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.