Clinico-mycological validation of dermatophytosis severity score and its correlation with patient-reported outcome measures.

BACKGROUND: Dermatophytosis impacts a significant portion of the global population. Recent shifts in the disease's presentation, severity and response to treatment, primarily due to emerging drug resistance, underscore the need for reliable assessment tools. The Dermatophytosis Severity Score (DSS) aims to standardise the evaluation of the disease's severity and monitor therapeutic responses. METHODS: In a cross-sectional pilot study, 25 adults with clinically diagnosed dermatophytosis were evaluated using the DSS. The study also aimed to establish the correlation of DSS with different stages of treatment, dermatophyte species and patient-reported outcomes. Participants were recruited from a dermatology outpatient clinic, and the DSS was applied at baseline, Weeks 4 and 8. The validity and reliability of the DSS were assessed using statistical measures, including Cronbach's alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient. RESULTS: The study comprised of a near-equal distribution of male (52%) and female (48%) patients, primarily within the age group of 20-39 years. A high recurrence rate of dermatophytosis (60%) was noted, and more than half of the patients (56%) had used topical steroids before presentation. The mean DSS significantly decreased from baseline to the final visit, mirroring the substantial reduction in the 5D itch scale and Dermatology Life Quality Index, with strong positive correlations observed between these measures. CONCLUSION: The DSS demonstrated high inter-rater reliability and internal consistency, indicating its utility as a reliable clinical tool for assessing dermatophytosis severity. The strong correlation of DSS with itch intensity and quality of life validates its role in patient-centered care. Continued use and further validation of the DSS are recommended to enhance dermatophytosis management and treatment outcomes.

Active Symptom-Based Surveillance of Adverse Events Following Immunization Among Individuals Vaccinated with ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 Coronavirus Vaccine in a Tertiary Hospital of Kerala.

BACKGROUND: The reports on adverse experiences following vaccination are scanty from India. It is important to know the real-world post-vaccination experience outside of clinical trial conditions. OBJECTIVES: The study aims to estimate the incidence of adverse events following immunization with the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 coronavirus vaccine and to identify the predictors for the development of vaccine adverse events. METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted among health care workers who received the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 coronavirus vaccine. Study participants were monitored at the site for 30 min following vaccination and were followed up for 7 days after receiving the second dose, with a purpose-specific designed online surveillance form to enquire about any adverse events following vaccination. We used the Chi-squared test for categorical variables and multivariate regression analysis to identify predictors for the development of vaccine adverse effects. RESULTS: Of 411 participants, the mean age was 30.77 ± 12.5 years and 76.2% were females. Overall, 207 (50.4%) respondents reported at least one post-vaccination symptom receiving either dose of coronavirus vaccination. Fever (34.8%), local pain at the injection site (28.0%), tiredness (25.5%), chills (20%), myalgia (18.7%), headache (17.8%), injection site stiffness (5.4%), joint pain (4.6%) and nausea-vomiting (3.8%) were the most prevalent symptoms following the first dose. Adverse reactions reported after the second dose were milder and less frequent. Postvaccination symptoms were more likely in the younger age group, those with comorbidity particularly, bronchial asthma , and a history of allergy to food/drugs. CONCLUSION: All the adverse reactions were of a minor type and non-serious. Side effects were less common in older adults (>60 years). Reactions to the second dose were lesser in intensity and frequency. Younger age, history of allergy, and comorbidities, particularly asthma, were found to be major predictors for the development of adverse events and require more watchful vaccine administration.

Genotyping of multi drug resistant Bacteroides fragilis group of clinical isolates from mangalore, south India.

INTRODUCTION: Bacteroides fragilis group, the most encountered anaerobic bacterium is emerging with resistance to antibiotics. This study explores the antibiogram and occurrence of resistance genes in isolates of B fragilis group from clinical samples. METHOD: In this study the antimicrobial susceptibility test was done using commercially available E strip test and the results were recorded according to CLSI guidelines. Genotypic investigations were performed by conventional PCR to detect the target resistant genes. RESULTS: Ceftriaxone, cefoxitin, clindamycin and imipenem were found to be the most resistant antimicrobials in E test method. Metronidazole has shown resistance in 7 strains in vitro while resistance nim genes were detected in 12 strains from 62 randomly selected isolates. Other resistance genes (cfiA, ermF and cepA) were expressed at 58%, 62.9% and 48.3% respectively, among these strains. CONCLUSION: B fragilis group harbouring the resistant genes may not be fully expressed phenotypically. Hence, detection of these genes by PCR might be necessary for a pertinent conclusion.

HIV-TB co-infection with clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, outcome and its relation to CD4 count, a cross-sectional study in a tertiary care hospital in coastal Karnataka.

INTRODUCTION: Tuberculosis (TB) is the leading killer and the commonest opportunistic infection (OI) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected individuals with 0.3 million deaths in 2017. When HIV and TB co-infection occurs, they form a deadly combination with each accelerating the progression of the other, resulting in increased morbidity and mortality. AIM AND OBJECTIVES: To study the demographic pattern, clinical presentation, opportunistic infections, radiological and laboratory profile, management, and outcome of HIV-TB coinfected individuals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective cross-sectional study was carried out on confirmed HIV cases already diagnosed with TB and those newly detected with TB after admission, where diagnosis was carried out following standard operative procedures. RESULTS: In our study of 58 HIV-TB co-infected individuals, 40-50 years was the most common age group affected. Males were affected more with majority being married. The most common presentation was fever (67%) followed by gastrointestinal symptoms. Majority of TB cases were newly diagnosed (65.5%), with predominance of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) (n = 35) followed by those having only extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) (n = 12) and both (n = 11). TB was diagnosed by microscopy in 32.7%, while radiologically, chest X-ray was most common (36.2%). Also, 50% were infected with other OIs where oral candidiasis was the most common (37.93%). The overall mean CD4 count was 220 cells/µL and those with EPTB had lesser CD4 counts than those with PTB. All were on DOTS regimen and majority showed improvement. CONCLUSION: In a country like India where both these diseases are rampant, we recommend better information, education, understanding and awareness for prevention, care, early diagnosis, and treatment of these two notorious infectious diseases with prevention of relapse and default of TB cases in HIV-TB co-infected individuals a priority.

Clinico-microbiological analysis of toxigenic clostridium difficile from hospitalised patients in a tertiary care hospital, Mangalore, Karnataka, India.

Purpose: Prevalence of Clostridium difficile, an anaerobic, Gram-positive, spore-forming bacillus, is very much underestimated in India. The present study was intended to assess the burden of toxigenic C. difficile in hospitalised patients with clinically significant diarrhoea and analysis of their clinical picture. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care teaching hospital, South India, from January 2012 to December 2014. Stool samples were collected consecutively from 563 inpatients from various wards. The prevalence of toxigenic C. difficile was determined by toxigenic culture and a two-step algorithm. The clinical spectrum of these patients was also analysed. Associated pathogens were identified using standard procedures. Statistical analysis was done by frequency, percentage, Chi-square test and z-test. Results: Out of the 563 stool samples analysed, the prevalence of toxigenic C. difficile was 12.79% and that of non-toxigenic C. difficile was 10.83%. The prevalence of toxigenic C. difficile among oncology patients was highly significant (HS). Antibiotic treatment, prolonged hospital stay and underlying diseases/conditions were the risk factors which were HS, and fever was the significant clinical feature among the patients. Escherichia coli was the predominant associated pathogen isolated (18.47%). Conclusion: The presence of toxigenic C. difficile in our locality is a matter of concern. Constant supervision, appropriate treatment and preventive measures are crucial in controlling C. difficile infection.

Ulcerative cutaneous lesions in the plantar aspect of foot owing to Schizophyllum commune.

Schizophyllum commune is an emerging basidiomycetous fungus increasingly reported attributing pulmonary infections. However, the involvement of S. commune in primary cutaneous ulcerative lesions in humans has not yet been reported. The aetiology of S. commune in wound infection may be overlooked or misdiagnosed. This may be due to the atypical colony morphology, lack of sporulation, and familiarity with this fungus as well as the difficulty in accurate identification. We report here the first case of an ulcerative cutaneous infection caused by S. commune in the plantar aspect of foot in a healthy individual. Skin grafting was performed and the wound healed completely.

Comparative analysis of virulence factors & biotypes of Gardnerella vaginalis isolated from the genital tract of women with & without bacterial vaginosis.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: : Bacterial vaginosis (BV) involves the presence of a thick vaginal multispecies biofilm, where Gardnerella vaginalis is the predominant species. The reason for an increase in the number of G. vaginalis which are usually present as normal flora of the female genital tract in cases of BV, is not known. Hence, the objective of the present study was to compare the biotypes and virulence factors of G. vaginalis isolated from the genital tract of women with and without BV. METHODS: : High vaginal swabs collected from 811 women of reproductive age were cultured. G. vaginalis isolates were biotyped and tested for adherence to vaginal epithelial cells, biofilm formation, agglutination of human red blood cells (RBCs), protease production, phospholipase production and surface hydrophobicity. RESULTS: : Of the isolates from women with BV, 83.3 per cent (60/72) showed good adherence, 78.4 per cent (58/74) produced biofilm, 82.9 per cent (63/76) produced phospholipase, 67.1 per cent (51/76) produced protease, 77.3 per cent (58/75) were positive for surface hydrophobicity and 61.6 per cent (45/73) were positive for haemagglutination of human RBC. In case of G. vaginalis from non-BV women, 25 per cent (15/60) isolates showed good adherence, 18.4 per cent (9/49) biofilm production, 35 per cent (21/60) phospholipase, 36.6 per cent (22/60) protease, 41.7 per cent (25/60) surface hydrophobicity and 10.1 per cent (6/59) agglutination of human RBCs. Maximum number of isolates belonged to biotypes 6, 2 and 3. Biotype 3 was more associated with non-BV rather than BV; biotype 6, 2 and 1 were more associated with cases of BV. Maximum virulence factors were expressed by biotypes 6, 2 and 1. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS: : Virulence factors were more expressed by G. vaginalis isolates obtained from women with BV rather than from non-BV. Biotypes 6, 2 and 1 were more associated with cases of BV and expressed maximum virulence factors.

Seroprevalence of HIV-2 and dual infection among HIV-infected individuals with clinical and laboratory features at a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital, Mangalore: The present scenario.

Introduction: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) belongs to the Genus Lentiviruses and is made up of two main types HIV-1 and HIV-2 which are the causative agents of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). It is well documented that HIV-1 infection is predominantly found, but HIV-2 infection has also been detected occasionally now and then. Objective: The objective of this study is to determine the seroprevalence of HIV-2 and dual infection in HIV-infected individuals along with the clinical presentation, co-infections, laboratory profile, and outcome of these patients. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital for 2 years from August 2013 to July 2015, after obtaining approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee. Patients confirmed having HIV infection, as per the National AIDS Control Organization guidelines were included in the study. The sociodemographic pattern along with clinico-laboratory details and outcome were noted. Results and Discussion: In the present study, out of a total of 214 confirmed HIV-infected individuals, 2.8% (n = 6) were HIV-2 and 1.4% (n = 3) were dual infected where 40-50 years age group were most commonly affected. Males were more commonly affected than females in a ratio of 8:1. The most common presentation was fever (n = 5) followed by gastrointestinal (n = 5) symptoms. The most common opportunistic infection (OI) was tuberculosis (TB) (n = 4) followed by oral candidiasis (n = 2). Majority had anemia (n = 5) with raised erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Furthermore, majority (n = 7) showed improvement on discharge, whereas two (n = 2) left against medical advice and outcome is unknown. Conclusion: We conclude that the incidence of HIV-2 and dual infection does occur in our setup with males of older age group being more commonly affected where TB is the most common OI. Hence, clinicians should keep in mind that HIV-2 infection does occur and differentiating as HIV-1, HIV-2, or dual infection is important, to provide appropriate treatment which will result in decreased morbidity and mortality rates.

RésuméIntroduction: Le virus de l'immunodéficience humaine (VIH) appartient au genre Lentivirus et se compose de deux types principaux VIH-1 et VIH-2 qui sont les agents responsables du syndrome d'immunodéficience acquise (SIDA). Il est bien documenté que l'infection à VIH-1 est principalement retrouvée, mais Une infection par le VIH-2 a également été détectée à l'occasion de temps en temps. Objectif: L'objectif de cette étude est de déterminer la séroprévalence de VIH-2 et double infection chez les personnes infectées par le VIH ainsi que le tableau clinique, les co-infections, le profil de laboratoire et les résultats de ceux-ci les patients. Matériels et méthodes: Cette étude transversale descriptive a été réalisée dans un hôpital universitaire pour soins tertiaires pendant deux ans à compter du Août 2013 à juillet 2015, après approbation du comité d'éthique de l'établissement. Les patients confirmés infectés par le VIH, conformément au Les directives des organisations nationales de lutte contre le sida ont été incluses dans l'étude. Le schéma sociodémographique ainsi que les détails clinico-laboratoires et les résultats ont été notés. Résultats et discussion: Dans la présente étude, sur un total de 214 personnes confirmées infectées par le VIH, 2,8% (n = 6) ont été Le VIH-2 et 1,4% (n = 3) étaient bi-infectés, le groupe d'âge de 40 à 50 ans étant le plus souvent affecté. Les hommes étaient plus souvent touchés que les femmes dans un rapport de 8: 1. La présentation la plus courante était la fièvre (n = 5) suivie des symptômes gastro-intestinaux (n = 5). Le plus commun l'infection opportuniste (OI) était la tuberculose (TB) (n = 4) suivie de la candidose orale (n = 2). La majorité avait une anémie (n = 5) avec érythrocyte élevé taux de sédimentation. De plus, la majorité (n = 7) a présenté une amélioration à la sortie, alors que deux (n = 2) sont partis contre l'avis d'un médecin et les résultats. est inconnu. Conclusion: nous concluons que l'incidence de l'infection à VIH-2 et de la double infection se produit effectivement dans notre structure, les hommes de plus communément touchés, où la tuberculose est l'IO la plus courante. Par conséquent, les cliniciens doivent garder à l'esprit que l'infection à VIH-2 se produit et en raison de l'importance du VIH-1, du VIH-2 ou de la double infection, le traitement approprié doit permettre de réduire les taux de morbidité et de mortalité.

A sporadic outbreak of Burkholderia cepacia complex bacteremia in pediatric intensive care unit of a tertiary care hospital in coastal Karnataka, South India.

Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC) is a significant opportunistic pathogen in hospitalized and immunocompromised patients, particularly in cystic fibrosis. It is widely distributed in natural habitats such as soil and water and frequently encountered in nosocomial outbreaks due to contaminated disinfectants and medical devices. However reports on outbreaks due to this organism are lacking from the Indian subcontinent. We report here a sporadic outbreak due to BCC which occurred in the pediatric Intensive Care Unit of our institute, the probable source being contaminated distilled water. The isolate from three babies and environmental sources including distilled water were identical and confirmed as BCC. Strict infection control measures were instituted to prevent the spread of infection. This report highlights the potential role of B.cepacia in causing sporadic outbreaks especially in ICUs, associated with water.

Prevalence of clostridium difficile among paediatric patients in a tertiary care hospital, coastal karnataka, South India.

INTRODUCTION: The study was intended to analyse the burden of Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) and associated intestinal pathogens from children with diarrhoea who were hospitalized in a tertiary care teaching hospital of South India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Stool samples from 138 children with diarrhoea belonging to the age group 0-14 years were analysed by semi quantitative culture, latex agglutination and enzyme immunoassay for C. difficile. The associated intestinal pathogens were also detected from the specimens by standard procedures. RESULTS: Stool samples of 138 children were tested during the period; 21 (15.22%) samples were culture positive for C. difficile and the isolates were confirmed by biochemical reactions. 9(6.52%) were positive by latex agglutination. EIA for C. difficile toxins A and B was done on all the stool specimens and 15 were found to be positive (10.87 %). According to the reference standard method employed in our study, 4 toxigenic C. difficile isolates (2.90%) were obtained from 138 specimens. Among the other intestinal pathogens, Escherichia coli predominated (22.46%). Rota virus was detected in 7.27% stool samples of children under the age of five years. CONCLUSION: The study shows the prevalence of C. difficile in hospitalized children in our locality which highlights the importance of judicious use of antibiotics and strict infection control measures.

Comparative Evaluation of Four Phenotypic Tests for Detection of Metallo-ß-Lactamase and Carbapenemase Production in Acinetobacter baumannii.

INTRODUCTION: Acinetobacter baumannii is an emerging multi-drug resistant opportunistic pathogen that causes a variety of nosocomial infections. In recent years, carbapenem resistance in A.baumannii has increased due to Ambler class B Metallo ß-lactamases or class D OXA Carbapenemases. OBJECTIVE: The present study was undertaken to detect and compare the various phenotypic methods for MBL production in nosocomial A.baumannii isolates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred sixty eight A.baumannii isolates were subjected to disc diffusion assay. Imipenem resistant isolates were subjected to 4 different phenotypic tests. MBL screening was done by Imipenem-EDTA double disc synergy test, Imipenem-EDTA combined disc test, Modified Hodge test and MBL E-test. RESULTS: Out of 168 A.baumannii isolates, 85 (50.59%) were imipenem resistant. Among these 85 isolates, 57 (67.05%) were MBL positive by DDST, 69 (81.18%) by CDT, 85 (100%) by MHT and all these 85 isolates were confirmed to be MBL positive by MBL E-test method. CONCLUSION: Combined disc test, Modified Hodge test & E-test are equally effective to detect MBL production. However, considering the cost constraints of E-test, simple MHT and CDT can be used. They are easy, economical and can be incorporated into routine testing in laboratories to monitor the emergence of MBLs in MDR A.baumannii.

Antibiogram of salmonella isolates from blood with an emphasis on nalidixic Acid and chloramphenicol susceptibility in a tertiary care hospital in coastal karnataka: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Enteric fever is caused by the serotypes Salmonella Typhi, Salmonella Paratyphi A, Salmonella Paratyphi B and Salmonella Paratyphi C. After emergence of multidrug resistant Salmonellae Ciprofloxacin, a fluorquinolone antibiotic was the first-line therapy. Treatment failure was observed with Ciprofloxacin soon and such strains showed in-vitro resistance to Nalidixic acid. Recent reports suggest re-emergence of Chloramphenicol sensitive strains and increasing Nalidixic acid resistance. This study is aimed at detecting the current trend in the antibiogram of Salmonella isolates from blood culture in coastal Karnataka, with an emphasis on antibiotic susceptibility of Nalidixic acid and Chloramphenicol and evaluate, if there is a need to modify the strategies in the antibiotic therapy for enteric fever. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Blood samples received for culture in the laboratory between June 2009 and August 2011 was cultured in Brain Heart infusion broth, bile broth or in a commercial BACTEC culture media. The growth from blood cultures were processed for identification and antibiotic susceptibility as per standard methods. Antibiotic susceptibility for Ampicillin, Trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole, Chloramphenicol, Ciprofloxacin, Ceftriaxone and Nalidixic acid were noted. RESULTS: Out of 9053 blood culture specimens received, Salmonella was isolated from 103 specimens. There were 85 Salmonella Typhi isolates, 16 Salmonella Paratyphi A and two Salmonella Paratyphi B. Salmonella Typhi and Salmonella Paratyphi A showed the highest resistance to Nalidixic acid. Salmonella Typhi showed highest susceptibility to Ceftriaxone and Salmonella Paratyphi A to trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole and Chloramphenicol. Two isolates were multidrug resistant. One Salmonella Paratyphi A was resistant to Ceftriaxone. CONCLUSION: Routine screening of Nalidixic acid susceptibility is practical to predict fluorquinolone resistance in Salmonella and preventing therapeutic failure while treating with it. It is worthwhile to consider replacing fluorquinolones with Chloramphenicol or Ceftriaxone as the first line of therapy for enteric fever. Periodic analysis of Salmonella antibiogram should be done to formulate the best possible treatment strategies.

Spectrum of melioidosis in the suburbs of Mangalore, S West Coast of India.

Melioidosis is an emerging infection in India. Seventeen cases of culture proven melioidosis are reported in this study. The isolation rate was high during the rainy season. Except one case, all the patients had diabetes mellitus as an underlying disease. Eleven patients improved with ceftazidime or combination therapy and maintenance therapy with doxycycline and Cotrimoxazole. The high prevalence of B. pseudomallei in this region is a matter for serious concern.

Comparative evaluation of the antimicrobial efficacy of aloe vera tooth gel and two popular commercial toothpastes: an in vitro study.

Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller) has been suggested for a wide variety of ailments but its use in dentistry is limited. This article reviews the uses of the plant and describes an in vitro investigation that compared the antimicrobial effectiveness of aloe vera tooth gel with two popular, commercially available dentifrices. The preliminary results showed that aloe vera tooth gel and the toothpastes were equally effective against Candida albicans, Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Enterococcus faecalis, Prevotella intermedia, and Peptostreptococcus anaerobius. Aloe vera tooth gel demonstrated enhanced antibacterial effect against S. mitis.

Salmonella Wien from gastroenteritis cases encountered in Mangalore, India: a report of 10 cases and review of the literature.

Ten cases of gastroenteritis due to S. Wien were reported from a tertiary care hospital in Mangalore, in the month of April 2008. Biochemically, it resembles S. Paratyphi B or S. Typhimurium. Serotyping was done at the Central Research Institute, Kasauli, to confirm the identity. The food source is more likely to be chicken or some poultry products. All the 10 cases recovered with symptomatic treatment including antimicrobials like fluoroquinolones. To the best of our knowledge, no documented report is available from India regarding the prevalence of this organism in humans.

Osteomyelitis of the mandible due to Aggregatibacter (Actinobacillus) actinomycetemcomitans.

Aggregatibacter (Actinobacillus) actinomycetemcomitans is a capnoic gram negative coccobacilli known to produce juvenile periodontitis. This organism was isolated in pure culture from an unusual case of osteomyelitis of the mandible. The patient was treated with tetracycline, which is the drug of choice for A. actinomycetemcomitans and the clinical response improved. From our limited review of the literature, it appears that this is the first case of osteomyelitis due to A.actinomycetemcomitans reported in India.

Empyema thoracis due to actinomyces odontolyticus.

Actinomyces odontolyticus has been reported as an opportunistic pathogen causing systemic infections. A case of empyema thoracis due to this organism in a 68-year-old male is reported here. The patient did not have any underlying disease or immunosuppression. The organism was isolated from his oral flora also. Eight cases of thoracopulmonary infections due to A. odontolyticus have been reported from the western countries, but none from India.