RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Candida species are generally identified by conventional methods such as germ tube or morphological appearance on cornmeal agar (CMA), biochemical methods using API kits, and molecular biological techniques. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) has revolutionized the identification of fungi reducing the turnaround time of days to minutes. PURPOSE: To compare the performance of MALDI-TOF MS and conventional methods in the identification of clinically relevant yeasts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, Candida identifications on CMA are compared with the results obtained on MALDI-TOF MS (Bruker Daltonics, Bremen, Germany). Discrepant results were confirmed by sequencing internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of rDNA. RESULTS: A total of 114 clinical Candida species isolated from blood cultures were isolated and identified with conventional methods as well as with the MALDI-TOF-MS system. The agreement between the two test results were analyzed using Inter-rater reliability analysis (Cohen's Kappa) in SPSS Software Version 24 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Overall, there was substantial agreement (Cohen's kappa=0.763) between the two methods. A value between 0.61 and 0.80 is classified under substantial. The most frequently isolated bloodstream Candida species included Candida albicans, C. tropicalis, C. parapsilosis, C.lusitaniae, C. glabrata which were accurately identified by MALDI-TOF-MS. When compared with conventional identification methods, MALDI-TOF-MS results are more reliable and rapid for Candida identification.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Hand hygiene plays a crucial role in preventing health-care-associated infections (HCAIs) by reducing the spread of antimicrobial resistance. But, its compliance with optimal practices usually remains low at most of our health-care settings. AIM: This study focused on one of the primordial, basic and low-cost practice of infection control. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among medical faculty, senior residents, postgraduates, nursing faculty, ward sisters/matron, and staff nurses at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. Data were collected on a pretested structured questionnaire distributed among the participants, which consisted of questions to assess the knowledge and perception toward hand hygiene. RESULTS: A total of 171 health-care workers (HCWs) were assessed in this study. Overall response rate observed was 87.8% ± 11.6%. Majority of the participants were staff nurses. Approximately 55% of them had received formal hand hygiene training in the last 3 years. Overall correct knowledge seen among participants was 66.4% ± 27.5%. It was observed that in situations requiring hand hygiene, it was performed in approximately 70%-80% of the times. Alcohol-based hand rub was not available at every point of care, whereas single-use towel was not present at every sink. When monitored whether the HCW started hand hygiene activity or not, compliance was seen in only 32% of the total. CONCLUSION: It is now essential for developing countries to formulate the policies for implementation of basic infection control practices. As we are facing an era of multidrug-resistant pathogens that are rapidly increasing globally, and paucity of availability of new antimicrobials, it is been essential to look at the role of basic infection control practices at health-care settings and implement them at priority level.
