Sathish J V

Abstract

Introduction: Pyogenic infections can be caused by various microorganisms and mixed infections are common which require antibiotic therapy. The inappropriate use of antibiotics has resulted in development of antibiotic resistance. The bacteriological profile may remain same, but antibiotic susceptibility pattern varies. Hence the study was conducted to know bacteriological profile of pus samples and their antibiotic susceptibility pattern. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was carried out from January to June 2019. 108 pus samples collected during study period were included. The samples were cultured on Blood and MacConkey agar. After aerobic incubation at 37oC for 18-24 hrs, organisms were identified by standard methods and antibiotic susceptibility was tested by Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method. ESBL was detected by combined disk test and Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) by Cefoxitin 30 mg disc. Results: Of 118 pus samples collected, 101(85.5%) were positive cultures and no growth was in 17(14.4%) samples. S. aureus 27(22.9%) was most common Gram positive isolate and Pseudomonas spp. 17(14.4%), was most common gram negative isolate. ESBL positivity was seen in 38(61.2%) and MRSA in 13(48.1%) S. aureus isolates. Most of gram negative isolates were susceptible to piperacillin / tazobactum 55(88.7%) and meropenem 53(85.4%) and gram positive isolates to vancomycin 27(100%) and linezolid 25(92.5%). Conclusion: The spread of beta-lactamase producing organisms has been increasing. Our study showed increased resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics which is a serious problem. To combat resistance irrational use of antibiotics should be avoided. Also regular surveillance helps in implementing better therapeutic strategies to reduce morbidity and mortality. Keywords: Pus, Bacteriological profile, ESBL, MRSA.

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Abstract

Introduction: Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) is a life-threatening infection and also one among the occupational hazard for health care personnels. Medical students represent high risk groups for HBV infection. This study aims to assess the awareness of hepatitis B infection among second year medical students and their vaccination status. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 136 second year medical students. A questionnaire was used for data collection. The questionnaire included 12 questions about routes and modes of transmission, symptoms, sequelae, treatment and prevention of HBV. The students were also asked about their vaccination status and the reasons for not getting vaccinated. Results: All 136 (100%) students had knowledge regarding the causative agent and organ involvement. 128(94.1%) and 125(91.9%) students were aware of modes of transmission and symptoms respectively. 117(86%) knew about carrier state. 132(97%)students considered hepatitis B to be preventable and 116(85.3%) were aware of inclusion of hepatitis B vaccine in national immunization schedule. 106(77.9%) students knew about HBsAg as screening marker and only 68(50%) students had awareness regarding antiviral therapy as treatment method. 125(92%) were aware about route of administration of vaccine. 133(97.8%) were vaccinated, 2(1.5 %) students were incompletely vaccinatedand 01(0.7%) was not vaccinated. Conclusion: Overall awareness regarding hepatitis B is relatively good with high vaccination rate of 97.8%. It is recommended to vaccinate all non vaccinated students and measures need to be taken to create complete awareness. Keywords: Awareness, Hepatitis B, Medical students, Vaccination status.

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Introduction: Mosquito borne arboviral infections have become major public health problem at present due to many emerging and re – emerging infections and Chikungunya is one of them. Although Chikungunya causes severe clinical manifestations like arthritis, it is not routinely tested at the health care facilities and therefore goes undiagnosed and as such its prevalence is likely to be underestimated. Climate is one of the important factor influencing the occurrence and distribution of disease. Objectives: a) To estimate seroprevalence of Chikungunya virus infection among clinically suspected cases. b) To determine the seasonal variation of Chikungunya infection. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital using secondary data maintained in the microbiology laboratory registers, for clinically suspected patients of Chikungunya infection who reported to the hospital from January- December 2017. Prevalence was estimated by analyzing data for the results of IgM antibody by ELISA tests and any variations in disease reporting by age, gender and season were assessed. Statistical analysis was done using WHO Epi info software version 3.5.4. Results: A total of 1308 serum samples were analyzed during the study period. Out of which 123 (9.4%) samples were found positive for Chikungunya infection by IgM ELISA. The proportion of Chikungunya cases was higher in monsoon season with maximum rate of positivity in the month of July 48 (39.02%). Age group of 16-30 years was the most commonly affected i.e. (35.77%). Conclusion: The present study confirms that Chikungunya is mainly a disease of rainy season and also identifies certain vulnerable groups for effective planning of interventions. Keywords: Chikungunya, Immunoglobulin M, Seasonal variation, Seroprevalence.

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