Molecular-Characterization of Methicillin-Resistance Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) from Different Tertiary Care Hospitals in Bangladesh.

Infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus were treated by methicillin, but about 95% of S. aureus has been resistance to methicillin, both in the community and hospitals and are increasing day by day. MRSA produces altered penicillin binding protein, PBP2a, due to the expression of mecA gene. Some strains of both the MRSA and MSSA carry PVL gene. This cross sectional observational study was conducted to detect the molecular-characterization of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and carried out in the Department of Microbiology, Mymensingh Medical College from July 2014 to December 2015. Clinical samples for this study were wound swab, pus, exudates from diabetic ulcer and burn ulcer, aural swab, blood and urine which were collected from three tertiary care hospitals such as from MMCH, BIRDEM hospital and SSMCH. Standard microbiological procedure & biochemical tests were carried out to detect S. aureus. Oxacillin disk diffusion method (ODDM) was done by Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Out of a total 109 culture positive samples 69 isolates of S. aureus were selected for the study. Among the 69 isolates 33, 27 and 09 were from MMCH, BIRDEM hospital and SSMCH respectively. Among the 69 isolates, 17(24.6%) and 52(75.3%) were distinguished as MRSA and MSSA respectively by ODDM. In contrast, detection of presence and absence of mecA gene by PCR identified 20(28.9%) and 49(71.01%) isolates as MRSA and MSSA respectively. Multiplex PCR was performed by standard protocol with specific primers for detection of 16S rRNA gene for Staphylococcus, nuc gene for Staphylococcus aureus, mecA gene for MRSA, PVL gene as a virulence factor and ACME-arc gene for worldwide spreading USA 300 MRSA clone. The PVL gene were detected in 3 out of 20 MRSA (15%) and 19 out of 49 MSSA (38.7%) and the ACME- arc gene was not found in any isolates. All of the S. aureus (MRSA and MSSA) isolates were sensitive to Vancomycin and Gentamicin. All MRSA isolates (100%) showed resistance to Penicillin and Oxacillin. Of the MRSA isolates about 88.2% were resistance to Ceftazidime, 64.7% were resistance to Erythromycin and Ciprofloxacin, 11.7% were resistance to Tetracycline. Among the MSSA isolates 94.2% were resistance to Penicillin and 9.6% resistance to Ciprofloxacin. The MSSA were less resistance for non-beta lactam drugs than MRSA.

Acute Kidney Injury is More Common in Acute Haemorrhagic Stroke in Mymensingh Medical College Hospital.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication after acute stroke and is an independent predictor of both early and long-term mortality after acute stroke. Acute kidney injury is associated with increased mortality in haemorrhagic stroke patients. This cross sectional observational study was conducted in Nephrology, Neuromedicine and Medicine department of Mymensingh Medical College & Hospital, Mymensingh from July 2012 to June 2014. A total of 240 patients with newly detected acute stroke confirmed by CT scan of brain were included in this study. According to this study, 15.42% of acute stroke patients developed AKI. Among the patients with haemorrhagic stroke 21.87% developed AKI while only 13.07% patients with ischaemic stroke developed AKI. So, early diagnosis and management of AKI in patients with acute stroke especially in haemorrhagic stroke is very important to reduce the morbidity and mortality of these patients.

Association between Metabolic Syndrome and Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI).

To evaluate the biochemical parameters of metabolic syndrome in case of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients this case control study was carried out in the department of Biochemistry, Mymensingh Medical College in collaboration with Department of Cardiology, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh, Bangladesh from July 2012 to June 2013. To assess of serum total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, to estimate of serum glucose and to establish the association of age, sex, BMI, waist circumference, waist hip ratio and blood pressure of myocardial infarction patients. A total of 120 subjects were included in the study. Among them 60 were subjects of AMI cases and another 60 subjects of non AMI patients as controls. Serum total cholesterol, serum triacylglycerol, serum LDL-Cholesterol & serum HDL-Cholesterol were estimated in each sample. All values were expressed as Mean±SD. Statistical significance of difference between case and control were evaluated by using student's unpaired 't' test. All statistical analysis was done by using SPSS windows package. Past history of diabetes Mellitus and hypertension were more common in cases compared to those in control (p<0.001) which was statistically highly significant. There was no significant difference in the history of smoking between case and control. Statistical mean values of serum triacylglycerol, serum FBS, serum total cholesterol were highly significant in AMI patients in comparison to control (p<0.001). Statistical mean value of HDL-C was significantly decreased in AMI patients in contrast to control (p<0.001). In this study systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure were significantly increased in AMI patients in comparison to control (p<0.05). Waist circumference was highly significant in AMI patients in comparison to control (p<0.001). Analyzing the findings of the present study there were significant alteration in lipid profile, blood pressure, fasting blood sugar & WC. These findings reaffirm the clinical importance of the metabolic syndrome as a significant risk factor for AMI. So it may be recommended that estimation of these parameters may help pivotal for better management of AMI.

Rotavirus is Predominent Enteropathogen in Acute Childhood Diarrhea in Mymensingh.

The study was carried out from July 2011 to June 2012 in the Department of Microbiology, Mymensingh Medical College. A total of 200 clinically diagnosed diarrheal paediatrics patients were included in this study. Stool specimens were examined by standard laboratory methods for identification of enteropathogens. Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli strains were detected by Multiplex PCR following standard methods and Rotavirus genome was detected by Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (PAGE). Rotavirus was the most common enteropathogen detected in 69(34.5%) cases, followed by Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli (DEC) and Campylobacter species in 34(17.0%) and 23(11.5%) cases respectively. Rotavirus detection rate was high in upto 1 year age group which was 51(25.5%).

Pattern of Dermatophytes in Patients Attend in Mymensingh Medical College Hospital.

Dermatophytosis is a common fungal disease which involves the keratinized tissue. This is an attempt to observe the spectrum of dermatophytes among the clinically suspected cases of dermatophytosis attending the outpatient department of Dermatology and Venereology, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh during the period of July 2013 to December 2014. Two hundred thirty (230) clinically suspected cases of dermatophytosis were subjected in this study. Sixty three cases (27.39%) were positive for fungus in direct microscopy while 53(23.04%) were culture positive. Among the clinical types tinea unguium was the most common followed by tinea corporis. Dermatophytosis was more common in the age group of 21-30 years. The male to female ratio was 1.53:1. Trichophyton rubrum 44(83.04%) was found common etiological dermatophyte species followed by Trichophyton mentagrophytes 5(9.43%) and Epidermophyton floccosum 4(7.55%).

Use of modified blood agar plate for identification of pathogenic campylobacter species at Mymensingh Medical College .

This cross sectional study was carried out from July 2011 to June 2012 in the Department of Microbiology, Mymensingh Medical College to diagnose etiology of diarrhea caused by Campylobacter species. A total of 200 clinically diagnosed diarrheal pediatric patients were included in this study. Among the 200 stool specimens evaluated, 23(11.5%) samples were positive for Campylobacter species, isolation rate was 15(65.2%) in upto 1 year age group and 08(34.7%) in more than 1 year age group. Among 23 positive cases, 20(86.95%) were C. jejuni and 03(13.05%) were C. coli. The prevalence of Campylobacter infection found in the present study was higher below 1 year age group and was very much close to other countries of this Sub continent.

Multiplex polymerase chain reaction for detection of Campylobacter from stool specimen.

This was a study to prospectively evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to identify Campylobacter. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based on cadF, hipO & asp gene for Campylobacter genus, C. jejuni & C. coli were tested for detection of Campylobacter jejuni & C. coli in naturally infected faecal samples of human. All the samples were subjected to the cultural isolation of organism and biochemical characterization. The samples resulted in the amplification of a DNA fragment of size 400 bp, 500 bp &735 bp in PCR assay. Two hundred faecal samples comprising diarrheal stools, 23(11.5%) could be detected by isolation whereas 24(12.0%) were found positive by PCR. All culture positive cases were positive by PCR and among 01 culture negative case, were positive by PCR. PCR was found to be more sensitive for Campylobacter detection in faecal samples 12.0% as relative to culture isolation which could detect the organism in 11.5% samples. Sensitivity and specificity of PCR were 100% and 99.4% respectively taking Culture as gold standard. The results depicted the superior efficacy of PCR for rapid screening of samples owing to its high sensitivity, specificity and automation potential.

Culture of pathogenic campylobacter species at Mymensingh Medical College.

Childhood diarrhea represents a major public health problem in developing countries, where campylobacteriosis is widespread and causes significant morbidity and mortality in infants and children. Despite the increasing importance of campylobacteriosis, most developing countries and even many developed countries do not have surveillance systems to measure the health and economic burden of human campylobacteriosis, nor detect trends in outbreaks. The present study was carried out to diagnose etiology of diarrhea caused by Campylobacter species. A total of 150 clinically diagnosed diarrheal pediatric patients were included in this study, of which 98(65.3%) were male and 52(34.6%) female from the Department of Pediatrics, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh, Bangladesh from July 2011 to April 2012. Stool specimens were collected from each of the cases. The specimens were cultured in appropriate media and Campylobacters were isolated and identified by recommended tests. Among 150 cases, 17(11.3%) were culture positive for Campylobacter species, of which 15(88.2%) were C. jejuni and 02(11.7%) were C. coli. Of the cases, below 1 year of age group were 106(70.6%) cases showing 12(70.5%) positive for Campylobacters and 44(29.33%) cases were above 1 year of age group showing 05(29.41%) positive. The prevalence of Campylobacter infection found in the present study was higher below 1 year age group and was very much close to other countries of this subcontinent.

Role of adenosine deaminase in diagnosis of tubercular pleural effusion.

The diagnosis of pleural tuberculosis (TB) continues to be a challenge in clinical practice. Traditional diagnostic methods are very useful for the diagnosis of pulmonary TB but have a low yield when applied to pleural fluid. It is produced during the inflammatory process triggered by the M. tuberculosis. Usefulness of adenosine deaminase (ADA) estimation in pleural fluid has been shown as a reliable chemical bio-marker specially when there is suspicion of tuberculosis in endemic areas. ADA level was determined in the pleural fluid of 100 patients present with pleural effusion admitted at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital during the period of March 2012 to September 2012. ADA level was >40IU/L among the 52 tubercular pleural effusion patients with sensitivity & specificity is 100% and 66% respectively. Thus is evident that ADA level can be used along with conventional methods for diagnosis of pleural TB.

Campylobacteriosis - an overview.

Campylobacteriosis is a collective term, used for infectious, emerging foodborne disease caused by Campylobacter species comprising Gram negative, curved, and microaerophilic pathogens. The true incidence of human campylobacteriosis is unknown for most countries of the world including Bangladesh. But campylobacteriosis is not uncommon in our country. Due to its increasing incidence in many countries of the world, it is an important issue now a day. Animals such as birds are the main sources of infection. Farm animals such as cattle, poultry are commonly infected from such sources and raw milk, undercooked or poorly handled meat becomes contaminated. Transmission of campylobacteriosis to human occurs through consumption of infected, unpasteurized animal milk and milk products, undercooked poultry and through contaminated drinking water. Contact with contaminated poultry, livestock or household pets, especially puppies, can also cause disease. Due to variability of clinical features and limited availability of laboratory facilities, the disease remains largely under-reported. Early and specific diagnosis is important to ensure a favourable outcome regarding this food borne disease. Antibiotic treatment is controversial, and has only a benefit on the duration of symptoms. Campylobacter infections can be prevented by some simple hygienic food handling practices.

Detection of Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium parvum by direct immunofluorescence assay in stool specimen.

Giardia and Cryptosporidium are the pathogens which transmitted through contaminated soil and contaminated water are significant causes of diarrhea and nutritional disorders in institutional and community peoples. Children and immune compromise persons are more vulnerable for these infections. Both Giardiasis and Cryptosporidiosis were included in 2004 as WHO Neglected Disease. So this is a major public health problem in developing countries. The present study was carried out to detect the Giardia and Cryptosporidium from diarrheic or patient having loose stool by Direct Immunofluorescence assay. The study was conducted during July 20012 to February 2013 and the work was done in Mymensingh Medical College in the department of Microbiology and in Bangladesh Agricultural University in the department of Veterinary Medicine. A total of 100 loose stools were collected from school children of different area and hospital under sadar upazilla, Mymensingh. The detection of Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium parvum showed the individual prevalence 8% and 4% respectively. The highest cyst/oocyst count was 85,000 and 1,000/gm of stool and the lowest being 100 and 50/gm of stool for Giardiasis and Cryptosporidiosis respectively. The detection rate of Giardia and Cryptosporidium by Immunofluorescence assay was relatively higher than the previous study done in Bangladesh and this was the first report from Bangladesh over human stool specimen using Immunofluorescence assay. So, Immunofluorescence assay could be adapted for rapid and accurate detection of Giardia and Cryptosporidium.

Detection of TEM, SHV and CTX-M in Mymensingh region in Bangladesh.

The development of antibiotic resistance in bacteria following introduction of antimicrobial agents has emerged as an important medical problem everywhere in the world including Bangladesh. Extended spectrum ß-lactamases (ESBLs) are rapidly evolving group of ß-lactamase enzymes produced by the Gram negative bacteria. This study was undertaken to characterize ESBL producing gram negative bacilli from urine, skin wound (pus and wound infection). A total of 300 gram negative bacilli were screened for resistance to third generation Cephalosporins (3GCs) by disc diffusion test. The ESBL status was confirmed by double disc diffusion test (DDDT), minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) by agar dilution method as recommended by Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute 2010 (CLSI) and multiplex PCR for TEM, SHV and CTX-M, CTX-M-3, CTX-M-14 genes. The present study revealed a higher occurrence of multi drugs resistant ESBLs production among gram negative isolates where Klebsiella spp. were the leading bacteria 36/45 (80%), followed by Proteus spp. 40/55 (72.7%), Esch. coli 105/156 (67.3%) and others 25/35 (71.4 %). Rate of TEM, SHV and CTX-M genes present in study population were 50.46%, 18.69% and 46.72% respectively. Among the CTX-M positive genes CTX-M-3 and CTX-M-14 were 78.0% (39/50) and 80.0% (40/50) respectively. Results indicate that routine ESBL detection should be made mandatory and irrational use of third generation cephalosporins must be discouraged to reduce multi drugs resistance bacteria, to increase patients' compliance and to make an antibiotic policy.

Comparative study of immunochromatographic assay (IgM) and widal test for early diagnosis of typhoid fever.

Typhoid fever is a severe systemic infection endemic in many developing countries, including Bangladesh. Present study evaluated immunochromatographic test (ICT) and Widal test in the early diagnosis of typhoid fever cases. The study was carried out in the department of Microbiology, Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh between July, 2010 and June, 2011, including 200 individuals of different age and sex. Of them, 150 were clinically suspected cases of typhoid fever and 50 age-sex matched controls. Among 150 blood samples from the suspected cases 106(70.7%) were positive for IgM of Salmonella typhi by ICT and 67(44.7%) were positive by Widal test. Whereas, among the 50 controls 4(8%) were positive by ICT and 6(12%) were positive by Widal test. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of the ICT was found as 83.3%, 92.00%, 91.9% and 83.6% respectively. On the other hand corresponding values for Widal test were of 44.4%, 88%, 80% and 59.5% respectively. Thus, The ICT (IgM) is better alternative to Widal test for early and accurate diagnosis of typhoid fever. The ICT (IgM) is rapid, easy to perform, applicable for field use and highly sensitive and specific for detection of antibodies in patients with typhoid fever.

Early Impact of Cardiopulmonary Bypass on Renal Function after Valve Replacement Surgery.

Renal dysfunction following cardiopulmonary bypass is well recognized. The pathophysiology of renal injury is multifactorial and culmination of the interplay of several pathophysiological mechanism. Cardiac surgery requiring cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is being carried out on an extended patient population of different age groups and undergoing complex surgical procedure, and thus it places them at an increased risk of renal impairment. Valve replacement surgery is a major and complex surgical procedure requiring CPB. This study was therefore designed to observe the impact of CPB and short term outcome on patients with reduced estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) (60-89ml/min/1.73m²) after valve replacement surgery. This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Cardiac Surgery, National Institute of Cardio Vascular Diseases (NICVD) during the period of January 2015 to August 2016. After fulfillment of enrollment criteria 100 patients were studied for the purpose of the study and they were grouped in two, patients with normal eGFR (≥90ml/min/1.73m²) in Group A and patients with reduced eGFR (60-89ml/min/1.73m²) in Group B. A total of 100 patients, 50 in each group were studied for renal function alteration after valve replacement surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass. The incidence of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) was higher in Group B. Chi-square test was done and p value was 0.011 which is statistically significant. Postoperative blood loss (ml/hr) (p=0.038), duration of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) stay (in hours) (p=0.009), postoperative hospital stay (days) (p=0.014) was significantly higher and postoperative Urine Output (ml/hr) (p=0.001) was significantly lower in patients with reduced eGFR (60-89ml/min/1.73m²) in Group B. Deterioration of renal function is more in patient with eGFR (60-89ml/min/1.73m²) after valve replacement surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass in comparison with patients with eGFR (≥90ml/min/1.73m²).

Distribution of HPV-16 and HPV-18 from the Patients Attending At Mymensingh Medical College Hospital by Newly Developed Oncoprotein Detection Assay.

Cervical cancer is one of cause of death in women in many developing countries. Persistent infection with Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), primarily high risk types 16 and 18, is recognized as a causal and essential factor for the development of cervical cancer. The objective of this cross sectional observational study is to detect the distribution of HPV-16 and HPV-18 among Onco E6 positive cases. Following universal safety precautions a total of 180 endocervical swabs were collected from Colposcopy clinic of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital (MMCH), Mymensingh, Bangladesh from January 2016 to December 2016. Laboratory work was done in the department of Microbiology, Mymensingh Medical College. E6 strip test is an immunochromatographic test based on the detection of HPV-E6 oncoprotein in cervical swab samples. Onco E6 cervical test was done on 180cases. Among them 60% were VIA positive and 120% were VIA negative. From this VIA positive cases 12(16.25%) were On E6 cervical test positive and from VIA negative cases 3(2.5%) were positive by this On E6 cervical test. From this 12 Onco E6 cervical test positive cases 10(%) were HPV-16 and 2(%) were HPV-18 and from VIA negative cases 3 were only HPV-16 by this test. Histopathological test done on 35 suspected cases and out of 08 cervical carcinoma cases 07 were positive by this Onco E6 cervical test which was also HPV-16 type. It may be concluded that HPV-16 is most prevalent type to cause cervical cancer and by this newly developed protein detection assay will be helpful to reduce over treatment and save many lives.

Role of Immune Cells and Cytokines for Immune Response in Kala-Azar.

Resolution of leishmanial infection is dependent on the coordinated interactions between components of cell mediated immune response, central to which is the activation of targeted T-cell populations for appropriate cytokine production and activation of infected cells. There is a correlation between the clinical outcome of Leishmania infection and the cytokine response profile. While a protective immune response against Leishmania has been clearly identified to be related to the influence of a type-l response and IFN-γ production, the precise role of T helper (TH) 2 cytokines in non-healing infections requires further exploration. Experimental evidence and clinical studies indicate multifaceted role of various factors leading to parasite survival and multiplication. In early stage of infection, generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen intermediates play significant role in curtailing the parasite multiplication. In later phase, hepatic resistance is expressed by the dominant role played by nitric oxide synthase (NOS)-2 gene regulation and on the other hand, production of inhibitors of NOS-2 gene expression, interleukin 10 (IL-10) and transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) correlate well with reduced parasite killing. The hepatic infection is usually self-limiting due to production of multiple cytokine responses including moderate level of tumour necrosis factor (TNF) but in spleen excess TNF mediates destructive pathology. CD8+ T cells appear to play multiple roles comprising both cytotoxic activity and secretion of cytokines and chemokines. A better understanding of the innate and acquired immune functioning of the host could aid in rational control and better therapeutic intervention of the disease.

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites in Raw Vegetables Consumed by Inhabitants of Mymensingh City.

Uncooked vegetables are an important part of a healthy diet in different parts of the world. The present descriptive cross sectional type of study was carried out to determine the parasitological contamination of vegetables sold at markets of Mymensingh city of Bangladesh. Parasitological examinations were performed in material derived from 200 specimens of 10 different vegetables to detect intestinal parasites in the department of Microbiology, Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh, Bangladesh from July 2015 to July 2016. Each sample was washed with 5 liter distilled water, then washing fluid was centrifuged and resulting sediment was collected for iodine and normal saline wet mount slide preparation to detect human pathogenic intestinal parasites by microscopic examination. Out of 200 vegetable samples, 123(61.5%) were contaminated with different species of parasites. The vegetables red amaranth had the highest contamination rate of 18/20 (90%) followed by jute leaf 17/20 (85%), coriander leaf 15/20 (75%), onion 14/20 (70%), lady's finger 14/20 (70%), radish 13/20 (65%), green pepper 12/20 (60%), carrot 12/20 (60%), cucumber 5/20 (25%), tomato 3/20 (15%). Among the contaminating parasites Ascaris lumbricoides (egg) 36.5% was the most prevalent followed by Strongyloides stercoralis (larva) 35.5%, Entamoeba histolytica ( trophozoite and different cystic stages) 8.5%, Hook worm (egg and larva) 6.5% , Balantidium coli (trophozoite) 4.0%, Enterobius vermicularis (egg) 3.5%, Trichuris trichiura (egg) 1.5%, Giardia lamblia (cyst) 1.0%. To our knowledge, it was the first base line study pursued in Bangladesh. Contamination of raw vegetables from markets with pathogenic parasites would increase the risk of disease to the population that consumes or works with these products. So improperly washed raw eaten vegetables should be considered a potential risk for contracting parasites, particularly helminthes in Mymensingh city.

Clinical Characteristics and Haematological Parameters Associated With Visceral Leishmaniasis in Bangladeshi Individuals.

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) also known as kala-azar (KA) is the most severe form of leishmaniasis and can be fatal in the absence of treatment. KA is highly endemic in Mymensingh region of Bangladesh. Although estimating the true incidence of VL may be difficult. The objective of the study was to evaluate clinico-haematological parameters in different groups of leishmaniasis cases. It was a cross-sectional descriptive type of study and was conducted in a research centre of Mymensingh, Bangladesh from February 2016 to January 2017. A total of 90 cases who were rk-39 strip test positive from five divisions of Bangladesh admitted to Research Centre were included for clinical and haematological parameters. All the cases were categorized into five different groups depending on the clinical case definition and Real Time PCR (RT-PCR) was performed using buffy coat preparation. The age of the study subjects ranged from 3 to 80 years. Mymensingh was the highest affected division (60%) and primary kala azar (PKA) cases were more than half of the study subjects. Fever was the most common feature (100%) in PKA, relapse kala azar (R-KA) and treatment failure kala azar (TF-KA) followed by splenomegaly (70.2%) in PKA, loss of appetite (62.9%) in R-KA, and skin pigmentation was observed (100%) in PKDL cases. Anaemia was present in 62.7%, leucopenia in 57.6% and thrombocytopenia in 61.7% PKA cases. Pancytopenia was observed in a total of 33 cases from all groups. There were no significant changes in serum bilirubin, SGPT and serum creatinine level. RT-PCR was performed in all cases and found positive in 30 (63.8%) PKA, 16 (59.3%) R-KA, 2 (100%) TF-KA and 2 (50%) R-KA associated with PKDL cases. Overall, VL cases were positive in 62.5% (50/80) and no PKDL cases were detected by buffy-coat RT-PCR. In endemic areas, the magnitude of the problem and limited resources of a developing country like ours, clinical characteristics and hematological parameters may also play important role for diagnosis of the clinical cases.

Electrophoretic Patterns of Human Rotavirus Strain Prevailing Among Children.

Rotavirus gastroenteritis is a major cause of severe dehydrating diarrhea in children worldwide. Group A rotavirus causes approximately 40% of hospitalization for diarrhea among under 5 years children. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) and silver staining was applied to detect rotavirus dsRNA from acute diarrheic stool of 776 hospitalized children below five years. The study was conducted in Mymensingh district, Bangladesh from January 2013 to December 2014. Among 776 stool specimens tested 368(47.4%) were positive by PAGE. Among 368 positive 341(92.5%) showed clearly stained electrophoretic patterns of viral RNA which enabled their classification into different electropherotypes. The rate of infection was highest in children of 7-12 months of age and infection rate was more in winter. RNA profiles of the analyzed specimens, 164/341 (48%) were long and 177/341 (52%) were short patterns. Mixed electropherotypes (2%) among 368 were also detected. Electropherotyping technique could be an applied excellent method for studying genomic variation, tracing mixed infections, detecting atypical rotaviruses.

Measuring partial body potassium in the arm versus total body potassium.

Skeletal muscle (SM), the body's main structural support, has been implicated in metabolic, physiological, and disease processes in humans. Despite being the largest tissue in the human body, its assessment remains difficult and indirect. However, being metabolically active it contains over 50% of the total body potassium (TBK) pool. We present our preliminary results from a new system for measuring partial body K (PBK) that presently are limited to the arm yet provide a direct and specific measure of the SM. This uniquely specific quantification of the SM mass in the arm, which is shielded from the body during measurement, allows us to simplify the assumptions used in deriving the total SM, thereby possibly improving the modeling of the human body compartments. Preliminary results show that PBK measurements are consistent with those from the TBK previously obtained from the same subjects, thus offering a simpler alternative to computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging used for the same purposes. The PBK system, which can be set up in a physician's office or bedside in a hospital, is completely passive, safe, and inexpensive; it can be used on immobilized patients, children, pregnant women, or other at-risk populations.