Demonstration of a Transparent and Adhesive Sealing Top for Microfluidic Lab-Chip Applications.

A transparent and adhesive film-based enclosing and sealing method is here presented for out-of-cleanroom-based open-form microfluidic devices. The commercially available polyester flexible film known as Microseal 'B' is presented in this paper as a cover seal for open-form microfluidic devices. This film is adaptable to high working temperatures and is biocompatible. The quality of the sealing film was investigated by leak tests, fluorescence tests, and contact angle measurements. The investigations revealed its sealing strength, fluorescence detection compatibility, and surface wettability. It was found that the proposed sealing polyester film on the 3D-printed device could sustain a gauge pressure of 2.7 atm at a flow rate of 4 mL/min without any leaks. It also provided fluorescence detection compatibility and an intensity-to-background ratio in the range of 2.3 to 4.5 for particle sizes of 5 µm and 15 µm, respectively, which is comparable with the performances of other sealing materials. The film's hydrophobicity is comparable to other polymers used in microfluidics. This paper concludes by showcasing some applications of such transparent tops in classical microfluidic devices used for droplet generation and fluid mixing, in order to demonstrate the prospects of this fabrication technique in lab-on-a-chip devices.

Aerodynamics and motor control of ultrasonic vocalizations for social communication in mice and rats.

BACKGROUND: Rodent ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) are crucial to their social communication and a widely used translational tool for linking gene mutations to behavior. To maximize the causal interpretation of experimental treatments, we need to understand how neural control affects USV production. However, both the aerodynamics of USV production and its neural control remain poorly understood. RESULTS: Here, we test three intralaryngeal whistle mechanisms-the wall and alar edge impingement, and shallow cavity tone-by combining in vitro larynx physiology and individual-based 3D airway reconstructions with fluid dynamics simulations. Our results show that in the mouse and rat larynx, USVs are produced by a glottal jet impinging on the thyroid inner wall. Furthermore, we implemented an empirically based motor control model that predicts motor gesture trajectories of USV call types. CONCLUSIONS: Our results identify wall impingement as the aerodynamic mechanism of USV production in rats and mice. Furthermore, our empirically based motor control model shows that both neural and anatomical components contribute to USV production, which suggests that changes in strain specific USVs or USV changes in disease models can result from both altered motor programs and laryngeal geometry. Our work provides a quantitative neuromechanical framework to evaluate the contributions of brain and body in shaping USVs and a first step in linking descending motor control to USV production.

SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617 Mutations L452R and E484Q Are Not Synergistic for Antibody Evasion.

The SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617 variant emerged in the Indian state of Maharashtra in late 2020. There have been fears that 2 key mutations seen in the receptor-binding domain, L452R and E484Q, would have additive effects on evasion of neutralizing antibodies. We report that spike bearing L452R and E484Q confers modestly reduced sensitivity to BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine-elicited antibodies following either first or second dose. The effect is similar in magnitude to the loss of sensitivity conferred by L452R or E484Q alone. These data demonstrate reduced sensitivity to vaccine-elicited neutralizing antibodies by L452R and E484Q but lack of synergistic loss of sensitivity.

Estimating the Volume of Equine Rabies Immunoglobulin (eRIG) Required for Local Infiltration in Soft Tissue Animal Bites in Children Using a Wound Size-Based Approach.

INTRODUCTION: Post-exposure prophylaxis using rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) is universal recommendation for category III exposures. This study was conducted to determine quantity of RIG used to infiltrate animal bite wounds in relation to longest dimension and area of wound. METHODS: Children aged 2-18 years reporting within 7 days of category III animal bite were included. eRIG (300 IU/ml) was used in all subjects. A predesigned proforma was filled for clinical and epidemiological details of subjects. Maximum length and width of wounds was measured by using non-stretchable measuring tape. RIG was infiltrated in wounds as per WHO recommendations and volume infiltrated was noted. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: A total of 100 subjects were enrolled. The mean (±SD) volume of RIG infiltrated in wounds per unit length was 0.75 (±0.21) ml/cm and per unit area was 3.18 (±1.75) ml/cm2. Regression equations were calculated. Proposed equations y = 0.6x + 0.3, where y is the volume of RIG (ml) and x is the length of the wound (cm) and y = 0.9x + 1.1, where y is the volume of RIG (ml) and x is the area of the wound (cm2) can prove to be a useful tool in RIG volume calculation for primary health care providers.

Effect of Celiac Plexus Neurolysis for Pain Relief in Patients with Upper Abdominal Malignancy: A Retrospective Observational Study and Review of Literature.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal pain from primary cancer or metastatic disease is a significant cause of pain for patients undergoing treatment for the disease. Patient's pain may be resistant or non-responsive to the pharmacological management, hence minimal invasive pain intervention like celiac plexus neurolysis or splanchnic nerve rhizolysis may be required to relieve pain of such patients. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this retrospective study is to assess the effect of celiac plexus neurolysis for pain relief in patients with upper gastro-intestinal malignancies. STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective, observational study with short review. METHODS: This retrospective observational study was done in the Pain Medicine unit from 2016 and November 2018. Ninety-four patients with upper abdominal malignancy and unrelenting pain, non-responsive or poorly responsive to pharmacological treatment as per WHO ladder of analgesics, received fluoroscopy-guided celiac plexus neurolysis (CPN). All the patients underwent celiac plexus neurolysis through Trans-Aortic approach and the primary outcome measure was pain as assessed with Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) ranging from 0 to 10; the secondary outcome measures were morphine consumption per day (M), quality of life (QOL) as assessed by comparing the percent of positive responses and complications, if any. These were noted and analyzed prior to intervention and then on day 1, and months 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 following CPN. RESULTS: Follow up was completed 6 months after the procedure. VAS score, daily morphine consumption, and the quality of life showed improvement for the duration of the study. There was some relapse in pain and deterioration in QOL during the fourth to sixth month of pain intervention due to disease progression. Some transient known side effects also occurred. CONCLUSION: Trans-Aortic celiac plexus neurolysis with low volume of alcohol is a safe procedure providing up to 6 months of pain relief and is an effective, well established, minimally invasive procedure for abdominal pain due to primary malignancy or metastatic spread.

Evaluation of the Rapidec Carba NP Test Kit for Detection of Carbapenemase-Producing Gram-Negative Bacteria.

Recently, bioMérieux, France, introduced the Rapidec Carba NP test kit for rapid detection of carbapenemase-producing Gram-negative bacteria. This kit was evaluated in this study, and we report sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of 92.6%, 96.2%, 95.83%, and 92.6%, respectively. The test was easy to perform and interpret and relatively inexpensive ($5/Rs 300 per test) and provides a practical solution for early detection of carbapenemase-producing, multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria.

PERCUTANEOUS BALLOON COMPRESSION OF GASSERIAN GANGLION FOR THE TREATMENT OF TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA: AN EXPERIENCE FROM INDIA.

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is characterized by unilateral, lancinating, paroxysmal pain in the dermatomal distribution area of trigeminal nerve. Percutaneous balloon compression (PBC) of Gasserian ganglion is an effective, comparatively cheaper and simple therapeutic modality for treatment of TN. Compression secondary to PBC selectively injures the large myelinated A-alfa (afferent) fibers that mediate light touch and does not affect A-delta and C-fibres, which carry pain sensation. Balloon compression reduces the sensory neuronal input, thus turning off the trigger to the neuropathic trigeminal pain. In this current case series, we are sharing our experience with PBC of Gasserian Ganglion for the treatment of idiopathic TN in our patients at an academic university-based medical institution in India. During the period of August 2012 to October 2013, a total of twelve PBCs of Gasserian Ganglion were performed in eleven patients suffering from idiopathic TN. There were nine female patients and two male patients with the age range of 35-70 years (median age: 54 years). In all patients cannulation of foramen ovale was done successfully in the first attempt. In eight out of eleven (72.7%) patients ideal 'Pear-shaped' balloon visualization could be achieved. In the remaining three patients (27.3%), inflated balloon was 'Bullet-shaped'. In one patient final placement of Fogarty balloon was not satisfactory and it ruptured during inflation. This case was deferred for one week when it was completed successfully with 'Pear-shaped' balloon inflation. During the follow up period of 1-13 months, there have been no recurrences of TN. Eight out of eleven patients (72.7%) are completely off medicines (carbamazepine and baclofen) and other two patients are stable on very low doses of carbamazepine. All patients have reported marked improvement in quality of life. This case series shows that percutaneous balloon compression is a useful minimally invasive intervention for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia.

Congenital lymphedema complicated by pain and psychological distress: case report.

Patients with congenital lymphedema who experience pain report more functional interference and psychiatric disturbances than those without pain. These patients also have body image disturbance. We hereby report a case illustrating how pain relief can help in rehabilitative aspect and improve the quality of life and also help to overcome psychiatric manifestation. Pain related to lymphedema is often a neglected aspect of this overlooked problem.

Non-thyroidal Illness in Children with Congestive Heart Failure

Objective: To estimate the proportion and risk factors of non-thyroidal illness (NTI) in children with congenital heart disease (CHD) with congestive heart failure (CHF). Methods: This study enrolled children (6 weeks to 60 months age) with CHD and CHF. The clinical profile and disease severity, derived from the Pediatric Early Warning Score (PEWS) was recorded. Baseline blood samples were taken within 24 hours of hospitalization and evaluated for free tri-iodothyronine (fT3), free thyroxine (fT4), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT pro-BNP) and reverse T3. Results: A total of 80 (64 acyanotic CHD) children of median (interquartile range) age 5 (2.5, 8.0) months were enrolled. NTI was seen in 37 (46%) of whom 27 had low fT3 levels. The proportion of NTI was highest in children with severe disease (20/30), than moderate (4/9) or mild disease (13/41) (p=0.018). Ten (27%) patients with NTI died compared to 2 (4.7%) without NTI with unadjusted odds ratio (OR) [95% confidence interval (CI)] 7.593 (1.54, 37.38); p=0.006. After adjusting for NTI, shock and NT-pro-BNP levels, PEWS was the only significant predictor of mortality (OR: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.92; p=0.032). Linear regression for fT3 identified a significant relationship with log NT-BNP [beta -3.541, (95% CI: -1.387, -0.388)] and with TSH [beta 2.652 (95% CI: 0.054, 0.383)]. The cutoff (area under the curve, 95% CI) that predicted mortality were fT4 <14.5 pmol/L (0.737, 0.60, 0.88), fT3/rT3 index <1.86 pg/ng (0.284, 0.129, 0.438) and NT pro-BNP >3725 pg/mL (0.702; 0.53, 0.88). Conclusion: NTI was present in a significant proportion of children with CHD and CHF. fT3 level was significantly associated with NTBNP levels and thus severity of CHF.

A phase III randomized-controlled study of safety and immunogenicity of DTwP-HepB-IPV-Hib vaccine (HEXASIIL®) in infants.

A fully liquid hexavalent containing Diphtheria (D), Tetanus (T) toxoids, whole cell Pertussis (wP), Hepatitis B (Hep B), type 1, 2, 3 of inactivated poliovirus (IPV) and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) conjugate vaccine (DTwP-HepB-IPV-Hib vaccine, HEXASIIL®) was tested for lot-to-lot consistency and non-inferiority against licensed DTwP-HepB-Hib + IPV in an open label, randomized Phase II/III study. In Phase III part, healthy infants received DTwP-HepB-IPV-Hib or DTwP-HepB-Hib + IPV vaccines at 6, 10 and 14 weeks of age. Blood samples were collected prior to the first dose and 28 days, post dose 3. Non inferiority versus DTwP-HepB-Hib + IPV was demonstrated with 95% CIs for the treatment difference for seroprotection/seroconversion rates. For DTwP-HepB-IPV-Hib lots, limits of 95% CI for post-vaccination geometric mean concentration ratios were within equivalence limits (0.5 and 2). Vaccine was well-tolerated and no safety concerns observed.Clinical Trial Registration - CTRI/2019/11/022052.

Stool CBNAAT: Alternative tool in the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis in children.

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant public health concern, especially in children. The World Health Organization now provides estimates on pediatric TB cases and deaths, underscoring the urgency of addressing this issue. In India, childhood TB contributes significantly to the global burden, with a notable gap between reported cases and estimated incidence. Diagnosing pulmonary TB in children presents challenges, primarily due to difficulties in obtaining suitable respiratory specimens. Rapid tests like Cartridge-Based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (CBNAAT) have shown promise in enhancing diagnostic sensitivity. Recent research suggests that stool samples offer a non-invasive alternative for diagnosing pulmonary TB in children, with good diagnostic accuracy observed for stool CBNAAT. Furthermore, stool CBNAAT results demonstrate high agreement with gastric aspirate CBNAAT in TB diagnosis. Various stool processing methods, such as centrifugation, filtration, and sedimentation, have shown improved results for CBNAAT testing. However, it is crucial to standardize these methods to ensure consistent and comparable outcomes. Integrating stool CBNAAT into existing diagnostic algorithms for pediatric TB can enhance accuracy and efficiency in diagnosis. When implementing these algorithms, local resources, epidemiological context, and healthcare settings should be taken into account. Stool CBNAAT holds promise for microbiological confirmation of pediatric pulmonary TB, especially in resource-limited settings where obtaining representative respiratory specimens is challenging. Further comparative studies and standardization of stool processing methods are necessary to determine the most suitable approach in different contexts. By doing so, we can make significant strides in improving TB diagnosis and management in children.

Virological profile of upper respiratory tract infections in children under 5 years of age- a cross sectional study in a tertiary care hospital in North India.

OBJECTIVE: To study the virological profile of URI among children under 5 years of age. Since, it is very difficult to distinguish between various viral etiologies solely on the basis of symptoms, this study was attempted to generate evidence that majority of URI are caused due to viral illness and no antibiotics should be prescribed in the management of the same. METHODS: This observational study was conducted over a period of one year (June 2021-May 2022) in a tertiary care teaching hospital in New Delhi. A total of 180 children between the age of 0-5 years with symptoms of URI were included. Nasopharyngeal swabs were taken and processed for detection of viruses using multiplex RT PCR. RESULTS: Presence of viruses were detected in 136 (75.6%) samples. A single virus was identified in 113 samples, whereas 21 were found to harbour two viruses and 2 were carrying three viruses. The most common virus isolated was Human Rhinovirus (HRV- 55.8%) followed by Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV- 23.5%). In samples showing coinfection with two viruses, most common was Human Corona Virus (HCoV)- NL63, 229E, OC43, HKU1. None of the patients were given antibiotics. None of the patients required any hospital admission for severe respiratory illness. CONCLUSIONS: Viruses are a major cause of URI in children under five years of age, with the most prevalent organisms being HRV and RSV. Antibiotic prescriptions in URI are not warranted.

Spirometry in Children at Six Months After SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Single-Center Study.

OBJECTIVE: To study the spirometry parameters of children six months after severe acute coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. METHODS: This single center descriptive study enrolled children aged 7-18 years after 6 months of SARS-CoV-2 infection. A detailed interval history and clinical examination was recorded. Spirometry was performed and best of the three attempts was taken into consideration to measure forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume 1 second (FEV1). RESULTS: A convenience sample of 40 (21 boys) children was enrolled, median (IQR) age 13 (10.75, 17) years. Twelve (30%) children had abnormal spirometry with low FVC (<80%); 10/12 (83.3%) had FEV1<80%. Children who were underweight had higher odds of having abnormal spirometry [OR (95% CI) 5.13 (1.19, 22.11); P=0.028]. There was no significant association of abnormal spirometry with age, sex, severity of initial infection and oxygen requirement during the initial infection (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Abnormal spirometry results were observed in one-third children post-SARS-CoV-2 infection at six months follow-up.

A Prospective Evaluation of Percutaneous Vertebroplasty in Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fracture Patients.

Background Osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) is a common problem in old age, which causes incapacitating pain and leads to significant disability, morbidity, and mortality. Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP), a minimally invasive procedure, results in immediate pain relief with decreased morbidity. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of life (QOL), as denoted by the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) score. In contrast, the secondary aims were determining pain relief using the 11-point Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and vertebral height restoration and wedge angle measurements after PVP. Methodology This prospective, longitudinal, interventional study on the efficacy of PVP was conducted among patients with low back pain due to osteoporotic vertebral collapse in a tertiary care institute. Patients with OVCF were managed by PVP and followed at one week, one month, three months, and six months for improvement in QOL by the RMDQ score and pain relief using the NPRS. The pre and post-vertebroplasty wedge angle and vertebral height (anterior, middle, and posterior columns) at one week and six months were also compared by pre and post-vertebroplasty lateral view skiagrams. Results A total of 24 patients were included in this study based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The demographic data were comparable. The RMDQ score showed a statistically significant difference in post-PVP at one week (p = 0.044), one month (p = 0.031), three months (p = 0.022), and six months (p = 0.018). There was a statistically significant difference in the NPRS at six months compared to the pre-PVP status, showing drastic pain relief in patients after PVP. The mean wedge angle (20.5 ± 2.07) measurement was reduced with a statistically significant increase in anterior body height restoration from pre-PVP to six months. There was no significant change in height at the middle and posterior columns compared to the pre-PVP height. Conclusions PVP is an effective, safe, minimally invasive pain and spine intervention for OVCFs with improved QOL and restoration of vertebral height.

Adverse drug reactions in children and adolescents on daily antitubercular regimen: An observational longitudinal study.

OBJECTIVES: Subsequent to introduction of daily fixed dose combination (FDC) regimen with increased dosages and inclusion of ethambutol in continuation phase of antitubercular therapy (ATT) in India, this study was done to evaluate adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in children and adolescents. METHODS: Longitudinal observational study conducted in tertiary teaching hospital. Children (1 month-18 year), with newly diagnosed drug sensitive tuberculosis, started on daily FDC regimen of ATT, were included. Participants were followed up at 2 weeks, 8 weeks and 6 months. Division of AIDS (DAIDS) severity grading and World Health Organization-Uppsala Monitoring Centre (WHO-UMC) causality assessment was done. RESULTS: In 99 participants, 29 experienced ADRs. Most commonly ADRs involved hepatobiliary (11.1%) and gastrointestinal (8.1%) systems. Grade 3 severity noted in 35.5% ADRs. Certain causality classified in 19.3%. Presence of ADRs was significantly higher in participants with vs without malnutrition [40.5% vs 21.1% (p = 0.036)]. Tendency for more severe ADRs noted in participants with vs without malnutrition [Grade 3 ADRs out of all ADRs: 64.7% vs 0% (p < 0.001)]. CONCLUSION: Incidence and severity of ADRs has increased after introduction of daily FDC of ATT. Most common ADR observed were hepatobiliary. Malnutrition and less weight for age were risk factors for occurrence and severity of ADRs.

The silent base flow and the sound sources in a laminar jet.

An algorithm to compute the silent base flow sources of sound in a jet is introduced. The algorithm is based on spatiotemporal filtering of the flow field and is applicable to multifrequency sources. It is applied to an axisymmetric laminar jet and the resulting sources are validated successfully. The sources are compared to those obtained from two classical acoustic analogies, based on quiescent and time-averaged base flows. The comparison demonstrates how the silent base flow sources shed light on the sound generation process. It is shown that the dominant source mechanism in the axisymmetric laminar jet is "shear-noise," which is a linear mechanism. The algorithm presented here could be applied to fully turbulent flows to understand the aerodynamic noise-generation mechanism.

Utility of stool CBNAAT in the diagnosis of pediatric pulmonary tuberculosis in India.

BACKGROUND: India houses 27% of the tuberculosis cases worldwide. Pediatric tuberculosis accounts for 11% cases worldwide. Microbiological confirmation of diagnosis is difficult in children. We aimed to study the proportion of Stool CBNAAT (Cartridge Based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test) and GA CBNAAT positive cases among the presumptive cases of tuberculosis in children and assess diagnostic utility of the Stool CBNAAT in comparison to GA CBNAAT and culture. METHODS: Ours was a cross sectional study. 75 children, aged 6 months to 12 years who were presumptive cases of pulmonary tuberculosis and who were unable to expectorate, were enrolled. Gastric aspirate and stool samples were obtained and CBNAAT and culture was done. Results of stool CBNAAT were compared with GA CBNAAT and culture. RESULTS: Of the 75 children enrolled, 28 were started on antitubercular therapy, 12 of whom were microbiologically confirmed and 16 were started on clinical grounds. Overall, 10 (13.3%) and 11 (14.6%) were positive by Stool CBNAAT and GA CBNAAT respectively. GA CBNAAT and Stool CBNAAT were found to have near perfect agreement (Cohen's kappa 0.834). Stool CBNAAT had sensitivity and specificity of 73% and 97% as compared to culture. CONCLUSIONS: Stool CBNAAT may be used for bacteriological confirmation of pediatric pulmonary tuberculosis. It was found to have a high degree of concordance with the conventionally used GA CBNAAT. This test would be helpful in endemic countries where there is a dearth of trained staff, especially in the periphery, to obtain gastric aspirate. Discomfort associated with sampling would be avoided.

Post-COVID Syndrome and Severity of COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Epidemiological Evaluation From North India.

Background COVID-19 has now lasted for more than two years as a pandemic and has had enduring effects on the health of people as the post-COVID syndrome. Recent literature has shown the long-term effects of COVID-19 on various organ systems, including but not limited to respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, musculoskeletal, and gastrointestinal systems. Methods and objectives We aimed to estimate the prevalence of post-acute COVID symptoms in a tertiary care center in northern India; observe the effects of the demographic profile of age, BMI, gender, and presence of comorbidities on the persistence of post-COVID syndrome, and explore any correlation between the severity of COVID-19 disease and the persistence of post-COVID symptoms. We designed a survey containing structured questions evaluating post-COVID symptoms beyond three weeks (post-acute COVID phase), six weeks (post-COVID phase), and 12 weeks of acute illness. It was administered online.  Results Prevalence of post-COVID symptoms both after three and six weeks was reported to be 16.67% and 7.37%, respectively. The most common symptoms to persist were musculoskeletal symptoms (fatigue), followed by upper respiratory symptoms. Disease severity (p<0.05), BMI (p<0.05), and comorbidities were seen to affect post-COVID symptoms significantly, whereas gender and age of the patient had no significant effect. Disease severity significantly affected the persistence of post-COVID symptoms up to 12 weeks; however, this effect does not hold true in long COVID haulers. Also, the risk of developing persistent post-acute COVID symptoms was more in moderate to severe disease than in mild disease. Conclusion The pandemic might be close to over, but it is not out of our lives yet, and the persistence of post-COVID symptoms is exigent.

The prevalence of stress, stressors and coping mechanisms and the socio-demographic factors associated among the auto-rickshaw drivers in Bengaluru city, India.

CONTEXT: Socio-demographic and environmental factors attribute to stress for auto-rickshaw driver leading to compromise of driver and passenger safety. AIMS: This study assesses the prevalence and socio-demographic factors associated with stress and identifies the stressors and coping mechanisms in auto-rickshaw drivers. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was conducted amongst 140 randomly selected auto-rickshaw drivers in Bengaluru city, India. METHODS AND MATERIAL: Data was collected at a place and time convenient to the study participants using semi-structured pre-tested tool. Stress was assessed using Cohen's Perceived Stress Scale. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Data was entered and analyzed using Epi Info™ software. Two sample t/ANOVA tests were used to compare the difference in means and standard deviations (SD) between the sub-groups. P <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Mean age of the auto-rickshaw drivers was 32.8 ± 8.3 years, majority belonged to the 25-30 years age-group. About 55.7%, 40.7% and 28.7% were consuming tobacco products, alcohol and some both, respectively. While the prevalence of self-reported stress was 76.4% (n = 107), 78.6% (n = 110) had stress based on Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) assessment. Mean PSS for participants self-reporting stress was 20.51 ± 5.25 as against 12.36 ± 4.98 who did not (P < 0.001). The mean PSS was 17.55 ± 4.13, 20.65 ± 5.23 and 23 ± 5.12 among those who self-reported having mild-, moderate- and severe-degree stress, respectively (P < 0.001). There was no significant association of any socio-demographic factors with the PSS score. Financial problems (n = 51; 47.7%) was the leading stressor, followed by road traffic (n = 49; 45.8%). Conclusions: Appropriate strategies are needed to address the high level of stress among auto-rickshaw drivers.