anonymous Cross sectional study is conducted among undergraduate medical students of various colleges affiliated to DRNTRUHS, AP regarding their opinion and attitude towards online teaching classes conducted during Covid 19 pandemic period by sharing the link for Google document. Results: 432 under graduate medical students were participated in the study. 313 participants (72.41%) opined that online teaching is helpful. Majority of participants opined that online teaching is helpful (72.41%); comfortable (61.63%); they are able to interact (73.7%). 68.74% of participants have troubles to attend online classes. Very less participants (13.79%) showed their preference for online classes after this period. All the participants strongly mentioned that their practical skills will be affected badly due to this type of teaching. Conclusions: The deadly and infectious disease Covid-19 has deeply affected the educational system globally. In our present study majority of students strongly opined that online teaching is helpful; they are also comfortable and able to interact with their faculty also. When COVID 19 resolves, transformative changes are expected in medical education through the use of emergent technology.   Keywords: Covid 19, Online classes, Medical students.

View Article

Abstract

Introduction: Candida spp. are the normal flora of human body and do not cause CNS disease unless there is some immune disturbance. The prevalence of non albicans species differed significantly in various geographic areas. Candida tropicalis is a species that is now recognized as an important pathogen of debilitated individuals.  Case Report: A 70 year old female complaining of altered sensorium since 7 days with neck stiffness. The patient was also had white plaques in the oral cavity and pharynx. MRI scan showed bilateral cerebral infarcts in pre and post central gyral regions and left thalamus. Thick curvilinear leptomeningeal enhancement along the bilateral parietal regions. Gram stain of centrifused CSF, throat swab showed presence of gram positive, yeast budding cells. Growth was curdy white on Saboraud’s dextrose agar and was negative for germ tube test. Blue colored colonies were obtained on Candida chrome agar and considered as Candida tropicalis. HIV status was negative. The patient was administered intravenous liposomal amphotericin B along with regular insulin, levitiracetam lobazam, pheytoin and potassium supplementation along with I.V. fluids. She was discharged from hospital with fluconazole maintenance dose. Conclusion: Candida tropicalis is now recognized as an important pathogen of debilitated individuals. Subclinical candidal colonization can make the individual more prone to develop systemic infection and disease. Candida tropicalis infects meningeal layers, brain parenchyma and also involves vasculature of brain. Even though Systemic infections with Candida tropicalis may occur as terminal complications, timely evaluation, accurate diagnosis, administration of specific and supportive treatment gives good prognosis. Keywords: Candida tropicalis, Disseminated, Meningoencephalitis, Amphotericin B.  

View Article