Granulomatous Hepatitis with Miliary Mottling: A Rare Cause.

Miliary mottling is most commonly seen in tuberculosis. Clinical features of tuberculosis mimic many other lung diseases. Here we report a 40 yr old male with clinical features suggestive of tuberculosis, miliary mottling on skiagram chest and granulomatous hepatitis on histopathology. Case was finally diagnosed as sarcoidosis on liver biopsy and improved on oral corticosteroid.

QR-code enabled additive manufactured multiplex-immunosensor to detect DENV serotypes in dengue patient validate with indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT).

The current work shows the advancement of an additive manufactured multiplex immunosensor for the detection of dengue serotypes 1&2 in dengue patients on a single device with the LOD of 12.5 ng/ml. In this work, we created a QR-Code enabled additive manufactured case comprised of a paper-based electrode coated with ZnO NPs, which helps to enhance the detection signal and make it more selective, both serotype antibodies (DENV1-Ab & DENV2-Ab) were employed against DENV serotypes (DENV1-Ag & DENV2-Ag. QR-code technology was also integrated with the established platform to deliver sensor supporting information so that anybody may quickly obtain supporting sensing result details by scanning with a smartphone. The proposed highly advanced platform successfully detected DENV serotypes in dengue patients and showing a wide range of detection from 12.5 to 200 ng/ml with a LOD of 12.5 ng/ml.The results were also validated with conventional testing, i.e., Indirect Fluorescence Antibody Test (IFAT), so the developed multiplex-sensor became more applicable for the detection of DENV serotypes on a single tool having high sensitivity and selectivity, with a potential of commercialization.

NCCP-ICS joint consensus-based clinical practice guidelines on medical thoracoscopy.

ABSTRACT: Medical Thoracoscopy (MT) is commonly performed by respiratory physicians for diagnostic as well as therapeutic purposes. The aim of the study was to provide evidence-based information regarding all aspects of MT, both as a diagnostic tool and therapeutic aid for pulmonologists across India. The consensus-based guidelines were formulated based on a multistep process using a set of 31 questions. A systematic search of published randomized controlled clinical trials, open labelled studies, case reports and guidelines from electronic databases, like PubMed, EmBase and Cochrane, was performed. The modified grade system was used (1, 2, 3 or usual practice point) to classify the quality of available evidence. Then, a multitude of factors were taken into account, such as volume of evidence, applicability and practicality for implementation to the target population and then strength of recommendation was finalized. MT helps to improve diagnosis and patient management, with reduced risk of post procedure complications. Trainees should perform at least 20 medical thoracoscopy procedures. The diagnostic yield of both rigid and semirigid techniques is comparable. Sterile-graded talc is the ideal agent for chemical pleurodesis. The consensus statement will help pulmonologists to adopt best evidence-based practices during MT for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

A transcriptomic approach for exploring the molecular basis for dosha-balancing property-based classification of plants in Ayurveda.

In Ayurveda, a healthy body is defined by a balance among the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) and ailments result due to imbalances among them. It prescribes specific plant parts/tissues collected in a season-specific manner for curing dosha-related imbalances but the plants prescribed for treating a particular dosha imbalance belong to taxonomically diverse families and often contain similar classes of phytomolecules, making it difficult to provide a phytochemical validation for any similarity that might exist among them. This exploratory study hypothesised that plants of the same dosha-curing group may have similarity at the transcript level. For proving/disproving the hypothesis, cDNA-AFLP and specific expression subset analysis (SESA) were carried out on the Ayurveda-defined active tissues of four representative plants each of the three dosha-balancing groups. cDNA-AFLP analyses indicated that even though the plants belonging to a particular dosha-group may widely differ at the transcript level, there is a small fraction of transcripts that is monomorphic among their active tissues. SESA (Tester-active tissue cDNA; Driver-cDNA from other major tissue[s]) generated 803 subtractive ESTs from the twelve plants that yielded 150 unigenes upon assembly (of ESTs from each plant separately). Cross-plant EST assembly for plants in the same dosha group also corroborated the results. Although a distinct pattern of transcripts was not observed across all the plants in a particular dosha group, some commonalities were obtained that need further characterization towards searching for the hitherto elusive similarity among plants of the same group.

Rational use of Ashwagandha in Ayurveda (Traditional Indian Medicine) for health and healing.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (Physalis somnifera L.) is a fairly known perennial shrub of Solanaceae family, and is used in Ayurveda- Traditional Indian Medicine (TIM), since ancient times. It is well known as Ashwagandha in Sanskrit language in Ayurvedic classics. Its Mula (root) is recommended for health and healing, and the number of single and compound formulation is prescribed rationally. It is believed that the species name-somnifera is coined based on popular use to "induce sleep" in Ayurveda. AIM OF THE STUDY: The present study was aimed to bring out the experience-based traditional uses of Ashwagandha for health and healing with an emphasis on the pharmacological and biochemical scientific evidences to corroborate them. The scientific evidences have been explored from the national and international publications. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A comprehensive literary search of Ayurvedic classics was carried out systematically regarding Ashwagandha for its rationality behind the traditional uses. To excavate the subject matter, the original Ayurvedic scriptures and several standard Ayurvedic texts of different period was studied insightfully for meaningful contribution. It is to be noted that the primary source of knowledge was considered in writing this manuscript without any biased attitude. The available literature on Ashwagandha was also searched to ascertain the basis of scientific Latin name and correct identity. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia and other relevant scientific works were also taken into consideration to make the subject matter more clearly to the scientific world. For the scientific evidence of the uses, the international and national Journals and other published material were also searched to make it inquisitiveness to the scholars interested in Ayurvedic medicinal plants. RESULTS: The present paper throws ancient luminosity behind the therapeutic uses of one of the promising plant drug i.e., Ashwagandha of ancient India even to the present time. The scientific evidences corroborate the rationality ascribed in available Ayurvedic classics of various period of India has been gained. CONCLUSION: The study explores that the first reference of Ashwagandha with its significant nomenclature, useful part, properties, action, and eloquent uses has its footprint in the original texts of Ayurveda. In later works enhanced knowledge with traditional uses continued even today. Several single and compound formulations have been found to maintain the health and to alleviate the disorders rationally. It is worthy to note here that the scientific evidences corroborate the uses practiced in Ayurveda.

Enhanced accumulation of reduced glutathione by Scopoletin improves survivability of dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson's model.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neuromotor disorder, primarily manifested by motor anomalies due to progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons. Although alterations in genetic factors have been linked with its etiology, exponential accumulation of environmental entities such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) initiate a cyclic chain reaction resulting in accumulation of cellular inclusions, dysfunctional mitochondria, and overwhelming of antioxidant machinery, thus accelerating disease pathogenesis. Involvement of oxidative stress in PD is further substantiated through ROS induced Parkinsonian models and elevated oxidative markers in clinical PD samples; thereby, making modulation of neuronal oxidative load as one of the major approaches in management of PD. Here we have found a potent antioxidant moiety Scopoletin (Sp), a common derivative in most of the nootropic herbs, with robust neuroprotective ability. Sp increased cellular resistance to ROS through efficient recycling of GSH to prevent oxidative damage. The Sp treated cells showed higher loads of reduced glutathione making them resistant to perturbation of antioxidant machinery or neurotoxin MPP+. Sp could restore the redox balance, mitochondrial function, and prevented oxidative damage, leading to recovery of dopaminergic neural networks and motion abilities in Drosophila genetic model of PD. Our data also suggest that Sp, in combination increases the therapeutic potency of L-DOPA by mitigating its chronic toxicity. Together, we highlight the possible ability of Sp in preventing oxidative stress mediated loss of dopaminergic neurons and at the same time enhance the efficacy of dopamine recharging regimens.

Antidepressant activity of Asparagus racemosus in rodent models.

Asparagus racemosus Linn. (AR) is an Ayurvedic rasayana used as an adaptogen. Adaptogenic drugs are those which are useful as anti-stress agents by promoting non-specific resistance of the body. Although, the adaptogenic effect of AR is well documented, its use in psychological disorders like depression is not scientifically evaluated. Hence, the present investigation evaluates the antidepressant effect of methanolic extract of roots of AR (MAR) standardized to saponins (62.2% w/w). Rats were given MAR in the doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg daily for 7 days and then subjected to forced swim test (FST) and learned helplessness test (LH). The results show that MAR decreases immobility in FST and increases avoidance response in LH indicating antidepressant activity. In behavioral experiments, MAR increased the number of head twitches produced by 5-HTP and increased clonidine-induced aggressive behavior indicating facilitatory effect on both serotonergic and adrenergic systems respectively. However, MAR had insignificant effect on l-DOPA-induced aggressive behavior indicating absence of activity on dopaminergic system. MAR also reversed changes to the endogenous antioxidant system induced by FST. Thus, MAR has significant antidepressant activity and this effect is probably mediated through the serotonergic and the noradrenergic systems and augmentation of antioxidant defenses.

Distribution of dengue virus types in Aedes aegypti in dengue endemic districts of Rajasthan, India.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) is the major cause of sustained morbidity/ mortality among human cases of dengue in dengue endemic areas of Rajasthan. Screening of mosquitoes collected from disease endemic settings and typing the virus could provide significant epidemiological information for prospective risk of DHF. We therefore carried out a study on different dengue virus types as occurring in field collected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes from four dengue endemic districts of Rajasthan, India. METHODS: Adult Ae. aegypti were collected from the human dwellings of urban, peri-urban and rural settings of four dengue endemic districts of Rajasthan, India. The field collected adults were fed on 4 per cent glucose solution and kept in the laboratory for 3-4 days. The adult field collected Ae. aegypti, were subjected to indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT) following standard procedure. Commercially acquired monoclonal antibodies against DEN types 1, 2, 3 and 4 were used. The remnants of IFA test subjected mosquitoes were made into viral suspension which was inoculated into the cell culture medium and mouse brain to confirm the presence of virus as shown by IFA test. RESULTS: Of the 498 adult Ae. aegypti tested, 78 (15.6%) were positive by IFA test. Among urban areas, desert area (Jodhpur) showed highest (21.6%) mosquito infectivity followed by 7.1 per cent in forest and river area (Kota) and least (3.2%) in semi-arid area (Jaipur). Among rural settings also, desert area showed maximum (25.0%) natural infection in mosquitoes followed by rural setting-1 of semi-arid area (24.1%). Among urban setting of desert area, all the four dengue types viz., DEN-1, 2, 3 and 4 were detected. In semi-arid area, urban settings showed presence of DEN-3, whereas among rural settings, rural-1 showed all the four DEN types, rural-2 showed DEN-1 and DEN-3, rural-4 showed DEN-3 and DEN-4, and rural-3 showed no mosquito infections. In forest and river area, among urban settings only, three DEN types, 1, 2 and 4 were observed. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: In desert and semi-arid areas of Rajasthan, where people possess tendency of over- and sustained storage of domestic water, present observations on occurrence of all four dengue virus types may have important bearing on the epidemiology of DHF in the area.

Surface plasmon resonance based indirect immunoassay for detection of 17ß-estradiol.

A surface plasmon resonance (SPR) based immunosensor is presented for highly sensitive and selective detection of 17ß-estradiol by the indirect competitive inhibition immuno assay, employing anti-17 ß-estradiol antibody as high molecular weight (HMW) interactant. Immobilization of estradiol-BSA conjugate onto the nano thin gold surface was accomplished by covalent amide linkage through self assembled monolayer. The proposed biosensor is simple to fabricate, reproducible and exhibit excellent sensitivity for estrogen (detection limit,1 pg mL-1) without any significant interference from structurally similar steroidal hormone, progesterone and non-steroidal compound bisphenol-A. The proposed surface displayed a high level of stability during repeated regeneration and immunoreaction cycles suitable for biosensor development.

Neutrophil:Lymphocyte Ratio as a Predictive Factor for Success of Nephron-Sparing Procedures in Patients with Emphysematous Pyelonephritis.

INTRODUCTION: We studied the value of neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in predicting the success of nephron-sparing procedures in management of emphysematous pyelonephritis. METHODS: In this single-center retrospective study, patients underwent nephron-sparing procedures between 2007 and 2014. Severity was graded by Huang-Tseng classification. Thrombocytopenia, acute renal failure (ARF), shock, altered sensorium, and admission NLR were evaluated for predictive value for successful outcomes. Receiver operating characteristic curves were plotted to determine optimal cutoff of NLR for differentiating successful and unsuccessful outcomes. Two-sided p values were calculated with the χ2 test. Factors that were significant on univariate analysis were combined in a model with NLR. RESULTS: Sixteen patients, 14 (87.5%) of whom were female and 14 (87.5%) of whom had diabetes, were included. Ten (63%) had severe emphysematous pyelonephritis. The optimal cutoff of NLR was 5. Four (44%) of 9 patients with NLR above 5 had unfavorable outcomes compared with none of 7 with NLR of 5 or less, giving a risk ratio of 1.8 (95% confidence interval [CI]= 1.01-3.22, p = 0.0417). Area under the curve for NLR alone was 0.77 (95% CI = 0.55-0.99, p = 0.014). High NLR and ARF were the only factors predicting unsuccessful outcome (p = 0.0417 each). When these were combined in a model (NLR as continuous variable), the area under the curve increased to 0.92. CONCLUSION: NLR is a useful predictive marker in emphysematous pyelonephritis. Its predictive value increases when combined with presence or absence of ARF. In patients with high NLR and ARF, the threshold for considering nephrectomy should be low.

Distribution and seasonality of vertically transmitted dengue viruses in Aedes mosquitoes in arid and semi-arid areas of Rajasthan, India.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Transovarial transmission of dengue virus is a crucial etiological phenomenon responsible for persistence of virus during inter-epidemic period of the disease. Distribution and seasonality of this phenomenon in disease endemic areas may contribute to explain emergence of dengue and its subsequent prevention. The study on seasonal and area distribution of transovarial transmission of dengue virus in Aedes aegypti, Ae. albopictus and Ae. vittatus has been made in desert and non-desert districts of Rajasthan, India from 2006 to 2007. The observations revealed role of different Aedes species in transmission and retention of dengue virus. METHODS: The larvae of Ae. aegypti, Ae. albopictus and Ae. vittatus were collected during each of the study seasons from rural and urban areas of three districts-Jodhpur, Jaipur and Kota. The larvae were collected from domestic and peri-domestic containers and from tree holes of peri-urban foci such as gardens and parks and were reared into adults in the laboratory at room temperature. The laboratory reared adults were subjected to Indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT). The laboratory-reared adult mosquitoes showing positive IFA were treated as the sample showing vertically transmitted dengue virus. RESULTS: Pooled data for all the four seasons revealed maximum (15.7%) mosquito infectivity in Ae. albopictus followed by Ae. aegypti (12.6%) in Jodhpur district. In Jaipur district, Ae. vittatus showed highest infection (20%) of vertically transmitted virus followed by Ae. albopictus (18.7%) and least in Ae. aegypti (13.3%). In Kota district, pooled data for all the four seasons showed maximum vertical infection of mosquitoes in Ae. albopictus (14.2%). INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: Transovarial transmission of dengue virus by available vector species in a dengue endemic setting could be the key etiological phenomenon responsible for re-emergence of the disease from inter-epidemic to epidemic phase of disease onset. The observations in the present study suggest that during winter season which is not the active transmission season of dengue in Rajasthan, Ae. albopictus has shown maximum percentage of vertically transmitted virus. Our observation substantiates with the earlier studies that how Ae. albopictus is horbouring virus during inter-epidemic period of dengue. Another important lead emerging through present study is the high mosquito infectivity of Ae. aegypti during summer and rainy seasons especially from desert districts, Jodhpur and semi district. This observation suggests that in Rajasthan, owing to tendency of overstorage of domestic water by the inhabitants, mosquito and vertically transmitted virus get pronounced during summer season which could precedes the active transmission season of dengue during following rainy season.

Entomological studies for surveillance and prevention of dengue in arid and semi-arid districts of Rajasthan, India.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Rajasthan is one of the dengue endemic states of India. Very few studies have been published on entomological aspects of dengue in this state. Owing to water scarcity, inhabitants in desert areas overstore domestic water which leads to the persistence of dengue vectors within the domestic premises. Area specific knowledge on breeding, key containers and seasonal rhythms of vector population is essential for preparing an effective prevention plan against dengue. Present paper reports results of entomological investigations on dengue vectors in arid and semi-arid districts of Rajasthan. METHODS: Longitudinal studies were undertaken during 2004-06 in one arid and two semi-arid dengue endemic districts of Rajasthan. Adult and larval Aedes were collected from the randomly selected houses in representative towns and villages with associated details of container types and water storage practices of inhabitants. RESULTS: In urban areas during all the seasons adult house index (AHI) of Aedes aegypti was maximum in desert zone (25) and least in semi-arid area with saline river III (1). The difference of AHI during three seasons was statistically significant (chi2 = 16.1, p < 0.01 for urban; and chi2 = 50.71, p < 0.001 for rural). Breeding of Ae. aegypti among urban settings was maximum in desert zone. During all the seasons cement tanks were the key breeding habitats for Ae. aegypti in desert as well as semi-arid areas. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: Water storage habits during summer season emerged to be the risk factor of vector abundance in urban areas of arid and semi-arid settings. A carefully designed study of key containers targeting cement tanks as the primary habitats of mosquito control may lead to commendable results for dengue prevention.

A Prospective Study of Bacteriological Etiology in Hospitalized Acute Exacerbation of COPD Patients: Relationship with Lung Function and Respiratory Failure.

OBJECTIVES: Bacterial infections are the major cause of acute exacerbation of COPD (AE-COPD). The relationship between lung functions and respiratory failure (arterial blood gas parameters) with the etiology of AE-COPD has not been clearly understood. We conducted this study to determine the bacterial profile in AE-COPD and to identify the associated risk factors and drug sensitivity pattern. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventy-two patients hospitalized for AE-COPD were prospectively evaluated. Quantitative sputum culture, blood gas analysis, and drug sensitivity testing were performed at the time of admission, and pulmonary function testing was performed 6 weeks after discharge as per standard guidelines. RESULTS: Bacterial pathogens were isolated in 34 (47.22%) cases. Pathogens isolated were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (38.23%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (29.41%), Staphylococcus aureus (23.53%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (5.88%), and Acinetobacter spp. (2.94%). Isolation of bacterial pathogen was observed in patients with advancing age (p=0.02), frequent exacerbations (p<0.001), systemic steroid use (p=0.005), and deranged lung function (p=0.02). Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that higher partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) was independently associated with isolation of K. pneumoniae (p=0.025) and P. aeruginosa (p=0.001). Additional independent factors that favor isolation of K. pneumoniae were age >55 years (p=0.017) and systemic steroid use (p=0.017). Antibiotic sensitivity testing showed that ciprofloxacin and piperacillin/tazobactum were effective in 27/34 (79.41%) of isolates followed by gentamycin in 26/34 (76%). CONCLUSION: Hypercapnic respiratory failure is an independent risk factor for isolation of K. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa in addition to advanced age and systemic steroid use. These findings may be an important adjunct in deciding the initial antibiotic therapy.

Efficacy of Ayurvedic drugs as compared to chlorhexidine in management of chronic periodontitis: A randomized controlled clinical study.

BACKGROUND: In India, Ayurveda is considered to be more effective and cheaper than modern medicine. Ayurvedic literature shows its use in treating oral diseases also. However, their effectiveness, in comparison with the allopathic mode of management, has not been assessed previously. The aim of this randomized controlled clinical trial was to compare the efficacy of ayurvedic drugs over chlorhexidine in treating chronic periodontitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four hundred and eight participants, in the age group 20-49 years, suffering from mild-to-moderate chronic periodontitis were included in this study. Community periodontal index for treatment needs (CPITN) score was recorded, and oral prophylaxis was done for each patient. They were then randomly divided into 6 groups: control group (I), chlorhexidine (II), Khadiradi vati (III), Dashansanskar churana (IV), Neem (V), and Apamarga (VI); based on the drugs used by patients for the maintenance of oral hygiene after oral prophylaxis. Patients were recalled at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after oral prophylaxis. CPITN score was re-recorded for each patient at each follow-up. Reduction in CPITN score indicated improvement in the periodontal health. Observations were statistically analyzed using univariate ANOVA and P value was set at <0.5. RESULTS: Improvement in CPITN scores in 6 groups was as follows: I - 42.0%, II - 76.37%, III - 82.03%, IV - 83.46%, V - 78.8%, and VI - 29.9%. Higher mean percentage improvement was seen when patients used these drugs for 3 months as compared to 1 month. CONCLUSION: Dashansanskar churana and Khadiradi vati showed better results than chlorhexidine and were found to be superior in managing mild-to-moderate cases of chronic periodontitis.

Routine double-J stenting for live related donor kidney transplant recipients: It doesn't serve the purpose, but does it serve a better purpose?

Purpose: Despite meticulous techniques, surgical complications continue to be problematic in kidney transplant recipients. Role of routine stenting to reduce complications is controversial. In this study, we compare incidence of early urological complications, lymphoceles, urinary tract infections (UTI) and graft function; with or without double-J stenting. Materials and Methods: All patients who underwent live related donor renal transplantation from February 2014 to February 2016 were included. Transplants prior to February 2015 were without routine stenting; subsequent transplants were with routine stenting. Patients with neurogenic bladder, previously operated bladder and delayed or low urinary output were excluded. Follow-up was for at least three months. Descriptive statistics was performed for all parameters. Chi square test and Fisher's Exact test were used for qualitative variables. For quantitative variables, Mann-Whitney test was used to test median difference and independent samples t-test for mean difference. The p-value ≤0.05 was considered significant. Results: We analysed 74 patients (34 stented and 40 non-stented). There was no difference in the incidence of urinary leak, anastomotic obstruction, lymphoceles or UTI (p>0.4 for all comparisons). However, mean estimated glomerular filtration rate at sixth day, 14th day, one month and two months were 76.1 vs. 61.5 (p=0.025), 72.1 vs. 56.6 (p=0.005), 79.4 vs. 63.1 (p=0.002) and 82.0 vs. 63.3 (p=0.001) in the stented versus non-stented groups. Conclusions: Placement of ureteral stent in renal transplant does not significantly affect the incidence of early urinary complications or UTI. However, graft function is significantly better in stented recipients, at least in the short term.

In-silico Designing and Testing of Primers for Sanger Genome Sequencing of Dengue Virus Types of Asian Origin.

Rarity in reporting whole genome sequence of Dengue virus from dengue endemic countries leaves lacunae in understanding regional pattern of virus mutation and ultimately leading to non-understanding of transmission pattern and clinical outcomes emerging at regional levels. Due to inter-serotype genomic similarity and intra-serotype genomic diversity, appropriate designing of primer pairs appears as an exhaustive exercise. Present paper reports new Dengue virus type-specific primer which may help in characterizing virus specific to Asian origin. Genomes of dengue virus serotypes of Asian region were searched and using advanced bioinformatics tools, serotype specific primers were designed and tested for their targeted amplification efficiency. 19 primers sets for DENV-1, 18 primer sets for DENV-2, 17 for DENV-3 and 18 for DENV-4 were designed. In-silico and experimental testing of the designed primers were performed on virus isolated from both clinical isolates and passaged cultures. While all 17 and 18 primer sets of DENV-3 and DENV-2 respectively yielded good quality sequencing results; in case of DENV-4, 16 out of 18 primer sets and in DENV-1, 16 out of 19 primer sets yielded good results. Average sequencing read length was 382 bases and around 82% nucleotide bases were Phred quality QV20 bases (representing an accuracy of circa one miscall every 100 bases) or higher. Results also highlighted importance of use of primer development algorithm and identified genomic regions which are conservative, yet specific for developing primers to achieve efficiency and specificity during experiments.

Surface plasmon resonance biosensor for dopamine using D3 dopamine receptor as a biorecognition molecule.

In modern biomedical technology, development of high performance sensing methods for dopamine (DA) is a critical issue because of its vital role in human metabolism. We report here, a new kind of bioaffinity sensor for DA based on surface plasmon resonance (SPR) using a D(3) dopamine receptor (DA-RC) as a recognition element. A conjugate of DA was synthesized using bovine serum albumin (BSA) protein and was characterized by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). The biosensor surface was constructed by the immobilization of the DA-BSA conjugate onto an SPR gold surface by physical adsorption. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) investigations revealed that the DA-BSA conjugate was homogeneously distributed over the sensor surface. Specific interaction of the DA-RC with the immobilized DA-BSA conjugate was studied by SPR. Based on the principle of indirect competitive inhibition, the biosensor could detect DA in a linear dynamic range from 85 pg/ml (ppt) to 700 ng/ml (ppb). The biosensor was highly specific for DA and showed no significant interference from potent interferences such as ascorbic acid (AA), uric acid (UA) and other DA analogues viz., 3,4 dihydroxyphenyl acetic acid (DOPAC) and 3-(3,4 dihydroxyphenyl)-alanine (DOPA). The sensor surface displayed a high level of stability during repeated regeneration and affinity reaction cycles. Since this biosensor is simple, effective and is based on utilization of natural receptor, our study presents an encouraging scope for development of portable detection systems for in-vitro and in-vivo measurement of DA in clinical and medical diagnostics.