Microbial Etiologies of Otitis Media with Resistance Pattern in a Tertiary Care Hospital in North India.

Aim: The study aimed to evaluate the bacterial and fungal profiles in Otitis Media (OM), Acute Otitis Media (AOM), and Chronic Otitis Media (COM) and the sensitivity patterns to antibiotics available in our hospital settings. Materials and Methods: A total of 150 clinically diagnosed cases of OM (AOM or COM) with ear discharge were enrolled. Swabs were cultured for microbial flora. Drug susceptibility testing was conducted using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Results: The most common bacteria isolated in AOM was Streptococcus spp., and in COM it was Staphylococcus aureus. Among fungal isolates, Candida albicans dominate. The antimicrobial profile of the organisms revealed maximum sensitivity to Fluoroquinolones. Conclusions: Correct diagnosis and precise antibiotic prescription reduce the load of antibiotic resistance.

Primary screening of cervical cancer by Pap smear in women of reproductive age group.

Introduction: Cancer cervix is a major health problem responsible for causing a higher mortality rate in women worldwide; the exponential increase in such cases can be reduced by early screening of women. The cytology-based cervical screening had a higher success rate in reducing the incidence of cervical cancer. The present study aimed to evaluate the use of Pap smear screening to find cytological abnormalities and precancerous lesions. Materials and Methods: Sexually active women over 21 years of age were enrolled for the study. A detailed history was taken on the preformed proforma, and all were subjected to vaginal examination. Samples for Pap smear were taken with the help of Ayre spatula and immediately spread over a marked grease-free glass slide and dipped into 95% ethyl alcohol fixative for cytological examination. Results: Most of the abnormality of the epithelial cells found was in the age range of 31-50 years, and most of them were multiparous. 47.92% of the women had a chief complaint of vaginal discharge, an irregular menstrual cycle in 11.07%, and abdominal pain in 7.83%, while 30.41% were asymptomatic. Women found negative for intraepithelial neoplasia were 82.94%, while 13.36% had an inflammatory smear. 0.92% atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS), 2.78% Low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) were found, no woman had High-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL). Conclusion: Pap smear is a simple, cost-effective, non-invasive, and easy to perform tool for early detection of precancerous lesions, and it is evident that every woman above the age of 25-30 years must be recommended for cervical screening.

Antibacterial activity of Syzygium aromaticum (clove) against uropathogens producing ESBL, MBL, and AmpC beta-lactamase: Are we close to getting a new antibacterial agent?

INTRODUCTION: The present study was done to access the antibacterial activity of clove (Syzygium aromaticum) against extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL), metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL), and AmpC beta-lactamase-producing gram-negative bacteria causing urinary tract infection. METHODS: A total of 221 gram-negative uropathogens were isolated and screened for beta-lactamase (ESBL, MBL, and AmpC) production and further tested against ethanolic extract of clove (S. aromaticum) for its antibacterial activity. RESULTS: Clove was effective against all gram-negative isolates but the best antibacterial activity was shown against Proteus species with 19 mm zone of inhibition, 0.39 mg/ml minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and 0.19 mg/ml minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). CONCLUSIONS: Clove extract showed different antibacterial potential against all gram-negative uropathogens. Clove activity for particular strain was found to be similar between isolates producing beta-lactamase and non beta-lactamase.

Molecular Detection of Aspergillus in Sputum of Patients with Lower Respiratory Tract Infections.

BACKGROUND: Raised incidences of respiratory tract infections due to fungal agents in immunocompetent individuals are a cause of concern due to the unavailability of rapid diagnostic methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sputum and serum samples were collected from patients having lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs), serum samples were screened for the presence of anti Aspergillus antibodies and sputum samples were homogenized and processed for identification of Aspergillus by conventional methods and further subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using genus-specific ITS 4-5 primers. RESULTS: PCR identified Aspergillus in 28% sputum samples, which was high as compared to conventional methods. CONCLUSION: Simple conventional PCR technique proves to be useful screening in for early identification of Aspergillus colonization in patients with LRTI, which can prevent irreversible damage in their lungs by fungal invasion.

Comparative Evaluation of Antibacterial Efficacy of Six Indian Plant Extracts against Streptococcus Mutans.

INTRODUCTION: To assess the antimicrobial efficacy of six plant extracts of Indian origin often used as traditional medicine against standard strains of Streptococcus mutans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The antimicrobial activity of six plant extracts was determined by the agar well diffusion method. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for the crude (raw), Organic solvent based, aqueous extracts was determined by the agar well diffusion method. RESULTS: Out of all the six extracts evaluated, organic solvent based and aqueous extracts of all the extracts were found to have variable antimicrobial activities against the oral pathogen. The crude extract of Garlic was the most effective against Streptococcus mutans with the highest zone of inhibition (24.62 mm) followed by the aqueous extract of Amla (19.47mm) and organic solvent based extract of Ginger (18.76 mm). CONCLUSION: Despite of the fact that the extracts were not pure compounds and antimicrobial results were obtained. This recommends the potency of these extracts. The figment of the derivation of antimicrobial compounds from plants seems lucrative as it will lead to the development of a phytomedicine to act against microbes.

Intestinal parasitic infestation among children in a semi-urban Indian population.

BACKGROUND: Survey on the prevalence of various intestinal parasitic infestations in different geographic regions is a prerequisite to obtain an accurate understanding of the burden and cause of intestinal parasitic infestations in a particular area. The aim of the present study was to determine the intestinal parasitic infestation among children in a semi-urban area. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 335 stool samples were collected, processed, and microscopically examined for intestinal parasites. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-eight (38%) stool samples showed presence of ova/cysts. Multiple parasites were seen in 42 (32.8%) samples. Among the protozoans, Entamoeba histolytica (55.3%) was the most common followed by Giardia lamblia (40.4%). Ascaris lumbricoides and Hymenolepis nana (24.2%) were the most common helminths detected. CONCLUSIONS: In most of the cases, intestinal parasitic infestation spreads due to low standards of personal hygiene, poor sanitation, non-usage of toilets and an illiterate population, thus suggesting regular surveys to help in devising optimum methods of control.