MIP vaccine in leprosy: A scoping review and future horizons.

Mycobacterium Indicus Pranii (MIP) vaccine is a killed vaccine developed in India for leprosy with immunotherapeutic as well as immunoprophylactic effects. MIP, earlier known as Mycobacterium welchii, is a rapidly growing non-pathogenic mycobacterium. The novelty of this bacterium is due to its translational application as an immunotherapeutic agent. When administered intradermally, the vaccine induces cell-mediated immunity in the host towards Mycobacterium leprae. It leads to faster clinical and histopathological improvement, rapid bacillary clearance, and also lepromin conversion in anergic leprosy patients. The beneficial role of the MIP vaccine in augmenting the therapeutic efficacy of Multidrug Therapy (MDT), particularly in highly bacillated leprosy patients, is well documented in various studies from India. The role of the vaccine in reactional states is controversial, with varied results in different studies. Overall, it is found to decrease the frequency of type 2 lepra reactions and is useful in recalcitrant erythema nodosum leprosum. Even though there may be an increased likelihood of type 1 reactions, no additional nerve function impairment is attributed to the vaccine in various studies. In household contacts of leprosy who are administered MIP, it is noted to confer protection from disease lasting up to 10 years. It may prove to be a cost-effective strategy in national leprosy programmes. Apart from local injection site reactions, the vaccine is relatively safe, but it is not recommended in pregnancy and lactation. This article provides an overview of the MIP vaccine's clinical application in the context of leprosy spanning over 40 years. It also considers the vaccine's possible future applications in the management of disease-related complications and achieving the long-term goal of zero leprosy.

Clinical and magnetic resonance imaging spectrum of complex perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease: A cohort study from northern India.

BACKGROUND: Fistulizing perianal Crohn's disease (CD) is a debilitating condition associated with significant morbidity and reduction in the quality of life. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pelvis is the preferred imaging modality for the comprehensive assessment of the perianal fistula. There is a paucity of data from India on the MRI spectrum of complex perianal fistula in CD. METHODS: A single-centre cross-sectional analysis of patients with fistulizing perianal CD, who underwent pelvic MRI between January 2020 and December 2021, was performed. The clinical (age, sex, disease duration, disease location and behavior, disease activity [Perianal Disease Activity Index, PDAI] and treatment received) and radiological (number and location of fistulae, extensions, number and location of internal and external openings, fistula activity, presence or absence of perianal abscess and associated proctitis) characteristics of complex perianal fistula (defined according to the American Gastroenterological Association classification) were recorded. RESULTS: Of total 175 patients with CD who attended the gastroenterology clinic during the study period, 27 (15.42%) (mean age 42±15.5 years, 62.96% females and median disease duration four years) had complex perianal fistula and were included in the analysis. The mean PDAI was 5.48±2.53. The median Van Assche Index was 17 (interquartile range [IQR] 13-19). A majority (96.29%) of the fistulae were trans-sphincteric and four (14.81%) fistulae extended into the supralevator space. All fistulae were active on MRI. Concomitant perianal abscess and proctitis were seen in 59.26% (n=16) and 62.96% (n=17) of patients, respectively. Combination therapy with biologics and antibiotics/immune-suppressants were the most commonly prescribed medical therapy. Six (22.22%) patients underwent combined medical and surgical (non-cutting seton, fistulectomy, fecal diversion) treatment. CONCLUSION: The cumulative risk of the development of fistulizing perianal CD in a northern Indian cohort was similar to the western populations. Complex perianal fistulae were predominantly trans-sphincteric and commoner in females. MRI evaluation is pivotal for the delineation of fistula anatomy, assessment of disease extent and activity and the evaluation of concomitant perianal abscess and other complications.

Therapeutic status of hydroxychloroquine in COVID-19: A review.

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), a 4-aminoquinoline, is used worldwide mainly for its role in management of malaria and rheumatoid arthritis. In the present pandemic of coronavirus disease (COVID)-2019, the drug is being repurposed, based on its in vitro evidence of efficacy against coronavirus. There has been a lot of information, for and against the drug, and this review is an effort to bring forth the evidence and current understanding regarding role of HCQ in COVID-19. Clinical studies, case reports, and in vitro studies have generated conflicting results. There are concerns for use of HCQ because of the variable results and the known adverse effects like QT prolongation and hypoglycemia. In the current scenario, recommendations from Indian Council of Medical Research for use of HCQ in the prophylaxis of COVID-19 are being followed.