ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Detection of β-Lactamase Activity in Various Clinical Bacterial Isolates by Three Different Methods and its Correlation with Drug Resistance.

Background: β-lactams such as penicillins are the most widely used antibiotics, and β-lactamases are the greatest source of resistance to penicillins. Aims and Objectives: To study β-lactamase production in clinical isolates of family Enterobacteriaceae, P. aeruginosa and Staphylococci by three different methods and to correlate its potential with drug resistance; with an endeavour to evaluate convenient and economical method duly supported by relevant Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) studies. Material and Methods: Total 240 clinical isolates (Gram-negative bacilli-191, staphylococci-49) were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing by Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method and MIC for ampicillin and penicillin was determined by agar dilution method. β-lactamase was detected by broth acidometric, iodometric cell suspension and microbiological method. Results: Multidrug resistance was observed in more than 90% isolates. One hundred and ninety Gram-negative bacilli were resistant to ampicillin and 47 staphylococcal isolates were resistant to both penicillin and ampicillin. Though microbiological method gave highest positive results 210 (87.5%), iodometric method could detect β-lactamase in apparently sensitive isolates as well giving satisfactory [207 (86.25%)] comparable results. Conclusion: In view of the noted bacterial resistance, tests for β-lactamase should be carried out on a routine basis for an early implementation of appropriate antimicrobial therapy. Iodometric method is eminently convenient, economical and reliable method. Isolates showing MIC <0.125µg/ml for penicillin and MIC <8µg/ml for ampicillin should be checked for β-lactamase production

Individualized Homeopathic Treatment: Better Option in Management of Psoriasis

Psoriasis vulgaris is a cutaneous, inflammatory disease manifested by aberrant immune response mediated by T-lymphocytes. The disease is characterized by keratinocyte hyper proliferation, improper differentiation, angiogenesis and dermic vasodilatation. Psoriasis significantly affects the quality of patient’s life due toemotional stress. Sometimes patient may feel progressive mental depression and in turn seriously affecting his/hers family surrounding. The treatment approaches towards the successful management of psoriasis deserves consideration since the incidence of the disease is increasing now a days. Treating physicians should share their clinical experiences on global platform to benefit the patients effectively. Considering this aspect the present article describes some case studies of the management of Psoriasis with the help of homeopathic medicines. Keywords: Homeopathy, Psoriasis, Dermatology, Skin Disease

Susceptibility, Resistance and Treatment Strategy for Infections Caused by Viridans Group Streptococci - A Review

Viridans Group Streptococci (VGS) were considered to be commensal organisms of low virulence. Their major disease associations were formerly limited to dental caries and infective endocarditis. Over the last several years, these bacteria have emerged as significant pathogens associated with gingivitis, periodontitis, bacteremia, meningitis, pneumonia and a variety of infections in neonates. Although penicillin remains the drug of choice in the treatment of infections caused by VGS, drug tolerance and clinical therapeutic failures have been reported. Different studies in recent past show that there is an alarming increase in resistance in VGS to various antimicrobial agents. Increase in the incidence of VGS with multiple drug resistance to penicillin and other agents suggest for periodic surveillance of antimicrobial susceptibility among VGS in order to guide appropriate antimicrobial therapy and to develop an appropriate treatment strategy for various infections caused by VGS. The development of appropriate treatment strategy not only helps in effective management but also helps to monitor further spread of resistant pathogens