Nocardia asteriods spinal osteomyelitis in an immunocompromised host from South India

Abstract The clinical presentation of nocardiosis is protean. Very few cases of spinal nocardiosis have been reported in the past. A 50 year old man, who was HIV seropositive presented with low grade fever and lower limb weakness. MRI study showed an extradural compression between T3 -T5 level with huge paraspinal soft tissue collection. The patient developed acute paraplegia on admission, and was treated with emergency surgical decompression. The pus sample collected during surgery yielded Nocardia asteroides. The patient was treated with combination of doxycycline and co-trimoxazole. Postoperatively, fever and chest symptoms resolved. However, there was no significant improvement in the neurological symptoms at the time of discharge from the hospital. High index of suspicion is therefore necessary to diagnose nocardial infections due to its varied presentations especially in an immunocompromised host. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve the outcome

Comparative evaluation of the effect of commercially available two different forms of denture cleansers on denture biofilm in diabetic and nondiabetic individuals: An in vivo study

Statement of Problem: Denture cleansers are known to decrease the microbial counts in denture wearers. In certain medical conditions such as in diabetes, achieving reduction in microbial count and maintaining proper denture hygiene is difficult. Denture cleansers are used as an aid in maintaining denture hygiene in such patients. A number of tablets, pastes, and powders are available for cleaning dentures. Although the comparison of chemical methods and brushing is relatively common, their difference in diabetic denture biofilm and nondiabetic denture biofilm has not been previously described. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of commercially available two different forms of denture cleansers on the denture biofilm in diabetic and nondiabetic denture-wearing individuals. Methodology: Twenty diabetic denture and 20 nondiabetic denture wearers were randomly selected for the study. Denture biofilm was collected twice for each participant, before and after use of denture cleanser for 21-day period. For sample collection, complete dentures were rinsed with distilled water and brushed. Inoculation was done with sterile loop and cultured on blood agar and chrome agar. Blood agar plates were incubated at 370°C for 24 h and chrome agar at 290°C for 24 h. Colonies' characteristics of the Streptococcus species and Candida species were counted after the incubation period. Results: The results showed a statistically significant reduction in the colony-forming unit (CFU) counts after the usage of denture cleansers. Furthermore, the Candidal count difference obtained by the use of effervescent tablets was more than paste form. Conclusions: The present study concluded that microbial colonization count of diabetic and nondiabetic denture biofilm significantly reduced after 21 days of usage of denture cleansers, and the effervescent tablets were more effective against Candida than paste form

Mycological Profile in Otomycosis Patients: A Cross Sectional Hospital Based Study in Tertiary Care Centre

Introduction This study was conducted to study the fungal profile in otomycosis patients in the tropical region of North Karnataka. A total of 108 samples of symptomatic otomycosis were investigated in this study. Materials and Methods Aural swabs were collected on 1st visit and these swabs were immediately inoculated over Sabouraud’s dextrose agar media and incubated at 37 degree Celsius for culture of fungi. Results Fungal pathogens were isolated in 89 samples, 18 samples were negative and 1 sample was reported as being contaminated. Fungi belonging to genus Aspergillus was isolated in 92.11% of cases of which Aspergillus niger was commonest isolated in 38(41.57%) followed br Aspergillus flavus 32(35.95%) and Aspergillus fumigatus 7(7.86%). Candida species were found in 2(2.24%) and Mucor in 1(1.12%). The most common symptom was Itching 91(84.25%). In this study ear discharge was the commonest finding (44.44%) followed by Black mycotic plug (28.70%). Conclusion Otomycosis is a condition encountered in hot, humid climate with symptoms like itching and ear discharge. Aspergillus and Candida are the fungal species responsible for majority of cases. Local antifungal treatment with measures like keeping the ear dry resolves most of the cases

Mycological Profile in Otomycosis Patients: A Cross Sectional Hospital Based Study in Tertiary Care Centre

Introduction This study was conducted to study the fungal profile in otomycosis patients in the tropical region of North Karnataka. A total of 108 samples of symptomatic otomycosis were investigated in this study. Materials and Methods Aural swabs were collected on 1st visit and these swabs were immediately inoculated over Sabouraud’s dextrose agar media and incubated at 37 degree Celsius for culture of fungi. Results Fungal pathogens were isolated in 89 samples, 18 samples were negative and 1 sample was reported as being contaminated. Fungi belonging to genus Aspergillus was isolated in 92.11% of cases of which Aspergillus niger was commonest isolated in 38(41.57%) followed br Aspergillus flavus 32(35.95%) and Aspergillus fumigatus 7(7.86%). Candida species were found in 2(2.24%) and Mucor in 1(1.12%). The most common symptom was Itching 91(84.25%). In this study ear discharge was the commonest finding (44.44%) followed by Black mycotic plug (28.70%). Conclusion Otomycosis is a condition encountered in hot, humid climate with symptoms like itching and ear discharge. Aspergillus and Candida are the fungal species responsible for majority of cases. Local antifungal treatment with measures like keeping the ear dry resolves most of the cases

A Comparison of Colorimetric Assessment of Vaginal pH with Nugent Score for the Detection of Bacterial Vaginosis

Background. A Nugent score > 7 has been defined as the gold standard for the diagnosis for bacterial vaginosis (BV), though it is resource intensive and impractical as point of care testing. We sought to determine if colorimetric assessment of vaginal pH can accurately predict the occurrence of BV. Methods. We performed a planned subanalysis of 1,216 pregnant women between 13 0/7 and 19 6/7 weeks who underwent vaginal examination as part of a randomized controlled trial. Using a standardized technique, specimens were obtained for colorimetric assessment and two separate slides for Gram staining. These slides were subsequently evaluated by two independent blinded microbiologists for Nugent scoring. Results. Interrater reliability of the interpretation of the Nugent score was excellent (intraclass correlation-individual 0.93 (95 CI 0.92 to 0.94) and average 0.96 (95% CI 0.95 to 0.97)). The sensitivity of an elevated pH > 5 for a Nugent score > 7 was 21.9% while the specificity was 84.5%. The positive predictive value in our population was 33.7% with a negative predictive value of 75.0%. Conclusion. Though the Nugent score is internally accurate, the prediction of BV using vaginal pH alone has poor sensitivity and specificity