A Study on Bacterial Profile of Lower Respiratory Tract Infections in Geriatric Population

ABSTRAC

ISSN 2347-954X (Print) Seroprevalence of Hepatitis-B and Hepatitis-C Infection among HIV Positive and HIV Negative Individuals in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Hepatitis B virus (HBV) , and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) are major public health concerns. HIV positive individuals are at increased risk of coinfection with HBV and HCV infections due to the high degree of epidemiological similarity. The study population included 120 HIV positive infected patients, tested in ICTC (Integrated Counselling and Testing Centre), and 120 HIV negative individuals who were volunteer blood donors. Blood samples were subjected to serological analysis for HBsAg and anti-HCV antibodies, using Rapid Immunochromatography test and Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Out of 120 HIV positive individuals, HBV coinfection was detected in eight (6.7%) patients and HCV coinfection was detected in only one (0.8%) patient. None of the HIV infected patients were positive for both HBV and HCV infections. The most common risk factor of HIV, HBV and HCV, in our study population, was found to be the sexual behaviour. Among the HIV negative individuals, two (1.7%) participants were having HBV infection. HCV antibodies were not detected among the HIV negative population. The prevalence of HBV and HCV infection among the HIV positive individuals was higher, when compared with HIV negative individuals. HBV-HIV and HCV-HIV co-infections were more common in patients, belonging to the age group of 35 to 55 years, mostly in men, and in those who were married and exhibited polygamous activity. Clearly, all HIV infected patients should be screened for HBV and HCV, taking into account shared pathways of transmission

SARS-CoV-2 vaccination modelling for safe surgery to save lives: data from an international prospective cohort study

Background Preoperative SARS-CoV-2 vaccination could support safer elective surgery. Vaccine numbers are limited so this study aimed to inform their prioritization by modelling. Methods The primary outcome was the number needed to vaccinate (NNV) to prevent one COVID-19-related death in 1 year. NNVs were based on postoperative SARS-CoV-2 rates and mortality in an international cohort study (surgical patients), and community SARS-CoV-2 incidence and case fatality data (general population). NNV estimates were stratified by age (18-49, 50-69, 70 or more years) and type of surgery. Best- and worst-case scenarios were used to describe uncertainty. Results NNVs were more favourable in surgical patients than the general population. The most favourable NNVs were in patients aged 70 years or more needing cancer surgery (351; best case 196, worst case 816) or non-cancer surgery (733; best case 407, worst case 1664). Both exceeded the NNV in the general population (1840; best case 1196, worst case 3066). NNVs for surgical patients remained favourable at a range of SARS-CoV-2 incidence rates in sensitivity analysis modelling. Globally, prioritizing preoperative vaccination of patients needing elective surgery ahead of the general population could prevent an additional 58 687 (best case 115 007, worst case 20 177) COVID-19-related deaths in 1 year. Conclusion As global roll out of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination proceeds, patients needing elective surgery should be prioritized ahead of the general population.The aim of this study was to inform vaccination prioritization by modelling the impact of vaccination on elective inpatient surgery. The study found that patients aged at least 70 years needing elective surgery should be prioritized alongside other high-risk groups during early vaccination programmes. Once vaccines are rolled out to younger populations, prioritizing surgical patients is advantageous