Outbreak of human buffalopox infection.

An outbreak of febrile illness with vesicular lesions on hands and forearms of six persons was investigated. There was simultaneous outbreak of similar illness in buffaloes that were milked by these persons. Buffaloes had lesions on many parts of body including udder and teats. Manual milking without gloves exposed the persons to the infection. Investigations proved that both the outbreaks were due to buffalopox virus infection. Improved dairy practices like wearing gloves while milking might help in prevention of spread of infection to other animals and humans.

Metallo-ß-lactamase-producing clinical isolates from patients of a tertiary care hospital.

BACKGROUND: The growing increase in the rates of antibiotic resistance is a major cause for concern in both non-fermenting bacilli and isolates of the Enterobacteriaceae family. ß-lactams have been the mainstay of treatment for serious infections, and the most active of these are the carbapenems. Acquired metallo-ß-lactamases (MBL) have recently emerged as one of the most worrisome resistance mechanisms owing to their capacity to hydrolyze all ß-lactams, including carbapenems. We have undertaken this investigation to ascertain the prevalence of MBL-producing non-fermenting bacilli and Enterobacteriaceae. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted over a period of 4 months in a 1200-bedded teaching hospital. Isolates included in the study were screened for imipenem resistance both by conventional methods and mini analytical profile index (miniAPI). The isolates that showed imipenem resistance were tested for MBL production by imipenem (IMP)-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid combined disc test. Imipenem-resistant non-MBL isolates also tested for Modified Hodge test and AmpC ß-lactamases production to detect other mechanisms of carbapenem resistance. RESULTS: Of 638 gram negative bacilli isolates and 3.39% showed imipenem resistance, 2.9% showed MBL production, of which 1.7% were non-fermenters and 1.25% were Enterobacteriaceae, 0.3% showing non-MBL KPC carbapenemas. Most isolates were from the intensive care unit and from post-operative patients. Our findings show that there are significant numbers of isolates having MBL production along with multidrug resistance. There is a need for active surveillance to detect MBL producers.

Bacteriological and mycological study of corneal ulcers in and around Aurangabad.

In the present study an attempt was made to find out bacteria and fungi causing corneal ulcers. Sixty cases of corneal ulcer were studied. Corneal scrapings from patient of corneal ulcer were collected and processed for isolation of bacterial and fungal agents. The commonest age group affected was 21-30 yrs. Incidence of corneal ulcer was more in males 39 (65%) as compared to females 21 (35%). Trauma was the commonest predisposing factor. Out of sixty cases of corneal ulcer positive cultures were obtained in 23 (38.33%). Bacteria were isolated in 10 (16.66%) fungi in 12 (20%) and mixed culture in 1 (1.66%) of the patients. Among the bacterial isolates commonest was Staphylococcus aureus 6 (10%). Among fungal isolates Fusarium species was the commonest isolate 4 (6.66).