Seroprevalence and Seroconversion of Hepatitis B and C Viruses in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis: A Cross-sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION: Among hemodialysis patients, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections contribute significantly to mortality and morbidity. Infection with these hepatotropic viruses in hemodialysis patients is due to their increased contact with blood and its derivatives. Additionally, not following the proper protocol for infection control, contaminated devices, and untrained personnel contribute to the nosocomial transmission of these infections. This cross-sectional study was planned to estimate the seroprevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-hepatitis C virus antibodies in patients to know the seroconversion rate for hepatitis B and hepatitis C and to evaluate the risk factors that contribute to seroconversion in patients undergoing hemodialysis at our center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 185 patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis in our center. After giving informed consent, a blood sample from each patient was collected for testing for HBsAg and anti-HCV antibodies initially and then every month. RESULTS: Of the total 185 patients, five participants tested positive for HBV (2.7%), and 29 individuals tested positive for HCV (15.67%). During the study period, seroconversion for hepatitis C was observed in three patients (1.62%), and seroconversion for hepatitis B was observed in one patient (0.54%). An evaluation of the potential risk factors revealed that dialysis conducted outside the facility contributed significantly to HCV infection. CONCLUSION: Our study shows lower HBV rates but higher HCV rates. The demographic data of the patients and the duration of dialysis are related to the risk of infection. Dialysis within the same healthcare facilities reduces the transmission risk.

Assessment of Serum Vitamin D and Parathyroid Hormone in Children With Beta Thalassemia Major: A Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND: A defective synthesis of vitamin D contributes to alterations in calcium homeostasis due to chronic endocrinopathies, leading to metabolic bone diseases. This study aimed to ascertain the levels of calcium, vitamin D, and parathyroid hormone (PTH) in children with ß-thalassemia. METHODS: In this case-control study, 36 children with major ß-thalassemia receiving iron chelation therapy were included. For the control group, 36 cases matched for age and sex were selected. The packed cell volume (PCV) requirements varied among the thalassemic children, with an average PCV requirement of 78.57±49.07. The study was conducted for six months in the Department of Pediatrics at the Government Medical College, Nagpur, India. Serum PTH levels were determined by immunoassay, and serum vitamin D levels were assessed using electrochemiluminescence technique. Additional tests looked at liver function, serum ferritin, calcium, phosphorus, and complete blood count. The student's t-test, Mann-Whitney, and chi-square tests were used for statistical analysis. RESULT: In comparison to the control group (10.4±1.21 g/dL), the case group's mean hemoglobin level was considerably lower (5.62±1.9 g/dL) (p<0.001). The mean serum ferritin level in the cases was notably higher (3073±1262.24 ng/mL) compared to the control group's level (58.37±29.67 ng/mL) (p<0.001). A total of 80.6% of cases compared to 5.6% of controls had vitamin D deficiency, and 72.2% of cases compared to 2.8% of controls had PTH deficit, both of which showed statistically significant differences (p<0.001). Significant differences were observed between the case and control groups for the mean levels of total serum calcium (8.51±0.84 mg/dL), vitamin D (15.23±10.07 ng/mL), and PTH (14.66±19.86 pg/mL) (9.13±0.6 mg/dL, p=0.05; 34.94±9.57 ng/mL, p<0.001; 32.08±12.42 pg/mL, p<0.001; respectively). CONCLUSION: Growth failure may result from the markedly reduced serum calcium, vitamin D, and PTH levels in children with ß-thalassemia. The relevance of treatment approaches is highlighted by the possibility that these anomalies are caused by excessive iron and inadequate nutritional support.

The Antiobesity Effect and Safety of GLP-1 Receptor Agonist in Overweight/Obese Adolescents Without Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), particularly semaglutide, have become the leading anti-obesity drugs for adults, and a similar trend may follow in adolescents with its recent approval for this age group. However, there is a lack of comparative analysis on the weight loss effects and safety of GLP-1 RAs in obese or overweight pediatric and adolescent populations, especially those who are non-diabetic. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to provide current evidence on the efficacy and safety of GLP-1 RAs as an anti-obesity treatment in obese or overweight non-diabetic pediatric and adolescent populations. METHOD:  We searched electronic databases from inception until January 2024 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that analyzed the weight loss effect of GLP-1 receptor agonists in adolescents with obesity or overweight without diabetes mellitus. Search results were screened, and eligible studies were included to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis using the Review Manager (RevMan) computer program Version 5.4.1 (The Cochrane Collaboration, 2020) with a random-effects model. The primary efficacy outcomes were changes in body weight, BMI, and BMI Z-score, while the secondary outcomes were the incidence of gastrointestinal adverse events, treatment discontinuation rate due to adverse events, and incidence of serious adverse events. The mean difference, odds ratio, and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to present the meta-analysis results. Publication bias was visualized using a funnel plot. The quality of the studies was analyzed using Cochrane's Risk of Bias tool (RoB2). RESULTS: A total of seven RCTs with 576 adolescent participants were included in the analysis. GLP-1 RAs significantly achieved greater weight loss than placebo, with a mean difference of -4.98 kg (-8.49, -1.46), I² = 99%, p = 0.006. Subgroup analysis showed that semaglutide had the most pronounced anti-obesity effect (mean difference of -17.70 kg (-18.89, -16.51), p < 0.00001), compared to liraglutide (mean difference of -2.26 kg (-5.17, 0.65), I² = 99%, p = 0.13) and exenatide (mean difference of -3.17 kg (-4.45, -1.90), I² = 0%, p < 0.0001). Similar results were obtained for other efficacy parameters such as BMI and BMI z-score. However, GLP-1 RA was associated with more gastrointestinal adverse events (such as nausea and vomiting) than placebo (3.06 (2.12, 4.42), I² = 0%, p < 0.00001), with incidence comparable among all GLP-1 RAs in the subgroup analysis. The overall risk of bias among included studies was either of 'some concern' or 'high risk.' CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis demonstrated that GLP-1 RAs had a superior anti-obesity effect compared to placebo or lifestyle modification in obese or overweight non-diabetic adolescents, particularly semaglutide, which had a more pronounced anti-obesity effect than liraglutide and exenatide, with tolerable gastrointestinal adverse effects.

Identification of Yeast and Yeast-Like Fungi at a Tertiary Care Center: A Retrospective Study.

Background Fungal infections pose a significant global health challenge. Despite their substantial impact, these ubiquitous fungi can become pathogenic but have not received adequate attention in public health, leading to infections that are often underestimated by the general public and healthcare professionals. Candida species and Cryptococcus species play a key role in these infections, with emerging multidrug resistance in Candida species posing considerable challenges. This study aimed to understand the prevalence of yeast and yeast-like infections, particularly in the COVID-19 era, and to assess the antifungal susceptibility pattern. Methodology A retrospective observational study was conducted at a rural tertiary care medical college in Maharashtra, India. Retrospective records of samples processed for fungal culture were analyzed in the microbiology department. Yeast identification and antifungal susceptibility were performed using the VITEK-2 automated system. Results Among 95 fungal isolates, 86 (90.52%) were yeast isolates, primarily non-albicans Candida (NAC) species. Candida albicans accounted for 41 (47.67%) yeast isolates. In 14 isolates, NAC species were not identified by the VITEK-2 system up to the species level. Isolates from urine samples contributed the highest percentage of 61% (58) of yeast isolates. C. albicans showed high sensitivity to most antifungal agents. Other Candida species, such as Candida famata, Candida parapsilosis, and Candida guilliermondii, were sensitive to all antifungal agents. Candida auris showed complete resistance to amphotericin B and fluconazole but sensitivity to other agents. Mixed sensitivity patterns were observed in Candida ciferri and Candida lusitaniae, with some resistance to voriconazole, caspofungin, and micafungin. Conclusions This study shows the increasing prevalence of yeast and yeast-like infections, particularly NAC, during the COVID-19 era. Improved yeast identification and susceptibility testing are crucial for guiding the appropriate treatment and mitigating the impact of these infections, emphasizing the need for comprehensive future studies in this area.

From Likes to Saving Lives: Embracing Social Media's Power to Connect, Learn, and Innovate in Medical Education Delivery.

Social media have become an integral part of human life, because the manner in which we communicate, share information, and network with the external world is changing significantly. The purpose of the current review is to explore the role of social media in transforming medical education, identify the merits and the potential concerns, and propose effective strategies to overcome the identified challenges. Social media have significant potential in strengthening the delivery of medical education and meeting the scenarios emerging out of changing dynamics. The most important aspect of social media is that they have global reach and wide accessibility, and promotes active engagement of students. Similar to any other teaching-learning method, even the use of social media has its own limitations-cum-concerns. We must come out with potential solutions to each one of these problems so that overall acceptance and utilization of social media applications can be optimized. In conclusion, social media in medical education have immense potential to revolutionize learning and provide a platform for collaborative learning and networking. The need of the hour is to do systematic planning, train stakeholders, and establish guidelines for promoting effective engagement while using social media, and thereby keeping pace with the rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.

An Observational Study of Maternal and Perinatal Outcome in Preeclampsia Cases in a Tertiary Care Center.

INTRODUCTION: Preeclampsia, a hypertensive disorder in pregnancy, is a multisystem disease of unknown etiology and is associated with an increased risk of maternal mortality and morbidity. Infants from preeclampsia mothers have significantly higher incidence of prematurity, somatic growth retardation, thrombocytopenia, low birth weight, respiratory distress syndrome, and long duration of admission to neonatal intensive care (NICU). AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study was done to study the maternal mortality and morbidity and foetal outcome in pregnant women with severe preeclampsia. METHOD: This observational study was done in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, of a tertiary care centre, from the period October 2015 to October 2017. Data was collected from all 130 women attending the antenatal clinic of tertiary care hospital and ward admission and all details such as demographic details, obstetrics examination, and all clinical findings were noted and from that made results.  Result: After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria all 130 women were observed in this study. Among 130 women 47 were diagnosed with preeclampsia. Mainly primigravida women were diagnosed with preeclampsia in the 21-25 years group. Among 47 preeclampsia women, 39 women had a BMI of 19-25 kg/m2. Thirty-two of 47 (68.09%) women were diagnosed with preeclampsia around 36-39 weeks. Among all preeclampsia, 28 women out of 47 (59.5%) women delivered babies vaginally, 18 of 47 (38.3%) women delivered through cesarean section, and one of 47 (2.13%) underwent preterm vaginal delivery. In preeclampsia, women's babies were delivered mostly (25/47, 53.19%) ≤2.5 kg weight and only one baby was shifted to NICU because of low birth weight. Preeclampsia increases maternal mortality and morbidity but in this study mortality was not done because our hospital is a tertiary care center with all ICU (intensive care unit) and NICU setup. CONCLUSION: Preterm births and cesarean deliveries were the mild to severe outcomes that were noted. ICU and NICU hospitalizations as a result of severe complications place a heavy demand on medical facilities. There are firm guidelines for the management of pregnancy-induced hypertension and its complications. For appropriate management, there is careful consideration of various factors, and individual case studies are required.

Exploring the Efficacy and Safety of Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) in Menopausal Symptom Management.

Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) is a perennial plant used to treat menopause. This plant is known to have a serotonergic rather than estrogenic impact. It has been recommended to treat vasomotor symptoms associated with breast cancer patients. It also relieves symptoms such as night sweats and hot flashes, commonly called vasorelaxation. The variability in the study's results, doses, and assessment methods requires more rigorous research to establish its efficacy and safety. Standardized trials are needed to provide more precise information on the benefits and limitations of menopause treatment, informing women seeking alternatives to hormone therapy. Black cohosh has shown the potential to reduce the frequency and intensity of vasomotor symptoms in breast cancer patients undergoing tamoxifen treatment. In addition to its effectiveness in alleviating night sweats and hot flashes, the vasorelaxation properties contribute to its overall positive impact on menopausal symptoms. Due to discrepancies, varying dosages, and assessment techniques, further comprehensive studies are essential to determine the optimal dosage, long-term safety, and overall efficacy. Only through standardized trials can women make informed decisions about black cohosh as a viable alternative to hormone therapy during menopause.

A Cross-Sectional Observational Study to Assess the Efficacy of Triglyceride to High-Density Lipoprotein Ratio as a Marker of Insulin Resistance in Subjects of Central Rural India.

INTRODUCTION: The rising prevalence of insulin resistance (IR), obesity, and its complications in India is due to lifestyle changes, eating patterns, stress, and genetic factors. Markers for IR are often expensive, invasive, or impractical for use in economically disadvantaged or remote areas. To address this, we evaluated the efficacy of the triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein (TG/HDL) ratio as a simple, reliable, accessible, and affordable surrogate marker of IR in comparison to the homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). METHODS: This cross-sectional observational study was performed at a tertiary care center in central India and included 815 subjects aged 18 to 60 years after excluding those with systemic diseases, drugs affecting weight, or pregnant or lactating women. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was done to represent the study findings. RESULTS: Males and obese subjects were more insulin resistant than females and non-obese subjects, respectively. The TG/HDL had a sensitivity of 91.81%, a specificity of 92.88%, a positive predictive value of 94.46%, and a negative predictive value of 89.56%, with a diagnostic accuracy of 92.27% when compared to HOMA-IR. CONCLUSION: We concluded that TG/HDL serves as a simple, affordable, and accurate marker of IR in a diverse population of central India. There is a definite scope to use the same for large-scale screening, epidemiological research, and routine clinical practice.

Imperforate Hymen: A Report of a Case With Classical Signs.

An imperforate hymen (IH) is a condition where the hymen, which is a thin membrane that partially covers the vaginal opening, completely obstructs the vaginal canal. This condition is associated with problems such as pelvic mass, cyclical abdominal discomfort, and difficulty in urination. The occurrence of IH is quite rare, with an incidence of only one in 1000-10,000 women worldwide. We discuss a classical case of primary amenorrhoea with associated complaints of urinary retention and its management by hymenotomy (cruciate incision). We also considered the risk of hymen re-closure due to the lack of estrogenization of genital tissue and offered the patient the option of vaginal molding.

Multiple Myeloma: A Rare Presentation As Unilateral Pleural Effusion.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematologic malignancy characterized by the clonal proliferation of plasma cells in the bone marrow. It commonly presents with bone pain, anemia, renal failure, and hypercalcemia. Pleural effusion in MM usually has multiple causes, but it is rare for the effusion to be due to myelomatous deposition of the pleura. Here, we present a rare case in which the patient presented to the outpatient department with a dry cough, breathlessness, and generalized weakness. The patient was diagnosed with MM with myelomatous pleural effusion (MPE), highlighting the importance of considering MM as a differential diagnosis in patients with atypical presentations. MPE indicates a poor prognosis, and early consideration of MPE can lead to an earlier diagnosis and a more effective treatment of MM.

A Comprehensive Approach to Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A Case Report of Successful Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection Treatment Utilizing the Short Antagonist Protocol and Hatching.

The 29-year-old participant in the case study has been grappling with infertility for the last six years. Following an assessment of her symptoms, hormone profile, and ultrasound results, she received a diagnosis of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is a multifaceted endocrine and metabolic disorder characterized by symptoms such as obesity, insulin resistance, anovulation, and polycystic ovaries. Various factors, including heredity, intestinal dysbiosis, obesity, environmental pollutants, lifestyle choices, and neuroendocrine abnormalities, contribute to the susceptibility of women to PCOS. In planning polycystic ovarian stimulation, it is crucial to consider parameters such as antral follicle count (AFC), luteinizing hormone (LH), and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH). Careful planning of the gonadotrophin dose is essential to achieve an optimal response during a gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist (GnRH-ant) cycle. In our case, the brief antagonist protocol was used, resulting in a favorable outcome with minimal risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Despite multiple unsuccessful attempts at natural conception, the patient successfully conceived with the help of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), leading to a positive pregnancy outcome. In addition to incorporating mechanical hatching to promote implantation, we diligently selected the most beneficial medications for the patient.

Sensitivity and Specificity Analysis of Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) for Thyroid Swelling.

Introduction Thyroid gland disorders, such as goiters or tumor masses, are the result of localized or systemic aberrations of the thyroid gland. The purpose of this research was to see how effective fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) was in detecting thyroid swelling in patients with thyroid swelling. It is critical to be able to differentiate between benign and malignant thyroid nodules to reduce unnecessary thyroid surgeries. It is hypothesized that FNAC is not a reliable diagnostic tool to detect thyroid nodules in patients with thyroid swelling and that there is a significant variation between the number of thyroid nodules detected by FNAC and the number of thyroid nodules that were eventually diagnosed as malignant by surgery. The significance of this research shows the effectiveness of diagnostic tests for thyroid nodules in patients with thyroid swelling can help reduce unnecessary surgeries and improve patient care. Methods This cross-sectional study was carried out at the Department of Pathology at a tertiary care hospital in central India, from March 1, 2022 to June 31, 2022. Fifty patients with thyroid swelling were covered in the study. All patients were chosen after an ultrasound revealed goiter on clinical grounds. Results The majority of patients in the age group 31-40 years (33.33%) were female (74.67%). About 54.67% of the patients had a single thyroid nodule. FNAC had a sensitivity of 95.38%, a specificity of 53.33%, a positive predictive value of 86.67% and a negative predictive value of 88.57%. Conclusion FNAC is a simple, economical, and commonly used first-line diagnostic method for thyroid cancer. A false negative or false positive cytological diagnosis may be produced as a result of thyroid cytology. The study emphasizes the need to improve basic healthcare in rural India by treating FNAC as a first-line diagnostic test for thyroid swellings to guide management, although it does not replace histopathology.

Employment of Small-Group Discussions to Ensure the Effective Delivery of Medical Education.

The changing landscape of medical education has made small-group discussions crucial components. These sessions, including problem-based learning (PBL), case-based learning (CBL), and team-based learning (TBL), revolutionize learning by fostering active participation, critical thinking, and practical skills application. They bridge theory with practice, preparing future healthcare professionals for the dynamic challenges of modern healthcare. Despite their transformative potential, there are challenges in faculty preparation, resource allocation, and effective evaluation. The best practices include aligning discussions with curriculum goals, skilled facilitation, promoting active participation, and robust assessment strategies. Looking ahead, adapting to emerging health trends, ongoing research, and evolving healthcare demands will ensure the continued relevance and effectiveness of small-group discussions, shaping competent and adaptable healthcare providers equipped for the ever-evolving healthcare landscape.

Epilepsy and Issues Related to Reproductive Health.

Sexual disorders are prevalent and vary in men and women with epilepsy (WWE). Infertility and reproductive abnormalities are twice as common in females with epilepsy. Antiepileptic medications and seizures can both have an impact on sexual health in people with epilepsy. Seizures can alter the release of pituitary and hypothalamic hormones, and some antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) can alter sex steroid hormones (gonadal steroids and gonad corticoids). Females with epilepsy are more susceptible to menstrual cycle irregularity and polycystic ovary syndrome. Females and males had lower reproductive rates, and the causes are likely psychological and physiological, with epilepsy and AEDs again playing a role. Sexual disorders are common in WWE and men with epilepsy and can be caused by psychological, physical, or social factors. Specialists must address the gender-based biology of epilepsy and the impact of AEDs on sexual well-being to offer the best treatment possible for patients with epilepsy, particularly women of sexual maturity.

Flipped Classrooms in Medical Education: Improving Learning Outcomes and Engaging Students in Critical Thinking Skills.

The flipped classroom (FC) model involves students independently acquiring knowledge before in-person class sessions, during which they engage in active discussions and problem-solving. Various methods to implement FC are quizzes, e-content, case-based learning, problem-based learning, and reading assignments. The advantages of the FC approach included improved student preparation, active participation, and the promotion of critical thinking skills. Some disadvantages identified are technical problems like internet connection, improper planning and preparation, which increases teacher workload, and lack of self-motivation. This review underscores the potential of the FC approach to improve medical education by promoting independent learning, active participation, and deeper understanding. Consideration of factors such as curriculum design, faculty development, technological infrastructure, and student readiness is vital for successfully implementing the FC model. Balancing self-directed study with meaningful face-to-face interactions remains crucial to harnessing the full benefits of this innovative approach. By leveraging technology and student-centered methods, medical educators can create an enriched learning experience that positively influences future healthcare professionals.

Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Microbial Diagnosis.

The diagnosis is an important factor in healthcare care, and it is essential to identify microorganisms that cause infections and diseases. The application of artificial intelligence (AI) systems can improve disease management, drug development, antibiotic resistance prediction, and epidemiological monitoring in the field of microbial diagnosis. AI systems can quickly and accurately detect infections, including new and drug-resistant strains, and enable early detection of antibiotic resistance and improved diagnostic techniques. The application of AI in bacterial diagnosis focuses on the speed, precision, and identification of pathogens and the ability to predict antibiotic resistance.

Kounis Syndrome: Bee Sting-Induced Acute Myocardial Infarction.

Acute coronary syndrome or ST-elevation myocardial infarction that develops as a hypersensitive reaction following exposure to an allergen, such as chemicals or bee or wasp stings, is known as Kounis syndrome (KS). Based on angiographic characteristics, three kinds of KS have been identified. Multiple bee stings typically result in localized allergic reactions and anaphylaxis, but they can also occasionally induce severe systemic toxic reactions. Here, a case of KS in a 50-year-old male presented with swelling on the face and upper limbs and breathing difficulties resulting from bee stings which led to myocardial infarction. The risk of KS should be considered by the physician at the primary level in all situations involving multiple bee bites.

A Histopathological Study of the Spectrum of Skin Lesions in a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Retrospective Study.

Background The skin is the largest organ of the body with many different functions. All age groups are affected by skin diseases, which are widespread in underdeveloped nations. From a straightforward vesicular non-neoplastic lesion to a catastrophic neoplastic lesion, skin disorders exhibit a wide variety of geographic patterns. To make an accurate diagnosis, identify etiological agents, and assist a dermatologist or clinician in selecting the best course of treatment, a skin biopsy must undergo histopathological analysis. The present study was conducted to investigate the histological diagnosis of skin lesions, establish the distribution by age and sex, identify the most prevalent skin lesions, and further subclassify the most prevalent condition. Methodology A retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Pathology at Datta Meghe Medical College, Wanadongari, Nagpur over the course of a year. Hematoxylin and eosin were used to stain a total of 50 skin biopsy samples, with special stain when necessary, and then examined. Results The study involved a total of 50 patients, with 39 (78%) males and 11 (22%) females. With 16 (32%) cases in the 21-30-year age group, the early age group preponderance was recorded. Overall, 16 (32%) cases had microbial diseases, followed by eight (16%) cases with non-infectious vesicobullous diseases and vesicopustular disease, and five (10%) cases with non-infectious erythematous papular and squamous disease. In 12 (24%) cases, leprosy was the most prevalent microbiological disease. In five (10%) cases, pemphigus vulgaris was the most prevalent vesicobullous condition. Psoriasis, which was present in two (4%) cases, was the most common non-infectious erythematous papular and squamous disease. Squamous cell carcinoma, which was seen in seven (14%) cases, was the most prevalent neoplastic lesion. Conclusions In skin lesions, males outnumbered females. Patients in the younger age groups were most commonly involved. Leprosy and squamous cell carcinoma were, respectively, the most prevalent non-neoplastic and neoplastic skin lesions in our study.

The Rise of Non-typhoidal Salmonella Infections in India: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention.

Non-typhoidal Salmonella infections (NTS) are a growing concern in India, posing a significant health risk to the population. These infections are becoming more common at worrisome rates, primarily because of inadequate surveillance. Salmonella non-typhoidal causes severe gastroenteritis and can even cause invasive infections, such as bacteremia, and focal infections, such as meningitis and septic arthritis, and is acquired through contaminated food and water sources. From moderate to severe, the symptoms might vary. Certain serovars exhibit a stronger propensity for specific syndromes, with serious infections more commonly observed in vulnerable populations. Consuming contaminated food, using inadequate sanitation procedures while handling meat from animals slaughtered, and contaminated water supplies are some of the causes of these diseases. Proper food and water treatment, better sanitary facilities, public awareness campaigns, and adherence to food safety laws are all part of prevention measures. The issue of antimicrobial resistance further emphasizes the necessity for prudent antibiotic usage. The Indian government has put in place programs including public awareness campaigns, better sanitary facilities, and stricter food safety laws. In the future, efforts should, however, concentrate on improving laws, boosting hygienic practices, and funding the development of new medicines and vaccines. These actions will lessen the burden of NTS infections in India by assisting in their prevention and management. This review aims to understand the reasons for this growing tendency, which is essential for creating efficient control and prevention strategies.

Revolutionizing Medical Microbiology: How Molecular and Genomic Approaches Are Changing Diagnostic Techniques.

Molecular and genomic approaches have revolutionized medical microbiology by offering faster and more accurate diagnostic techniques for infectious diseases. Traditional methods, which include culturing microbes and biochemical testing, are time-consuming and may not detect antibiotic-resistant strains. In contrast, molecular and genomic methods, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based techniques and whole-genome sequencing, provide rapid and precise detection of pathogens, early-stage diseases, and antibiotic-resistant strains. These approaches have advantages such as high sensitivity and specificity, the potential for targeted therapies, and personalized medicine. However, implementing molecular and genomic techniques faces challenges related to cost, equipment, expertise, and data analysis. Ethical and legal considerations regarding patient privacy and genetic data usage also arise. Nonetheless, the future of medical microbiology lies in the widespread adoption of molecular and genomic approaches, which can lead to improved patient outcomes and the identification of antibiotic-resistant strains. Continued advancements, education, and exploration of ethical implications are necessary to fully harness the potential of molecular and genomic techniques in medical microbiology.