DRUG RESISTANCE PATTERNS OF CLINICAL ISOLATES OF STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS IN TERTIARY CARE CENTER OF SOUTH INDIA

Objectives: Staphylococcus aureus were initially described in 1961 and emerged in the last decade as one of the most important nosocomial pathogens. The current study was undertaken to provide data for empirical selection of appropriate antibiotics for the treatment of diseases caused by S. aureus. Methods: Various clinical samples like pus, urine, stool, sputum, blood and other body fluids of patients were selected for study from June 2012 to June 2013. Staphylococcus aureus were identified by various biochemical tests and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of the isolates were performed by Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method. Detection of the MRSA was done by Oxacillin disc diffusion method.Results: A total of 137 isolates of S. aureus were obtained over duration of 12 months. These included isolates from the sample of pus, urine, sputum, body fluids. Out of 137 S. aureus strains isolated, 62 (45.3%) were identified as MRSA and 75 (54.7%) were identified as MSSA based on oxacillin disk diffusion method. Anti-biograms revealed the high level of resistance among MRSA isolates when compared to MSSA isolates The most effective agent against MRSA isolates was linezolid (96.8%sensitive), followed by tetracycline (90.9%) and piperacillin/tazobactam (80.6%).Conclusion: The prevalence of MRSA in our hospital was high. Therefore to reduce the incidence of infections due to MRSA, we suggest implementation of the strict antibiotic policy guidelines and continuous monitoring of antibiotic susceptibility patterns of such pathogens.Â

Impact of a school‐based nutrition educational intervention on knowledge related to iron deficiency anaemia in rural Karnataka, India: A mixed methods pre–post interventional study

Objective To understand the extent to which adolescent awareness about anaemia and anaemia prevention can be changed by nutrition messages received at school. Design Mixed-methods pre–post intervention study. Setting Three government schools in Bagalkot, Belagavi and Raichur districts of Karnataka, India. Population Students of grade six and seven and teachers involved in implementing the intervention. Methods An educational intervention was co-developed by school teachers and nutrition experts using locally adapted resource materials that consisted of lectures, role play and practical demonstrations. Seven half-hour educational sessions were delivered by school teachers over 7 weeks to 455 students. Pre- and post-intervention tests measured changes in adolescents' knowledge about anaemia. Semi-structured in-depth interviews with teachers and focus groups with students explored their reactions to the intervention. Main outcome measures Knowledge score related to anaemia. Results The percentage of children with correct scores increased by 7.3–49.0 percentage points for the tested questions after implementation of the intervention. The mean knowledge score increased by 3.67 ± 0.17 (p < 0.01). During interviews, teachers and students highlighted high acceptance of the intervention and materials, an increase in awareness, a positive attitude towards changing behaviour around diet, an increase in the demand for iron and folic acid supplements and improved sharing of messages learned with peers and families. Challenges expressed included need for further training, time limitations and hesitancy in teaching about menstruation and pregnancy. Conclusions Educational interventions carried out for adolescents by teachers in schools are effective in improving awareness and attitude related to anaemia and its prevention

Sodium Hypochlorite Sedimentation Technique: A Simple Way to Enhance Sensitivity of Ziehl-Neelsen Stain in Diagnosis of Smear Negative Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Background: With the looming global HIV pandemic, the problem of tuberculosis tiptoes as a perpetual companion. Smear negative pulmonary tuberculosis which pose substantially a challenge for diagnosis, hoots this combination into noxious health problem. There is, therefore, an urgent need to establish more sensitive, safe and fairly rapid methodologies that could confirm diagnosis particularly in smear negative pulmonary tuberculosis patients. Aim: This study was carried out to establish whether, 3.5% sodium hypochlorite overnight sedimentation method improves the sensitivity of Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) stain in samples declared as smear negative. Material and Methods: A total of 605 direct ZN smear negative sputum specimens were examined after concentration with 3.5% sodium hypochlorite overnight sedimentation method. Results: Forty one (6.77%) samples were found to be positive when smears were repeated after performing sodium hypochlorite sedimentation technique. Sensitivity and specificity of this method was found to be 76.31% and 97.88% respectively. Conclusion: 3.5% Sodium hypochlorite sedimentation technique has the potential to improve the diagnosis in tuberculosis in smear negative pulmonary tuberculosis cases especially in resource poor countries

Sequence of oral manifestations in rhino-maxillary mucormycosis

Mucormycosis, caused by saprophytic fungi of the order Mucorales of the class Zygomycetes, is a rare opportunistic fungal infection, which has a rapidly progressive and fulminant course with fatal outcome. These fungi are ubiquitous, found in soil, bread molds, decaying fruits and vegetables. The most common form of mucormycosis is rhinocerebral and is usually seen in uncontrolled diabetes mellitus or in immunocompromised patients. This fungus invades the arteries, leading to thrombosis that subsequently causes necrosis of hard and soft tissues. We report a case of palatal perforation by rhino-maxillary mucormycosis in an immunocompromised patient. The aim of this article is to draw attention to the clinical presentation and pathogenesis of mucormycosis and to emphasize the need for high degree of suspicion in its diagnosis and management