6 research outputs found

    Human leptospirosis in patients with undifferentiated acute febrile illness in a tertiary care hospital in New Delhi

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    Background: Leptospirosis is an important cause of febrile illness with a widespread global distribution. Although endemic in the southern and western states of India, its true incidence in the northern states of the country remains underreported. The main objective of this study was to estimate the seropositivity of infections by Leptospira in patients presenting with undifferentiated acute fever, in a tertiary care hospital in New Delhi.Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted from November 2016 to March 2018 in a tertiary care hospital in New Delhi. Blood samples of the patients (n=370) having fever for more than one week and seronegative for typhoid, dengue, chikungunya and malaria were subjected to Leptospira IgM ELISA (DRG International Inc., USA). Data was analyzed using statistical software SPSS version 21.Results: Out of 370 patients, 142 (38.4%) were males and 228 (61.6%) were females; the mean age was 32.18 years. The most common symptom was headache (55.5%) and icterus (55.55%) whereas increased ALT/AST was the most common laboratory finding (88.8%) followed by anaemia (77.7%). On employing Leptospira IgM ELISA, 2.43% (9 cases, n=370) were strongly reactive (>1.0 OD) whereas 15.1% (56 cases) were weakly reactive (1.15-1.00 OD).Conclusions: There is a need to increase awareness and suspicion regarding diagnosis of leptospirosis. A positive IgM ELISA when correlated with patient’s clinical profile and epidemiological factors can aid in the timely diagnosis and treatment of these infections.

    A retrospective cohort study to find out the association of hydroxychloroquine prophylaxis and COVID 19 infection prevention among health care workers in a tertiary care hospital of New Delhi

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    Background- With the high morbidity and mortality year 2020 will be remembered as Covid19 pandemic year. Occupational exposure to COVID 19 among health care workers poses a major risk to their lives. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) prophylaxis has been indicated for their use without much scientific evidence. Objective- to find if HCQ prophylaxis had association with Covid19 infection prevention among health care workers. Material &Method- A retrospective cohort study was conducted; through online by utilizing social media platform, among Health care workers of a tertiary care hospital from 1st June 2020 to 27 July 2020. Those HCWs who have taken HCQ (exposed) and who have not taken (nonexposed) and PCR tested Covid19 Positive were taken as diseased.  Results Out of 527 who were analyzed, study subjects who took HCQ prophylaxis had 30% less chance of having Covid19 test positive, {RR- 0.709(0.383-1.296)} as compared those who didn’t took it, but the results were not significant. Conclusion- Hydroxychloroquine prophylaxis does not prevent Covid 19 infection and more evidence may be required for use of HCQ prophylaxis for Covid19 infection. Keywords- Hydroxychloroquine prophylaxis, Covid19 infection, Health care workers, Retrospective cohort stud

    Magnitude and pattern of hepatitis B infection in clinically suspected infectious hepatitis at a tertiary care hospital in urban India

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    Introduction: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a parenterally transmitted viral illness of significant public health importance. The prevalence of HBV related viral hepatitis still remains debatable. Objectives: The objective of the following study is to determine the magnitude and pattern of HBV infection in clinically suspected infectious hepatitis at a tertiary care hospital in urban India. Materials and Methods: This prospective study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology at Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi, over a period of 1 year from January 2008 to December 2008. All the serum samples taken from subjects (600 study and 200 control) were tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) using commercially available enzyme linked immunosorbent assay kit. Serum samples testing positive for HBsAg were tested for hepatitis B e antigen, immunoglobulin M (IgM) capture anti hepatitis D virus (HDV), IgM anti hepatitis B surface and IgM anti hepatitis B core. Results: 24 (4%) serum samples tested positive for HBsAg in the study group while 5 (2.5%) tested positive in the control. Maximum seropositivity of HBsAg was in 20-30 years of age group in the study group (7.6%) followed by 11-20 years (4.5%), 0-10 years (2.8%) and >40 years (2.5%). The difference in seropositivity in study and control group was statistically insignificant in all the age groups (P > 0.05). Out of 24 cases positive for HBsAg, 4 cases (16.6%) were co infected with HDV in study group while there were none in control group. Conclusions: HBV is a common cause of parenterally transmitted viral hepatitis and hence, it is recommended that measures for public awareness regarding safe infection practices and safe sex practices should be undertaken to limit its spread

    A study of viral causes of fever with rash in children

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    Background: Fever with rash is common among children and is seen by both dermatologists and pediatricians. The various causes of fever with rash in children include viral infections, bacterial infections, rickettsial species, collagen vascular diseases, and drug hypersensitivity rash. Viral exanthems are by far the most common cause of fever with rash in children. Common viral etiologies are measles, rubella, varicella, adenovirus, herpes simplex virus (HSV) 1 and 2, human herpes virus 6, human herpes virus 7, Epstein–Barr virus, coxsackie, dengue, chikungunya, influenza A and B, and hepatitis B. Aims: The study aimed to study the magnitude of various viral causes of fever with rash in children and to study the various morphological patterns of rash. Materials and Methods: This was a hospital-based observational study which included 90 children presenting to the dermatology and pediatrics outpatient department with fever and rash. Immunoglobulin M antibody testing for measles, rubella, varicella, HSV, chikungunya virus, dengue virus, and hepatitis B virus was done. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction for COVID-19 virus was done when suspected. Results: The most common etiology of fever with rash was viral (51.1%). Out of all viruses isolated, measles was the most common (15.55%), followed by Chikungunya (14.44%). Maculopapular rash was the most common morphology of rash (40%) found in patients. Among the patients having maculopapular rash, measles was the most common virus isolated. Conclusion: Viral exanthems should be considered a strong differential in all children presenting with fever and rash

    Diarrhoeal diseases and its relation to WaSH practices and MPN count among under-five children residing in Resettlement colony, Delhi

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    Background: Globally, diarrhoeal diseases are the second leading cause of death among under 5 children and India alone accounts for 100,000 lives annually, third highest in the world. In low and middle-income countries, contaminated water has been the major source of diarrhoeal diseases and lack of improper WaSH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) practices accounts for 90% of the total death. Aims and Objective: To find out the burden of diarrhoea and its relation to WASH practices among children and mothers/care givers and Presumptive Coliform count of drinking water. Materials and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study conducted in Resettlement colony, Delhi. A total of 553 under 5 children were studied after attaining consent from mothers/care givers. MPN count per 100 ml was measured from drinking water storage vessel. Result: Prevalence of diarrhoea was found to be 40.70%, being higher among children aged between 13-24 months (57.3%). Out of the total water samples, 37% of samples were unsatisfactory, 36% suspicious and 22% satisfactory. None of the samples were found to be satisfactory. Lack of WaSH practices was observed among mother/care givers.  Conclusion: Understanding the factors influencing the occurrence of diarrhoeal diseases and drinking water quality will help reduce the burden of diarrhoeal diseases
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