Effect of Lakshadigana Taila on Wound Healing in Albino Rat

Objective: To investigate the wound-healing potency of the Lakshadigana Taila on the excisional woundhealing process in experimental study of albino rats, in comparison to 5% Povidone Iodine solution anduntreated group.Materials and Methods: Albino rats of either sex weighing between 200 and 300 gm were divided randomlyinto three groups (n=6). The animals were anesthetized with anesthetic agent Thiopentone Sodium 25mg/kg intra peritoneal. The skin of albino rats was saved on one side of paravertebral region. The skinwas disinfected using cotton and alcohol wipes. Excisional wound, full thickness skin wounds of diameter10 mm were created in the paravertebral area. The following medications were applied topically to thewound once daily for a maximum of 16 days. In Group I (trial group) Lakshadigana Taila was applied onrats, in Group II (positive control), 5% Povidone Iodine solution was applied on rats and Group III (negativecontrol) served as untreated. Wound was measured on days 0, 4, 8, 12 and 16 of the experiment andhistopathological of H and E stain study done on day 4 and 8, 12 and 16. Statistical analysis was doneusing analysis of One Way ANOVA followed by Post Hoc Test and P <0.05 was considered significant and<0.001 highly significant.Result: Area of wound was measured in all three groups at different intervals and found that the rate ofwound contraction was statistically highly significant in all groups (p <0.001). Rate of wound contractionwas faster in Group I than in Group II and III.Conclusion: In the present study, topical application of Lakshadigan Taila accelerated healing of excisionalwound in albino rats

Rapid detection of dermatophytes from skin and hair

Abstract Background Dermatophytes are a group of closely related keratinophilic fungi that can invade keratinized humans and animals tissues such as skin, hair and nails causing dermatophytosis. They are an important cause of superficial fungal infection. Findings Conventional methods like potassium hydroxide (KOH) microscopy and fungal culture lacks the ability to make an early and specific diagnosis. In this study we have evaluated nested Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using primers targeting dermatophyte specific sequence of chitin synthase 1 (CHS1) gene and compared with conventional test. A total of 155 patients clinically suspected with dermatophytosis were included in the study. Of which 105 specimens were skin scrapings and 50 were hair. KOH microscopy, fungal culture and first round and nested PCR were done on clinical specimens, and results compared. Nested PCR for dermatophytes was positive in 83.8% specimens, followed by KOH microscopy (70%), first round PCR (50.8) and fungal culture (25.8). Conclusion Results indicate that nested PCR may be considered as gold standard for the diagnosis of dermatophytosis and can aid the clinician in initiating prompt and appropriate antifungal therapy.</p

Case Report Pulmonary nocardiosis presenting as fungal ball—a rare entity

Pulmonary intracavitary infection caused by Nocardia is an opportunistic infection and is believed to be a rare entity. We describe a case report of a patient with culture positive Nocardia asteroides who presented with complaints of cough and expectoration with episodes of haemoptysis and dyspnoea. The diagnosis of nocardiosis was made by microscopic examination of the surgically resected portion of the lung and confirmed on culture

Pulmonary nocardiosis presenting as fungal ball—a rare entity

Pulmonary intracavitary infection caused by Nocardia is an opportunistic infection and is believed to be a rare entity. We describe a case report of a patient with culture positive Nocardia asteroides who presented with complaints of cough and expectoration with episodes of haemoptysis and dyspnoea. The diagnosis of nocardiosis was made by microscopic examination of the surgically resected portion of the lung and confirmed on culture

Prevalence of different Malassezia species in pityriasis versicolor in central India

<b>Background:</b> In the last 10 years, different studies have shown interesting geographical variations in the prevalence of different Malassezia species in pityriasis versicolor. Aim: Identification of Malassezia species isolated from patients with pityriasis versicolor. <b>Methods:</b> In 100 patients with pityriasis versicolor, Malassezia species were identified by culture in Sabouraud&#x2032;s dextrose agar containing cycloheximide with olive oil overlay and modified Dixon agar and by doing biochemical tests (catalase reaction, assimilation of glycine, and Tween utilisation tests). <b>Results:</b> In 10 patients, 10&#x0025; KOH smear was negative, while in 90 patients the smear showed characteristic "spaghetti and meatball" appearance. Of these 90 cases, growth was obtained on modified Dixon&#x2032;s agar in 87 cases. Fifty of the isolates (57.5&#x0025;) were M. globosa, 15 (17.2&#x0025;) were M. sympodialis, seven (8.0&#x0025;) were suspected M. sympodialis, 6 (6.9&#x0025;) each of the isolates were M. furfur and M. obtusa, and three (3.4&#x0025;) isolates were M. restricta. <b>Conclusion:</b> M. globosa was the most common species, followed by M. sympodialis, M. furfur, M. obtusa, and M. restricta

Cutaneous zygomycosis: A possible postoperative complication in immunocompetent individuals

Fungi in the class of zygomycetes usually produce serious infections in diabetics and immunocompromised hosts. Cutaneous zygomycosis is a less common form, with an unpredictable extent of anatomical involvement and clinical course. Here, we report two cases of primary cutaneous zygomycosis as postoperative complications in otherwise healthy females. Zygomycosis was suspected and specimens from the surgical debridement were examined by microbiological and histopathological studies for confirming the clinical diagnosis. Rapid diagnosis, liposomal amphotericin B, and proper debridement of affected tissue are necessary to avoid a fatal outcome

Trends in Diagnosis of Hydrophilic Pseudofungal Organism Rhinosporidium seeberi- Old to Recent Approach

Rhinosporidiosis is a granulomatous disease with a chronic course, the etiological agent being Rhinosporidium seeberi which usually causes the development of localized lesion in the mucosa of the nose, conjunctiva, and urethra. The disease is prevalent in South India and Sri Lanka although case reports are evident from many parts of the world like Europe, America, and Africa. In the present study, we are reporting a case of rhinosporidiosis elaborating its clinical features, diagnostic modalities, and treatment. Since R.seeberi is not a successfully cultivable organism, in vitro susceptibility of drugs remains a concern. The main focus of the present study is on molecular detection of R. seeberi which can be helpful in the future for early diagnosis and prompt treatment of such cases

Case Report A case of Actinomycotic mycetoma involving the right foot

A 45-year-old male presented with history of multiple swellings over the foot with sinuses discharging seropurulent pus. Actinomadura madurae was demonstrated and identified by microbiological culture from the pus obtained directly of the lesion. This case is reported to emphasize the importance of laboratory diagnosis in the management and assessment of the prognosis of such cases