RESUMEN
Background. A correlation has been noted between diabetes mellitus (DM) and changes in the oral cavity. The present study aimed to estimate, compare, and correlate serum and salivary glucose and IgA levels and salivary candidal carriage in diabetic and non-diabetic individuals. Methods. Eighty-eight subjects were categorized into three groups: group 1 (controlled DM; n=27), group 2 (uncontrolled DM; n=32) and group 3 (non-diabetics; n=29). Serum and salivary glucose levels were estimated by glucose oxidase/peroxidase method, serum and salivary IgA by a diagnostic kit, and candidal colonization by inoculating samples into Sabouraud dextrose agar plate. Statistical analyses were carried out by one-way ANOVA, post hoc Tukey tests, and Pearson's correlation coefficient. Results. Significant elevation of serum IgA levels was observed in group 2 compared to group 3 and significant decreases in salivary IgA levels in groups 1 and 2. The candidal carriage was significantly higher in group 2 compared to group 3. Serum glucose and salivary IgA levels showed a significant correlation in group 1. There was a positive correlation between serum/ salivary glucose and serum/salivary IgA levels in group 2. In addition, there was a significant correlation between serum glucose and serum IgA levels in group 3. Conclusion. Saliva could be a potential, non-invasive diagnostic tool to estimate glucose levels. The evaluation of salivary components, like IgA, might be useful in diagnosing and managing oral manifestations in diabetic individuals. Elevated salivary glucose levels contribute to elevated candidal carriage, making individuals susceptible to oral candidiasis.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Acinetobacter is grouped under nonfermenting Gram-negative bacilli. It is increasingly isolated from pathological samples. The ability of this genus to acquire drug resistance and spread in the hospital settings is posing a grave problem in healthcare. Specific treatment protocols are advocated for Acinetobacter infections. Hence, rapid identification and drug susceptibility profiling are critical in the management of these infections. AIMS: To standardize an in-house polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for identification of genus Acinetobacter and to compare PCR with two protocols for its phenotypic identification. METHODOLOGY: A total of 96 clinical isolates of Acinetobacter were included in the study. An in-house PCR for genus level identification of Acinetobacter was standardized. All the isolates were phenotypically identified by two protocols. The results of PCR and phenotypic identification protocols were compared. RESULTS: The in-house PCR standardized was highly sensitive and specific for the genus Acinetobacter. There was 100% agreement between the phenotypic and molecular identification of the genus. The preliminary identification tests routinely used in clinical laboratories were also in complete agreement with phenotypic and molecular identification. CONCLUSION: The in-house PCR for genus level identification is specific and sensitive. However, it may not be essential for routine identification as the preliminary phenotypic identification tests used in the clinical laboratory reliably identify the genus Acinetobacter.
RESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: Extra-Pulmonary Tuberculosis (EPTB) accounts for approximately 40% of the tuberculosis cases. Though it is not communicable, it is a significant cause of morbidity. This study was conducted to know the efficacy of the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) as an additional tool, along with the conventional methods, in the diagnosis of EPTB. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Clinical samples were collected from suspected cases of EPTB. The Ziehl-Neelsen staining (ZNS), culture on the Lowenstein-Jensen medium (LJM) and PCR testing with the use of a commercial kit were performed on the homogenized samples. RESULTS: A total of 182 samples which were received for the molecular diagnosis of EPTB were also tested by ZNS and culture on LJM for the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Of these, 22 were positive by at least one of the tests which were used. PCR detected the maximum number of cases of EPTB, followed by culture. The results of PCR and the conventional tests were analyzed by using McNemar's test for the correlated proportions-the exact method of 'IBM SPSS Statistics 20'. The analysis showed a statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: Whenever they are feasible, using all the available tests in combination increases the laboratory detection rates of M. tuberculosis from clinical samples. PCR must be included in the diagnostic panel of EPTB.
