Outcome of H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b virus infection in calves and lactating cows.

In March 2024, highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 infections in dairy cows were first reported from Texas, USA. Rapid dissemination to more than 190 farms in 13 states followed. Here, we provide results of two independent clade 2.3.4.4b experimental infection studies evaluating (i) oronasal susceptibility and transmission in calves to a US H5N1 bovine isolate genotype B3.13 (H5N1 B3.13) and (ii) susceptibility of lactating cows following direct mammary gland inoculation of either H5N1 B3.13 or a current EU H5N1 wild bird isolate genotype euDG (H5N1 euDG). Inoculation of the calves resulted in moderate nasal replication and shedding with no severe clinical signs or transmission to sentinel calves. In dairy cows, infection resulted in no nasal shedding, but severe acute mammary gland infection with necrotizing mastitis and high fever was observed for both H5N1 genotypes/strains. Milk production was rapidly and drastically reduced and the physical condition of the cows was severely compromised. Virus titers in milk rapidly peaked at 108 TCID50/mL, but systemic infection did not ensue. Notably, adaptive mutation PB2 E627K emerged after intramammary replication of H5N1 euDG. Our data suggest that in addition to H5N1 B3.13, other HPAIV H5N1 strains have the potential to replicate in the udder of cows and that milk and milking procedures, rather than respiratory spread, are likely the primary routes of H5N1 transmission between cattle.

Detection and characterization of H5N1 HPAIV in environmental samples from a dairy farm.

The recent expansion of HPAIV H5N1 infections in terrestrial mammals in the Americas, most recently including the outbreak in dairy cattle, emphasizes the critical need for better epidemiological monitoring of zoonotic diseases. In this work, we detected, isolated, and characterized the HPAIV H5N1 from environmental swab samples collected from a dairy farm in the state of Kansas, USA. Genomic sequencing of these samples uncovered two distinctive substitutions in the PB2 (E249G) and NS1 (R21Q) genes which are rare and absent in recent 2024 isolates of H5N1 circulating in the mammalian and avian species. Additionally, approximately 1.7% of the sequence reads indicated a PB2 (E627K) substitution, commonly associated with virus adaptation to mammalian hosts. Phylogenetic analyses of the PB2 and NS genes demonstrated more genetic identity between this environmental isolate and the 2024 human isolate (A/Texas/37/2024) of H5N1. Conversely, HA and NA gene analyses revealed a closer relationship between our isolate and those found in other dairy cattle with almost 100% identity, sharing a common phylogenetic subtree. These findings underscore the rapid evolutionary progression of HPAIV H5N1 among dairy cattle and reinforces the need for more epidemiological monitoring which can be done using environmental sampling.

Tobacco use and its associated factors among students of medical college at tertiary care center of Eastern Nepal.

BACKGROUND: Despite declining smoking prevalence globally, South Asia faces a rising burden. In Nepal, existing tobacco control laws haven't curbed use, with 28.9% of young adults engaging in tobacco use. This study investigates tobacco use and associated factors among medical, dental, and nursing students at a Nepalese tertiary care center. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess tobacco use prevalence and identify factors associated with it among future healthcare professionals, considering their distinct roles in tobacco control. Medical students can contribute through clinical counseling and public health advocacy, dental students through oral health education, and nursing students through patient education and community outreach. METHODS: A cross-sectional study involving 427 medical, dental, and nursing students was conducted. Data was collected using online questionnaires distributed via email and social media. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were used for analysis. RESULTS: The study found that 45% of participants were aged 22-25, with females comprising the majority (53.2%). Nearly half (49.2%) belonged to the medical faculty, and 24.4% were in their first year. Furthermore, among those who smoke, 53% reported smoking less than 5 cigarettes daily. The analysis revealed significant associations between smoking with age (p = 0.01), year of study (p = 0.001), parental smoking history (p = 0.001), and having friends who smoke (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our findings highlight the moderate prevalence of cigarette smoking among medical students, with family and friends emerging as major influences. Stress relief was a common reason, particularly among young females and first-year students. These results emphasize the urgent need for comprehensive tobacco control programs within medical institutions to equip future healthcare professionals to effectively address smoking issues.

Fishbone perforating Meckel's diverticulum: an acute appendicitis mimicker.

Perforation of Meckel's diverticulum by a foreign body is rare, but when it occurs, it can mimic acute appendicitis, leading to diagnostic challenges. We present a case of a 45-year-old male initially diagnosed with acute appendicitis, but intra-operative exploration revealed a perforated Meckel's diverticulum with a fish bone. Meckel's diverticulum perforation remains diagnostically elusive, highlighting the need for intra-operative vigilance in cases of inconsistent findings like the presence of bilious fluid in the abdominal cavity. This case report underscores the importance of considering perforated Meckel's diverticulum in the differential diagnosis of right iliac fossa pain and the necessity of surgical exploration for atypical presentations to ensure timely diagnosis and appropriate management.

Subclavian steal syndrome.

Early recognition and diagnosis of subclavian steal syndrome are vital to avoid unnecessary investigations and ensure appropriate management. This case highlights the significance of comprehensive evaluation, including bilateral blood pressure measurement, in patients with unilateral symptoms.

Microbiological and hematological aspects of canine pyometra and associated risk factors.

Canine Pyometra, also known as cystic endometrial hyperplasia complex, is a common reproductive issue in bitches. This study aimed to identify associated risk factors, hematological variation, bacteria involved, and the most potent anti-bacterial against bacterial isolates of canine pyometra. Forty-five bitches of different habitats, breeds, and ages infected with pyometra were included in the study. The samples were cultured to isolate bacteria associated with the pyometra and antibiotic sensitivity was done for each bacterial isolates to get antibiogram. The study findings showed that potential risk factors such as age group, medroxyprogesterone acetate administration, and changes in the white blood cells parameters were significantly associated (P < 0.05) with the type of pyometra. Closed cervix pyometra in dogs showed significantly higher prevalence of clinical signs including depression, vomiting, abdominal enlargement, and fever compared to the open cervix pyometra. Low levels of red blood cells, pack cell volume, and hemoglobin indicated that the pyometra-infected dogs were more likely to have normocytic, normochromic, and non-regenerative anemia. Pyometra was attributed to an increase in AST (Aspertate aminotransferase), ALT (Alanine transaminase), ALP (Alkaline phosphatase), BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen), and Creatinine while a decrease in serum albumin. Of the all bacterial isolates, E. coli (35.55%) was the most common pathogen isolated from canine pyometra, followed by Pseudomonas spp. (26.66%). E coli and Pseudomonas spp. were susceptible to Imipenem, Amikacin, and Gentamicin while highly resistant to Ampicillin and Erythromycin. Imipenem, Amikacin, and Gentamicin were the most sensitive antibiotics, while Ampicillin and Erythromycin were the most resistant antibiotics for the bacterial strain isolated from canine pyometra. Multidrug resistant was observed in 26 of the isolated bacteria, indicating acquired resistance due to improper and uncontrolled use. Hence early diagnosis and close monitoring of antimicrobial susceptibility before therapeutic intervention is indispensable in preventing the global threat of antimicrobial resistance.

Median nerve schwannoma with a diagnostic delay of 8 years: a case report.

Introduction: Schwannomas are benign tumors of the peripheral nerve sheath, and the median nerve is the most commonly involved nerve. These benign tumors of the peripheral nerve sheath are very rare; they are clinically and radiologically similar to most other benign swellings of the hand; thus, they are often misdiagnosed. Case Presentation: A 41-year-old lady presented with an 8-year-long history of swelling over the distal forearm. The tumor measured 3.5×3.5×3.5 mm and was located over the flexor aspect of the distal part of her right forearm. Schwannoma was suspected from the clinical presentation and imaging, but the final diagnosis was established only after the surgery and histopathological analysis. At the follow-up after 1 year, the patient is doing well and her symptoms have not recurred. Conclusion: Imaging characteristics of schwannoma can be misinterpreted as some other condition, making the preoperative diagnosis very difficult and important. Thus, clinicians should be aware of such swellings, especially those that have been unnoticed or misdiagnosed, and provide optimal diagnoses to confer good outcomes.

Varicella pneumonia in an immunocompetent child: A case report.

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is a type of herpes virus that causes varicella (primary infection) and herpes zoster/shingles (due to reactivation of latent infection). Usually a benign and a self-limited illness, the illness sometimes can result in severe complications in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised persons. Varicella Pneumonia as a complication of herpes zoster is a rare event, with reports primarily concerning immunocompromised individuals. Here we report a 14-year-old female who developed a secondary bacterial infection of the skin lesions and varicella pneumonia associated with VZV infection. The patient presented with multiple painful vesicles that later turned into pustular lesions over the right cheek with erosions and hemorrhagic crusting. Swelling involving the right half of both upper and lower lips was present. She developed a fever, cough, and shortness of breath after two days of the presence of vesico-pustular lesions. A diagnosis of Pneumonia was made based on symptoms of fever and cough and findings on chest x-ray. This case highlights, though rare, varicella pneumonia has a high rate of respiratory failure, but early diagnosis with prompt administration of antiviral medications can improve outcomes.

Availability, affordability and access to essential medications for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in three low- and middle-income country settings.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the rising burden of chronic respiratory disease globally, and although many respiratory medications are included in the World Health Organization Essential Medications List (WHO-EML), there is limited information concerning the availability and affordability of treatment drugs for respiratory conditions in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). METHODS: All public and private pharmacies in catchment areas of the Global Excellence in COPD outcomes (GECo) study sites in Bhaktapur, Nepal, Lima, Peru, and Nakaseke, Uganda, were approached in 2017-2019 to assess pricing and availability of medications for the management of asthma and COPD. RESULTS: We surveyed all 63 pharmacies in respective study areas in Nepal (95.2% private), 104 pharmacies in Peru (94.2% private) and 53 pharmacies in Uganda (98.1% private). The availability of any medication for respiratory disease was higher in private (93.3%) compared to public (73.3%) pharmacies. Salbutamol (WHO-EML) monotherapy in any formulation was the most commonly available respiratory medication among the three sites (93.7% Nepal, 86.5% Peru and 79.2% Uganda) while beclomethasone (WHO-EML) was only available in Peru (33.7%) and Nepal (22%). LABA-LAMA combination therapy was only available in Nepal (14.3% of pharmacies surveyed). The monthly treatment cost of respiratory medications was lowest in Nepal according to several cost metrics: the overall monthly cost, the median price ratio comparing medication costs to international reference prices at time of survey in dollars, and in terms of days' wages of the lowest-paid government worker. For the treatment of intermittent asthma, defined as 100 mcg Salbutamol/Albuterol inhaler, days' wages ranged from 0.47 days in Nepal and Peru to 3.33 days in Uganda. CONCLUSION: The availability and pricing of respiratory medications varied across LMIC settings, with medications for acute care of respiratory diseases being more widely available than those for long-term management.