Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in HIV infected cases and its association with CD4 count in Silchar medical college and hospital

Background: Toxoplasmosis caused by the intracellular coccidian parasite Toxoplasma gondii is one the most common AIDS defining condition in HIV infection. It may produce fatal consequences if gains upper hand in immunocompromised states like HIV infection or due to reactivation of latent disease or new infection. Toxoplasma encephalitis, affecting 15-40% of world’s PLHIV, is the most common opportunistic parasitic co-morbidity conventionally when CD4 count falls below 200/µl. But there has also been reports of asymptomatic toxoplasma IgG seropositivity in PLHIV with CD4 count in the range of 200-500/µl. This study was carried out to find the prevalence of Toxoplasma IgG seropositivity and to determine the association of Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity with CD4 count in HIV infected cases in south Assam. Methods: The 200 HIV infected cases with CD4 count <500/µl attending ICTC, ART centre and various clinical departments were screened by Toxoplasma IgG ELISA over 1 year. Result: It was found that 94 HIV infected cases were seropositive for Toxoplasma IgG and in which CD4 count was significantly less than 200/µl in 54% cases and in the range of 200-500/µl in remaining 46% cases. Conclusions: This sero-surveillance revealed anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG in 47% cases. IgG seropositivity was significantly higher in cases on ART and in females with history of first trimester abortion. The finding of this study calls for initiation of prophylaxis against Toxoplasma routinely even in HIV cases of this region with CD4count in 200-500/µl range as quite good proportion of Toxoplasma seropositive HIV cases have CD4 count in this range apart from the conventionally vulnerable group with CD4 count below 200/µl.

Assessing the Effectiveness of Climate-Resilient Rice Varieties in Building Adaptive Capacity for Small-Scale Farming Communities in Assam

Rice crop in Assam constitutes a significant portion of the cultivated area, covering around sixty percent of the total area. The state, like many others, confronts the repercussions of climate change, notably evident in recurrent floods that impact agricultural lands. The shifting climate, marked by rising temperatures and increased rainy days, poses threats to crop production. Despite witnessing overall productivity growth, the state grapples with persistent challenges related to flood-induced losses. In response to this, climate-resilient rice varieties were developed to withstand submergence. This study delves into the assessment of the impact of these climate-resilient rice varieties on yield, income, and adoption among farmers. Concentrating on Golaghat and Sivasagar districts, where 106 farmers were interviewed, the research addresses the prevalent challenges in rice cultivation due to changing rainfall patterns. The introduced varieties underwent demonstration in plots, and their effects on yield, income, and adoption were comprehensively evaluated. The study additionally scrutinized the technology and extension gaps in the area, utilizing various indices such as the technology gap, extension gap, technology index, and benefit-cost ratio to measure the efficacy of the introduced varieties. The findings of the study highlight disparities between recommended agricultural practices and the actual methods employed by farmers. Despite these challenges, the introduction of climate-resilient varieties resulted in a noteworthy increase in yield. Economic analysis revealed enhanced profitability from B:C ratio of 0.43 to1.06 and positive changes in economic indicators. The adoption and horizontal spread of these varieties were substantial, with a significant rise from 106 to 378 in the number of adopters and expanded cultivation areas. Overall, the study emphasizes the success of climate-resilient rice varieties in augmenting yield, income, and adoption among farmers. The positive economic changes, coupled with heightened awareness, underscore the importance of promoting such varieties. The study advocates for sustained efforts in disseminating climate-resilient varieties, emphasizing their pivotal role in enhancing farmers' climate resilience. Addressing the identified discrepancies in agricultural practices emerges as a crucial step toward fostering sustainability and optimizing crop yield in the region.

Assessing Livelihood Coping Strategies Adopted by Small and Marginal Farmers of Climate-Vulnerable Assam State of India

This study examined the livelihood diversifications of small and marginal farmers' households and determinants of livelihood diversification of Assam state of India under climate-vulnerable situations. A sample of 300 marginal and small rural households was obtained from three highly flood-affected districts. The sampling plan adopted some flexibility as the data collection process coincided with the late part of the COVID-19 pandemic. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire. The data were analysed using descriptive statistical tools, the non-parametric chi-square test, and the Simpson Diversification Index. The study indicates that most respondents tried diversifying their livelihood strategies for economic improvement. However, no dominant livelihood strategies were found among the adopted portfolios. Many respondents preferred livestock as a portfolio for livelihood diversification. The study found that respondents with a higher formal education or job card holders under the MGNREG-Act were identified as positive determinants for livelihood diversification. The study proposes increasing the allocation of Job Cards under the MGNREG-Act, given that Job Cards enable cash in hands or establish a consistent provision of substantial cash through different farming programmes. The study also emphasises the introduction of suitable livestock-based livelihood diversification.

Factors affecting death due to COVID-19: an analytical study from a tertiary care hospital of Assam

Background: Globally, the Case Fatality Rate (CFR) due CoVID19 ranges from 0.1-4.7%. CoVID-19 death remained 0.5% till April 2021 in Assam as compared to India (1.3%). Though pre-existing diseases greatly contributes to CFR yet its association study from India is scarce. This study documents association of such death with comorbidities in a tertiary hospital of Assam. Methods: Retrospective analysis of 234 COVID death from May 2020 to December 2020 in Jorhat Medical College (JMCH) were done. Demography, comorbidities at admission and blood parameters were analyzed in Epi-Info version7.2.4.0. Continuous variables were presented as mean±SD or median (interquartile ranges) and correlated with death. Results: Out of 3781 confirmed cases admitted in JMCH, 234 died (72% male) with CFR of 0.06. Highest deaths occurred between 61 to 70 years. Median duration of disease was 4 days (IQR 2-8days). Acute respiratory distress or pneumonia was most common (53.1%) symptom followed by septicemia (24.6%) at admission. Diabetes mellitus (36.6%), hypertension (24.8%), diabetes with hypertension (11.4%) and chronic kidney diseases (22.4%) were common chronic comorbidities. About 64% cases had thrombocytopenia, and 66.9% had leukocytosis at admission. Many cases had coronary artery diseases, left ventricular failure, post-operative complications, post-partum complications, severe hemoptysis, severe anemia, metabolic encephalopathy, acute myocardial infarction, non-ketotic coma and acute gastroenteritis and SARS-COV2 infection. Conclusions: CoVID19 associated mortality in Assam was low and mostly among elderly with chronic comorbidities. CKD was most significantly associated with mortality. Superimposed bacterial infection at admission contributed to many fatal outcomes in COVID19, thus warranting proper empirical antibiotic.

Studies on the Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Drought Influenced Parameters in Tea (Camellia sp.)

Investigation was conducted at Parry Agro Industries Ltd., Valparai, Coimbatore district in two varieties of tea viz., Assam jat and ATK clone. Totally eighteen treatments with different combinations of 100, 75, 62.5 and 50 per cent of the recommended doses of fertilizers along with DCC and biofertilizers were involved in the study. The DCC at the rate of three and six tonnes ha-1 and biofertilizers viz., VAM, Azospirillum and Phosphobacteria each @ 50 kg ha-1 were given annually. The proline content and epicuticular wax content were generally found to be lower in DCC treated plots than rest of the plots in both Assam jat and ATK clones. The treatments T3, T4, T5, T8, T12 and T16 registered significantly lower proline and epicuticular wax content than estate practices alone at all levels (T1, T6, T10 and T15). Biofertilizers alone (T9, T`3, T17 and T18) did not affect the proline content in both the varieties during both the years. In both the varieties, T3 and T5 showed the maximum relative water content, transpiration rate and stomatal conductance closely followed by T8 and T16 that received higher level of DCC when compared to estate practice alone.

An Inter District Analysis of Public Healthcare Infrastructure Disparities in Assam.

Background: Sufficient and quality healthcare services are basic requirement for overall development of a nation. Public healthcare infrastructure is one of the major determinants of health outcomes in a country, and public healthcare services have a considerable impact on people's health status. The rural population primarily relies on public healthcare services. Assam is not an exception in this regard, where the insufficiency of public healthcare services is still an issue. 86 % of the population of Assam lives in rural areas. Objectives: The present work attempts to study the inter-district variation regarding public health infrastructure in 33 districts of Assam. Methods: The Inter district variation is estimated with a composite index of public health infrastructure. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) is adopted to construct a composite index using nine health infrastructure indicators. Results: The study has observed variations in health infrastructure among the various districts of Assam, reflecting the shortage of health infrastructure-physical and human in rural and remote areas of the state. The study finds inter-district variations in the state.

Molecular detection of drug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum mutants in Assam

Background & objectives: The spread of drug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum ( Pf) poses a serious threat to the control and elimination of malaria. The objective of this study was to detect the molecular biomarkers of antimalarial drug resistance in Pf in patients visiting a tertiary care hospital in Assam. Methods: Malaria was first detected in fever cases using microscopy and a rapid diagnostic test (RDT), and then confirmed using PCR. Pf chloroquine resistance transporter (Pfcrt), Pf multidrug resistance-1 (Pfmdr-1), and single-nucleotide polymorphisms linked to delayed parasite clearance after treatment with artemisinin MAL 10-688956 and MAL 13-1718319 and Kelch-13 propeller (PfK-13) genes were evaluated by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). Results: Sixty nine cases of malaria were found among 300 cases of fever. Of these, 54 were positive for Pf, 47 of which were confirmed by PCR. Pfcrt-K76T mutation was seen in 96.6 per cent and Pfmdr1-N86Y mutation in 84.2 per cent of cases. Mutation was not detected in MAL10 and MAL13 genes. Sequence analysis of Kelch-13 gene showed the presence of a novel mutation at amino acid position 675. Statistically, no significant association was found between the molecular biomarkers and demographic profile, clinical presentation and outcome of the cases. Interpretation & conclusions: Molecular surveillance is essential to assess the therapeutic efficacy of the drugs against circulating Pf isolates in Assam which are found to be highly resistant to CQ. The role of the new mutation found in the Kelch-13 gene in the development of artemisinin resistance in Assam needs to be thoroughly monitored in future research.

Genetic Hemoglobin Disorders Among the People of Assam-A Tertiary Care Hospital Based Study

Background: Genetic hemoglobin diseases like hemoglobinopathies and thalassemia are prevalent worldwide. In India also, among the people of Assam, there is a high prevalence rate of these genetic blood disorders like HbE, HbS, beta thalassemia minor, beta thalassemia major, and compound HbE-beta-thalassemia. Assam is a hot spot for homozygous and heterozygous HbE. Also, beta thalassemia is encountered among the people of this region of India. With such knowledge of prevalence, the study was done to get more knowledge about the scenario of genetic hemoglobin disease. Methodology: Blood samples were collected from suspected anemic cases attending the tertiary care hospital within 2 years. The diagnosis of the Hb variants was done using a High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) based Hemoglobin typing machine and the Complete Blood Count (CBC) was estimated using the automated Cell Counter. Results: It was observed that out of the total 1118 cases tested, 698 (62.43%) were positive for Hb variants like ?-thalassemia minor (16.99%), ?-thalassemia major (2.32%), Hb E heterozygous (22%), Hb E homozygous (6.62%), Sickle cell trait (3.04%), Sickle cell disease (1.69%), Compound Hb E-? thalassemia (9.66%) and Compound Hb S-? thalassemia (0.1%). Conclusion: In Assam, the HbE variant is mostly prevalent among the Ahoms, Boro, and Kachari individuals, and sickle cell cases are mostly found among the people from the tea garden community. With such a high prevalence rate in the Assamese population of Assam, steps should be taken to curb this genetic disease. The prevalence of this inherited hemoglobin disease can be reduced by implementing awareness programs, imparting genetic counseling, and conducting screening programs. Properly designed community-based studies are required as a health priority to curb genetic blood disorders

Cohort profile of the largest health & demographic surveillance system (Dibrugarh-HDSS) from North-East India

Dibrugarh Health and Demographic Surveillance System (Dibrugarh-HDSS), was started in the year 2019 with the objective to create the health and demographic database of a population from a defined geographical area and a surveillance system for providing technical assistance for the implementation of programmes and formulating intervention strategies for reducing disease morbidities and mortalities in the population. Dibrugarh-HDSS adopted a panel design and covered 60 contiguous villages and 20 tea gardens. Line listing of all the households was conducted and a unique identification number detailing State, district, village/tea garden and serial number was provided along with geotagging. Detailed sociodemographic variables, anthropometric measurements (subjects ?five years) and blood pressure data (subjects ?18 yr), disease morbidity and mortality were collected. All data were collected in pre-designed and pre-tested questionnaires using a mobile application package developed for this purpose. Dibrugarh-HDSS included a total of 106,769 individuals (rural: 46,762, tea garden: 60,007) with 52,934 males (49.6%) and 53,835 females (50.4%). The number of females per thousand males were significantly higher (1042 in tea garden vs. 985 in rural populations) in the tea-garden community as compared to the village population. More than one-third (35.1%) of tea populations were illiterate compared to the rural population (17.1%). Villagers had significantly higher body mass index than the tea-garden community. The overall prevalence of hypertension (adjusted for age) was 29.4 vs. 28.2 per cent, respectively, for the village and tea-garden population. For both these communities, males (village=30.8%, tea garden=31.1%) showed a higher prevalence of hypertension (adjusted for age) than females (village=28.2%, tea garden=25.8%). The findings of the present study give an insight into the profile of the native rural and tea-garden populations that will help to identify risk factors of different health problems, review the effectiveness of different ongoing programmes, implement intervention strategies for reducing morbidity and mortality and assist the State health authorities in prioritizing their resource allocation and implementation strategies.

Molecular epidemiology of Japanese encephalitis in pigs and risk factors associated with causing Japanese encephalitis in pigs of Lakhimpur, the first case reported in the district of North East India

Background & objectives: Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a major public health problem in India. The first outbreaks of JE have been reported from the North-eastern regions of Assam, particularly from the Lakhimpur district of Assam between July–August 1989. In Assam every year many people died due to JE. This study was performed to investigate the molecular epidemiology of JE in pigs in Lakhimpur district of Assam and the risk factors associated with causing Japanese encephalitis in pigs. This study will help to map out the endemic regions and to know where and when to apply the most control strategies towards the prevention and control of the disease. Methods: A total of 342 serum samples from pigs were collected from 10 organized and 20 unorganized farms from 9 blocks and recorded to age, sex and breed and tested by RT-PCR. Pig farms and the surrounding environment were studied for assessment of farm-level risk factors responsible for JEV infection in pigs. Results: Out of 342 samples tested for detection of the E gene of JEV, 14 samples were found to be positive with a prevalence rate of 4.09%. Age, sex and breed-wise higher cases were found in at the age group above 12 months, sex wise female and breed-wise local pigs. Pig farms less than 500 meters from risk factors like rice field, stagnant water source, wild bird exposure to farm and mosquito exposure at farm/ bite to pigs, found to be more numbers of JE cases. Interpretation & conclusion: Molecular epidemiology of JE in pigs, and humans; positive at Lakhimpur recommend the need for uninterrupted surveillance of this virus in pigs specially those areas where pig population is more and all risk factors are present.

Correlates of Breastfeeding in Villages and Tea-Gardens in Assam, India

Objective: To observe and compare breastfeeding practices in villages and tea-gardens. Methods: Analytical cross-sectional study among mothers of infants in a health and demographic surveillance site in Dibrugarh, Assam. Results: 1435 mothers (855 from teagardens, 580 from villages); and 1437 infants (857 from tea-gardens, 580 from villages), were included in study. Mean maternal age was 25.1 (4.4) years in tea-gardens and 25.8 (4.9) years in villages. Timely initiation of breastfeeding was higher in villages (82.6%) than teagardens (76.4%). Feeding colostrum was higher in villages (71.2%) than tea-gardens (60.8%). Discussion: Factors affecting breastfeeding were different in villages and teagardens. Timely initiation of breastfeeding was associated with nuclear family in villages and joint family in tea-gardens. Hence, interventions promoting breastfeeding practices should be tailored instead of one-size-fits-all approach.

Genetic diversity analysis of specialty glutinous and low-amylose rice (Oryza sativa L.) landraces of Assam based on Wx locus and microsatellite diversity

The sticky rice of Assam is traditionally classified as bora (glutinous) and chokuwa (semi-glutinous) basedon their stickiness after cooking. The Waxy (Wx) gene encodes for granule-bound starch synthase (GBSS)that controls the synthesis of amylose, which is a key determinant of rice end-use quality attributes. In thisreport, we analysed the level of variation in grain quality traits in a collection of bora and chokuwacultivars, and examined the nucleotide diversity at the Wx locus of selected rice accessions to identify thepossible cause of low-amylose in these rice cultivar groups. The Wx gene sequencing from 24 bora andchokuwa cultivars revealed several nucleotide variations that can explain the variation in the amylosephenotypes. The nucleotide polymorphisms in the downstream intron regions were similar to those reportedin Bangladeshi Beruin cultivars. Among the Wx polymorphisms, the CTn microsatellite in exon 1 and G/TSNP in intron 1 (G/T-Int1) should be considered for marker assisted breeding involving bora cultivars. TheWx gene tree, classified the bora accessions possessing the G/T-Int1 SNP as japonicas. However, clusteranalysis using microsatellite markers classified the bora and chokuwa cultivars as indica, and intermediateof indica-aus. The findings of this study supplemented our understanding on the evolution of the Wx geneunder human selection. The results will assist plant breeders to effectively improve the bora and chokuwalandraces.

Home-based newborn care voucher initiative in Assam: An evaluation

Background: An innovative home-based newborn care (HBNC) voucher system has been introduced in Assam to improve home visits of accredited social health activists (ASHAs), make them more accountable, and empower the community. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of HBNC voucher initiative in Assam. Methods: A mixed methodology study was conducted in 2018 including 4 districts of Assam. A quantitative study was done among a sample of 836 lactating mothers by interviewing them through house-to-house visits. A qualitative study was done by in-depth interview of various health-care service providers. Results: Of 836 lactating mothers, 65% received HBNC voucher; 45.6% received at the time of discharge, and 5.3% during antenatal care. The purpose of HBNC vouchers as a tool of validating ASHAs' home visits was explained to only 14.5% of lactating mothers. Examination of newborn (44.6%), counseling on breastfeeding (57.1%), counseling on care of baby (39.2%), and counseling on immunization (49.2%) were the services commonly provided by ASHA during HBNC visits. Voucher system improved incentive payment system, but uninterrupted supply was a problem area as stated by ASHAs. Auxiliary nurse midwives and ASHA supervisors told that voucher system had improved ASHA home visits, payment system, and increased identification of danger signs of newborns. Conclusions: HBNC voucher system as an innovative approach was found to be effective. Coverage of services varied among different districts. Uninterrupted supply of the vouchers, periodic resensitization of health workers on its use, and increasing awareness among the community is needed to be sustained.

Factors associated with inter-district variation of maternal mortality in Assam

Background: Maternal mortality is an important indicator of the health and socioeconomic status of a nation. Assam has the highest maternal mortality ratio (MMR) in the country. Although maternal death is a biomedical event, the contributory factors are many. Objectives: The objectives of the study were to assess the role of demographic, socioeconomic, nutritional, health service availability, and utilization indicators in inter-district variation of maternal mortality in Assam. Materials and Methods: We conducted an analysis of maternal mortality using district-level secondary data of 27 districts of Assam. The dependent variable was the MMR, while independent variables were demographic, socioeconomic, nutritional, health service availability, and utilization indicators. Pearson correlation and linear regression analysis were done to assess the relationship between MMR and 14 indicators at the district level using SPSS version 20. Results: MMR decreased linearly with increase in proportion of rural population and accounted for 20% variability (P = 0.018). Proportion of households with access to safe drinking water had a significant negative linear association with MMR and accounted for 27% of variability (P = 0.005). MMR increased linearly with increase in proportion of pregnant women with anemia at the district level (P = 0.019). Community health centers (CHCs) per million populations were found to have a negative linear association with MMR and accounted for 15% of variability in MMR at the district level. Conclusions: Proportion of rural population, households with access to safe drinking water, pregnant women with anemia, and CHCs per million populations were associated with inter-district variation of maternal mortality in Assam.

Survey and documentation of anthelmintic plants used in traditional medicine system of tribal communities of Udalguri district of Assam, India

The present study was aimed to survey and document the anthelmintic medicinal plants traditionally used by the tribalcommunities of Udalguri district of Assam. The survey was conducted in different villages of the district followinga face-to-face interview and a readymade questionnaire. The study found that a total of 75 plant species belonging to67 genera and 44 plant families were used as deworming agents. The result showed that Andrographis paniculata,Ananas comosus, Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides, and Centella asiatica were the most popular plant species. Acanthaceaefamily was found to be most common among the traditional healers. The leaves were found to be commonly used plantparts for herbal preparation. Decoction, infusion, and raw preparations were found to be the most commonly usedtraditional formulation methodologies. The present study could be used to identify the potential anthelmintic plantsand in designing new anthelmintic drug having better property and efficacy

Pathology of Wild Strain (DP/As-Km/0019) of Duck Plague Virus Infection Revived in Ducklings

Duck plague is an acute highly contagious disease of duck, geese and swan of all ages caused by Anatid Herpesvirus-1. The disease is characterized by significant decrease in growth, egg production and sudden death along with high morbidity and mortality which results into significant economic losses in duck industry. In present study, the pathology of wild strain (DP/As-Km/0019) of duck plague virus (DPV) was experimentally studied in 2 months old ducklings. The prominent clinical signs observed were depression, loss of appetite, greenish diarrhoea, ruffled feathers, nasal discharge, lacrimation and pasted eyelids with periorbital ring formation. The significant gross lesions were observed in spleen, oesophagus, liver, heart, brain and intestine. Vascular and degenerative changes like congestion, haemorrhages, necrosis and diphtheritic membrane formation were noticed in various parenchymatous organs. Microscopically, focal to diffuse areas of haemorrhages, coagulative necrosis, and fatty changes in liver, focal emphysema in lungs, formation of diphtheritic membrane on the mucosal surface along with presence of numerous infiltrating cells in oesophagus were recorded. Presence of Anatid Herpesvirus-1 viral DNA in liver and spleen tissue samples was detected by PCR.

Menstrual hygiene: knowledge and practices during menstruation among adolescent girls in urban slums of Jorhat district, Assam, India

Background: Menstruation is still clouded by taboos and socio-cultural restrictions resulting in adolescent girls remaining ignorant of the facts of menstruation and hygienic practices, which sometimes results in adverse health outcomes. The present study was carried out to assess the knowledge and practices regarding menstrual hygiene, to find out the disorders during menstruation and to determine the factors associated with existing practices of menstrual hygiene among adolescent girlsMethods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in two randomly selected urban slums of Jorhat district from March to August 2017 among 110 adolescent girls using predesigned pretested proforma. Data were analyzed using SPSS; association was determined using chi-square test with Yates correction or Fisher’s exact test, as appropriate.Results: 47.27% girls were aware about menstruation prior to menarche. Mother was the first informant in 65.38% of them. 69.09% were ignorant about the source of menstrual bleeding. Sanitary pads were used by 59.09% of girls. Majority (97.27%) practiced some form of restriction during menstruation. Dysmenorrhoea was the most common complaint (53.63%). Type of absorbent used was significantly associated with literacy status of girls and their mothers, socio-economic status, religion and prior knowledge about menstruation. Educational status of girls and their mothers were also significantly associated with satisfactory cleaning of external genitalia during menstruation.Conclusions: Ignorance and unsafe practices regarding menstruation, menstruation related problems and traditional beliefs and restrictions are quite common among adolescent girls in urban slums. Literacy status and awareness are the most important factors affecting the menstrual behaviours

A demographic study of urolithiasis in patients attending tertiary urological hospital in Dibrugarh, Assam, India

Background: Urolithiasis is a common disease entity seen in medical practice. Various studies from different areas of the world indicates higher male preponderance. Our study was done to find out the gender, age and area of distribution of Urolithiasis in a tertiary urology centre in upper Assam.Methods: Our study was a retrospective study done between January 2018 to June 2018. Data was collected from the records. A total of 1041 patients were examined during this period, out of which 307 patients were diagnosed and treated for urolithiasis.Results: Out of 307 patients, 228 were males and 79 were females. Male to female ratio was 2.9:1. The maximum number of patients in the age group was between 30-39 years. Majority of the patients were from the Dibrugarh district of upper Assam. Most of the positive urolithiasis cases was fund in patients consuming a non-vegetarian diet.Conclusions: Urolithiasis is a disease with preponderance in adult males. Geographical distribution, age and diet are factors that affect the occurrence of the disease.

Bioassay and molecular study for detection of insecticide resistance dengue causing mosquito vectors

Nowadays, dengue infection creates a major problem across the country. The vector species carrying dengue infection has progressively started to developed resistance against most of the currently used insecticides. Hence, a study was carried out in dengue-endemic areas of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh to find the current situation of insecticide susceptibility status of dengue vectors. Based on the previous history of dengue incidence, Aedes mosquitoes were collected from Dibrugarh, Kamrup, Sivasagar, Tezpur and Tinsukia districts in Assam and Pasighat district in Arunachal Pradesh to test the insecticide resistance status through bioassay and molecular methods. The WHO standard bioassay test kits were used to detect insecticide susceptibility status among dengue vectors. In molecular study, allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method was done for the detection of mutations in paratype voltage-gated sodium channel gene of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. In bioassay method, 100% A. aegypti mosquitoes were found to be resistant towards dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), 8% towards pyrethroid and 4% towards malathion. Similarly, 92% A. albopictus mosquitoes have shown resistance competency towards DDT, 12% towards pyrethroid and 8% towards malathion. In allele-specific PCR methods, V1016G heterozygous mutations were detected from the field collected A. aegypti and A. albopictus mosquitoes of Tinsukia, Dibrugarh and Sivasagar district. Similarly, F1534C heterozygous mutations were observed from A. aegypti mosquitoes of Tezpur, Tinsukia and Sivasagar district and A. albopictus mosquitoes of Tinsukia, Dibrugarh and Sivasagar district. From the study, it was concluded that the Aedes mosquitoes have progressively started to developed resistance towards commonly used insecticides.

Serotyping of dengue viruses circulating during 2014–2015 in Assam, India

Dengue has become endemic in India with outbreaks caused by all the four serotypes occurring almost every year. Dengue cases have been increasing alarmingly in Assam also. This study aimed to identify the dengue serotypes circulating in Assam. Clinically suspected dengue fever cases were included in the study. Viral RNA was extracted using QIAamp Viral RNA Mini Kit (Qiagen). Nested reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was done for serotyping. The frequency of dengue was 25.23% with a peak during the period from September (22.56%) to October (26.22%). Two serotypes were detected, DEN-1 (72.7%) and DEN-2 (12.1%) and dual infection in 15.1%.