A Study Comparing Centchroman and Evening Primrose Oil in the Treatment of Benign Breast Disease.

Introduction: Females seeking medical attention at breast clinics commonly present with nonmalignant breast conditions, including nonspecific breast pain or distinct masses like fibroadenomas. Due to its variability, it may be difficult to quantify breast pain. The purpose of the research was to compare centchroman and evening primrose oil to identify a cost-effective, secure, and efficient treatment for benign breast disease. Material and Methods: In this prospective hospital-based observational study, 100 breast diseases with or without lumpiness for 1 year were included and divided into two groups with 50 cases each, Group-A (Centchroman) and Group-B (Evening primrose oil). Results: Centchroman exhibited a significantly greater treatment response for alleviating pain-free mastalgia compared to evening primrose oil. Additionally, centchroman showed an excellent response (P < .05). Among participants with mastalgia, centchroman significantly reduced the number of mastalgia patients with tender nodularity post-treatment (P = .035) than evening primrose oil. On the basis of fibroadenoma, partial and complete response was significantly seen in higher number of cases in the centchroman group (P = .007). Conclusion: Centchroman therapy demonstrates that the treatment for benign breast disease is safe, effective, and economical.

The Trend of C-Reactive Protein After Corticosteroid Therapy in COVID-19 Patients Admitted to IGIMS, Patna.

BACKGROUND: C-reactive protein (CRP) is a routine inflammation biomarker. Increased CRP levels are correlated with COVID-19. We found a marked reduction in CRP concentration on corticosteroid therapy, which in turn led to reduced mortality and duration of hospital stay. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, CRP levels were measured on admission and at 72 hours and compared between two groups of patients, with and without corticosteroid therapy. The study sample consisted of 105 RT-PCR-confirmed patients admitted to the ICU of the COVID ward. Out of the total patients, 57 received one or more doses of dexamethasone in addition to usual treatment, and 48 were given only usual care. RESULT: CRP at the time of admission was comparable for both groups. Also, a significant decrease in the CRP was noted in both groups 72 hours post-admission. Moreover, the decline was more marked in the steroid-administered group (CRP-baseline: 34.3mg/dL (+/-8.44), CRP at 72 hours 18.5mg/dL(+/-7.95) (p <0.00) compared to non-steroid group (CRP_baseline: 34.04mg/dL (+/-10.06), CRP at 72. Those with comorbidities were administered steroids (n=38, 66.7%) compared to those who were not (n=08, 16.7%). The average duration of hospital stay was less (5 to 7 days) in the corticosteroid-administered group compared to the other group (7 to 10 days). CONCLUSION: Routine CRP tests can predict the outcome and treatment of severe coronavirus disease. Corticosteroid treatment in COVID-19 patients is associated with reduced CRP levels within 72 hours after therapy.

Diagnosis of Paediatric Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis by the MPT64 Antigen at a Tertiary Care Hospital.

Background Tuberculosis (TB) remains a global health concern, with India bearing a substantial burden. Paediatric TB, especially extrapulmonary TB (EPTB), presents unique diagnostic challenges due to its paucibacillary nature and the difficulty in obtaining suitable samples in children. Accurate and timely diagnosis is crucial to initiate appropriate treatment and mitigate disease spread. The MPT64 antigen test has shown promise in diagnosing TB, but its performance in paediatric EPTB remains underexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic utility of the MPT64 antigen test in paediatric EPTB cases at a tertiary care hospital in India. Methods We conducted a prospective cross-sectional study at the Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS), a tertiary care hospital in India. A total of 250 paediatric participants, aged 0-18 years, with clinical suspicion of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) were included. Diagnostic samples (e.g., tissue biopsies, pus, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and lymph node aspirates) were obtained, and tests including microscopy for acid-fast bacilli (AFB), mycobacterial cultures, GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay, and the TB Antigen MPT64 Rapid ICT Kit were performed. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and diagnostic accuracy of the MPT64 antigen test were calculated using culture and GeneXpert as reference standards. Results Among the 250 participants, 34 (13.6%) were confirmed to have EPTB. The MPT64 antigen test demonstrated a sensitivity of 70.6% and specificity of 92.1% in detecting EPTB cases. Mycobacterial cultures had the highest sensitivity (91.2%) and specificity (97.7%). GeneXpert showed a sensitivity of 70.6% and specificity of 93.9%. Overall diagnostic accuracy ranged from 88.7% for acid-fast bacteria (AFB) staining to 96.9% for mycobacterial cultures. The MPT64 antigen test had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.814, indicating a good diagnostic accuracy. Conclusion The MPT64 antigen test demonstrates promising sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing paediatric EPTB, making it a valuable diagnostic tool, especially in resource-limited settings. However, mycobacterial cultures maintain the highest accuracy. Combining the MPT64 antigen test with other methods may enhance diagnostic capabilities.

Study of Culture Conversion in Drug-Resistant Pulmonary Tuberculosis on All-Oral Longer Regimen at IGIMS, Patna.

Background: Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) refers to tuberculosis that resists at least two primary drugs, namely isoniazid and rifampicin. To assess the management of MDR-TB, sputum culture conversion is performed. This study aimed to determine the culture conversion status of MDR-TB patients undergoing an all-oral longer regimen. Methods: This research constitutes an observational and prospective study conducted within a hospital setting. The study was done at the Department of Microbiology, IGIMS, Patna, from October 2020 to March 2022. Culture conversion in multidrug resistance pulmonary tuberculosis on all-oral longer regimens took one spot and one morning sample of sputum as per standard protocol after completing two months of all-oral longer regimens and culturing it in liquid broth using Mycobacterium Growth Indicator Tube (MGIT) 960 System at two, four then six months till we got a negative result. Results: Maximum number of the cases, 77 (74.8%), belonged to 19-35 years of age group. Males were 68 (66.1%) and females were 35 (33.9%), respectively, with male to female ratio of 1.9:1. After 2 months of oral longer regimen treatment, out of 103 cases, we found 98 (95.1%) patients had sputum for culture positive and only five (4.2%) patients had sputum for culture negative. After 6 months of oral longer regimen treatment, out of 101 cases, we found 16 (15.8%) patients had sputum for culture positive and 85 (85.2%) patients had sputum for culture negative. Conclusion: In patients with multidrug-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis (MDR-TB) who received an all-oral longer regimen, the introduction of bedaquiline led to positive outcomes as evidenced by a greater number of negative sputum cultures, a decrease in culture reversions, and a reduced risk of developing a more resistant form of MDR-TB.

Comparison of Cytokines Profiles and Monocyte Response Among Tuberculosis Patients Versus Patients Coinfected With Intestinal Helminth and Tuberculosis.

Background Tuberculosis (TB) and intestinal helminth infections often coexist, posing a significant health challenge. TB, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and helminths elicit distinct immune responses - Th1 for TB and Th2 for helminths. Co-infection introduces a complex immunological challenge, potentially compromising TB control. This study addresses the research gap by comparing cytokine profiles and monocyte responses in TB patients, helminth-infected individuals, and those with both. Insights gained may enhance diagnosis, treatment, and disease control strategies where TB and helminths prevail. Methods A cross-sectional observational study conducted at Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, Bihar, aimed to compare cytokine profiles and monocyte responses in TB patients and those coinfected with TB and helminths. The study included 150 newly diagnosed active TB individuals aged 18 to 65 years. TB diagnosis was confirmed through clinical assessment, sputum microscopy, and GeneXpert (Cepheid, Sunnyvale, CA, USA) testing. Stool examination employed various methods, including the Kato-Katz technique and formalin-ether concentration. Blood samples were collected for hematological analysis, cytokine profiling, and monocyte isolation. Statistical analysis, using SPSS version 20.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA), included descriptive statistics, and t-test analyses. Results In our study of 150 participants, half (50.0%) showed positive helminth status. The sociodemographic analysis revealed no significant differences in age, gender, education, occupation, marital status, smoking, alcohol, BMI, diabetes, and hypertension between TB patients (n=75) and TB+Helminth patients (n=75), ensuring baseline matching. The prevalence of specific helminth infections in TB+Helminth patients included Ascaris lumbricoides (24.0%), Trichuris trichiura (18.7%), and others. Hematological parameters showed significant differences, with TB+Helminth patients exhibiting higher RBC count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, neutrophil count, and monocyte count; also eosinophil count was more raised in TB+Helminth patients (0.36 x 103/µL) when compared to TB patients (0.25 x 103/µL). Cytokine profiles and monocyte responses varied significantly between the groups, with TB patients having higher IL-4, IL-6, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-1ß levels, while TB+Helminth patients had elevated IL-10. Monocyte response time did not differ significantly. Conclusion The observed differences in hematological parameters and cytokine profiles emphasize the need for tailored approaches to diagnosis and treatment in co-infected individuals. These findings suggest that the management of TB patients should consider the potential influence of helminth co-infections.

A Comparative Study of Bacterial Infections Between COVID-19 and Non-COVID-19 Patients With Respect to Different Isolates and Their Antibiotic Sensitivity Pattern.

Background Following the pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2, the emergence of and following the pandemic has required major modifications to healthcare systems and frameworks. Antimicrobials have more than a few potential roles in managing COVID-19. Experimental cures for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 are being explored. The availability of limited data suggests that nosocomial infections are associated with a higher risk of death and severity of COVID-19. To fill this knowledge gap, we conducted a study to assess the spectrum of bacteriological isolates in different samples from COVID-19 patients. Our study aimed to evaluate the antibiotic resistance pattern of these bacterial isolates and compare the spectrum of bacteriological isolates in different samples and their antibiotic sensitivity pattern between COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients. Methodology An observational cross-sectional, partly retrospective, and partly prospective study was carried out in the bacteriology section of the Department of Microbiology, Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS), Patna, Bihar, for a total duration of six months from February 2021 to July 2021. The profile of pathogens isolated from 105 clinical samples from COVID-19 patients was studied. To detect COVID-19, RT-PCR was performed. All clinical specimens (urine, blood, pus, respiratory sample, etc.) were processed and cultured on different media to support the growth of the bacteria as per our standard operating procedures (SOP) for bacteriology samples. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was carried out based on the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. Results A total of 105 clinical samples were received in the bacteriology section of the Department of Microbiology, IGIMS, Patna, Bihar, from admitted COVID-19 patients. The mean age of study participants was 51.57 ± 14.76 years, and males (66.7%, 70/105) were more than females (33.3%, 35/105). The majority of the patients were 91 out of 105 (86.67%) from the ward and 14 from the ICU (13.33%). Of the total samples tested, 62 (59%) were urine samples, 26 (24.8%) were respiratory specimens, 13 (12.4%) were pus samples, 3 (2.9%) were body fluids, and 1 (1%) were tissue samples. Among the total pathogen isolates (n=57) obtained from patients with SARS-CoV-2 admitted to the ward and ICU, 56.14% (32) were gram-negative, 26.31% (15) were Candida, and 17.54% (10) were gram-positive pathogens. The most isolated pathogen was Escherichia coli (39.02%, 16/41) followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (29.26%, 12/41), Acinetobacter baumannii (7.31%, 3/41), and Enterobacter cloacae (2.43%, 1/41). Enterococcus spp. as gram-positive bacteria were isolated in 21.95% (9/41) of patients. Among the gram-negative bacteria (Enterobacterales), the highest resistance was seen in ampicillin (100%,29/29). For non-Enterobacterales, the highest resistance was seen in ceftriaxone (66.66%,2/3). Enterococcus spp. showed maximum ciprofloxacin, and gentamicin (high level) resistance was 100% (9/9). Conclusion Secondary infections with resistant pathogens in COVID-19 patients highlight the importance of antimicrobial management programs focused on the optimal selection of empirical treatments based on culture reports.

A Comparative Analysis of Microscopy, Culture, and the Xpert Mycobacterium tuberculosis/Rifampicin Assay in Diagnosing Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Human Immunodeficiency-Positive Individuals.

INTRODUCTION: Individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection have an increased likelihood of developing tuberculosis (TB). The primary objective of this study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of microscopy, culture, and the Xpert Mycobacterium tuberculosis/Rifampicin (MTB/RIF) assay in the diagnosis of pulmonary TB in sputum samples of HIV-infected patients. The secondary objectives were to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of these three methods along with a comparison of diagnostic approaches for detecting drug-resistant strains. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective, laboratory-based study was done in the Microbiology Department of IGIMS, Patna. The study included sputum samples of 102 individuals who were HIV-positive and exhibited symptoms indicative of tuberculosis. RESULTS: Out of 102 individuals suspected of having tuberculosis, 18 tested positive for M. tuberculosis. Male individuals between the ages of 31 and 40 were more affected by both HIV and tuberculosis, and in most of these cases, their CD4 cell count was below 200 cells/µl. Among the 102 sputum samples collected, 18% (18 samples) were found to be positive using the Mycobacterium Growth Indicator Tube (MGIT) 960 liquid culture method. Two samples were contaminated, and 14.7% (15 cases) tested positive using the cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification test (CBNAAT) method. Additionally, 3.92% (four samples) were positive using the ZN staining method. CONCLUSION: The study found that Xpert MTB/RIF outperformed other methods in identifying resistance to RIF, showed better agreement with gene sequencing results for RIF resistance, and had higher accuracy in detecting tuberculosis cases, including both smear-positive and smear-negative cases.

Identification of Fungal Isolates in Patients With Pulmonary Tuberculosis Treated at a Tertiary Care Hospital.

Introduction Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) has long been associated with opportunistic fungal infections and could prove lethal if these fungal infections are not detected in the early stages of tuberculosis. TB patients are mostly immunocompromised, and an association with a fungal infection fuels each other, thus decreasing host immunity and making it difficult to treat. Extensive use of antibiotics and steroids has resulted in increasing trends of these fungal infections globally. Material and methods This observational, retrospective hospital-based medical record review study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology at the Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS), Patna, Bihar, India. A total of 200 medical records of pulmonary tuberculosis patients diagnosed by using sputum as clinical samples were evaluated and analysed for two years, from January 2020 to December 2021. This study was started after approval from the institutional ethical committee. Data were obtained from the mycology test records from the Department of Microbiology and from the data files of the medical records section over a period of two years. Results Our study included the medical records of 200 pulmonary tuberculosis patients who underwent treatment at IGIMS Patna. Out of 200 patient records, 124 (62%) were males and 76 (38%) were females. The male-to-female ratio was 1.6:1. After analysis and evaluation of 200 medical records of pulmonary tuberculosis patients, fungal species were detected in 16 (8%) sputum samples. Among 16 culture-positive sputum samples, 10 (8.06%) and six (7.1%) were diagnosed in male and female patients, respectively. Fisher's exact test showed a non-significant two-sided p-value of 1.000 with a relative risk of 0.9982. The prevalence, or positivity rate, was 8% in two years. The age group of 31-45 years had the most fungal co-infection at 37.5%. Among the fungal isolates, 5/16 (31.25%) were yeasts, and the remaining 11/16 (68.75%) isolates were mycelial fungi. Conclusion According to the findings of the present study, pulmonary fungal infections co-exist in tuberculosis patients, although the prevalence rates of all the coinfections are low and statistically not significant. Being chronic in nature and with confusing clinical and radiological findings, these fungal infections are misdiagnosed as reactivation of tuberculosis. Hence, the increasing rate of morbidity and mortality can decrease if adequate measures are taken for the diagnosis at an early stage and appropriate treatment of these fungal mycoses with antifungal therapy is instituted.

Post-COVID-19 cavitary lung lesion due to Aspergillus flavus and Enterobacter cloacae in a patient suffering from COVID-19 pneumonia - a case report.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has manifested as a multifaceted paradigm but has primarily affected the respiratory system. Though a rare sequela after-COVID-19, we present a case of cavitary lung lesion in an adult patient, which manifested with common symptoms such as fever, cough and dyspnoea during the post-COVID-19 recovery period. Aspergillus flavus and Enterobacter cloacae were found to be the main causative organisms. Fungal and bacterial coinfection may be thought of in similar situations and appropriate treatment may be given to prevent further morbidity and mortality.

A Prospective Study Comparing Stapler and Open Surgical Technique of Hemorrhoidectomy.

Introduction Hemorrhoids are basically anal cushions which turn out to be pathological giving rise to bleeding, pain and protrusion outside the anal canal. The chief complaint of patients with hemorrhoids is bleeding from the rectum which is usually painless and associated with episodes of defecation. The study was done to assess postoperative pain, time duration of the procedure, complications in the postoperative period, return to normal work, and recurrence between the stapler and open hemorrhoidectomy for grade III and IV hemorrhoids. Material and methods The present prospective study was conducted among 60 patients in the General Surgery department at Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS), Patna, Bihar over the duration of two years presenting with grade III and IV degree hemorrhoids. Thirty patients each were divided into open hemorrhoidectomy and stapled hemorrhoidectomy groups. The study evaluated variables like operative time, stay at the hospital and postoperative complications and compared them between the two techniques. Follow-up of patients was done at regular intervals. Evaluation of postoperative pain was done using visual analogue scale (VAS) with ranges from 0 to 10. We evaluated the data using the chi-square test with a p-value <0.05 as significant. Results Of 60 patients, 47 (78.3%) were males and 13 (21.7%) were females with a male: female ratio being 3.6:1. The operating time and hospital stay were much less in the stapler hemorrhoidectomy group as compared to the open procedure group. Also, postoperative pain (visual analogue scale) was less in the stapler hemorrhoidectomy group with 36.7% of patients presenting with pain at one week, 23.3% at one month and 3.3% at three months in the open hemorrhoidectomy group whereas 13.3% presenting as pain in one week, 10% presenting at one month and none presenting at three months in the stapler hemorrhoidectomy group. There was recurrence seen in 10% of cases at three months in the open hemorrhoidectomy group as compared to the stapler hemorrhoidectomy group where no recurrence was found at three months follow-up. Conclusion Hemorrhoid offers a variety of surgical modalities of treatment. We have come to the conclusion that stapled hemorrhoidectomy has less complications and good patient compliance. It can be an effective option in the treatment of third and fourth-grade hemorrhoids. With proper training and expertise, stapler hemorrhoidectomy is a better and reliable technique for hemorrhoid surgery.

Candidemia Among ICU Patients: Species Characterisation, Resistance Pattern and Association With Candida Score: A Prospective Study.

Introduction Candidiasis is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients admitted in intensive care units. Identification of Candida species is essential for effective treatment. However, in absence of proven fungemia, guidelines to initiate therapy are yet to be defined. Materials and methods During the study (16 months: September 2018 to December 2019), samples (urine, sputum, blood, tracheal aspirate, urinary catheter) were collected from ICU patients and prospectively evaluated. Microscopy, culture, and antifungal susceptibility testing were performed as per standard laboratory protocol. Demographic details and risk factors were noted from case records and correlated with Candida score. Results One hundred twenty-five non-duplicate samples (120 patients) positive on culture were included in the study. The most common co-morbid condition associated with fungemia was diabetes mellitus. The most common risk factor was total parenteral nutrition. Non-albicansCandida(C. tropicalis) was predominant. Candida species showed good sensitivity to voriconazole (80%) followed by fluconazole (67.78%) and amphotericin (62.22%). Twenty-nine patients had a Candida score of more than three. Conclusion Fluconazole available in both oral and parenteral formulations is an effective antifungal agent against the candida spp. Voriconazole should be reserved for non-responders. Rising resistance to common antifungals among Candida albicans is a matter of concern.

Novel Technique of Laparoscopic e-TEP (Extended View Totally Extraperitoneal Repair) for Umbilical Hernia at a Tertiary Care Centre of Eastern India: a Case Series.

Introduction:The field of abdominal wall hernias has undergone many innovations. Ventral hernias have conventionally been treated by open on-lay mesh hernioplasty, open retromuscular mesh hernioplasty (Rives-Stoppa procedure) and laparoscopic intraperitoneal mesh hernioplasty. Objective: To develop an alternative strategy where a mesh is placed in retromuscular space by minimal access technique of the laparoscopic extended view totally extraperitoneal approach (e-TEP). Methodology: This was an interventional and prospective study on series of 25 cases of either sex with age ≥18 years and ≤65 years presenting with umbilical hernia with abdominal wall defect. Laparoscopic e-TEP (extended view totally extraperitoneal repair) for umbilical hernia was performed and patients were usually discharged within 48.72 hours of the procedure. Follow-up surveillance for complications and recurrence of hernia was performed in an outpatient clinic the sixth week after surgery and by telephonic conversation every sixth months. Demographic profile, medical history, preoperative (comorbidities), perioperative and postoperative (during hospital stay) clinical profile of each patient was documented. Results:Among our study participants there was a female preponderance, with a male to female ratio of 0.47:1. Patients' ages ranged from 27 to 61 years, with a mean (SD) of 41.7 (11.4) years. Average defect size was 4.2 cm². One hernia involved divarication of recti muscles. A polypropylene mesh of size 15 x 15 cm was placed. The mean operative times were 94 minutes, ranging from 60 to 120 minutes. The average hospital stay was three days. The mean follow-up period was 12.6 months. Two patients developed seroma at umbilicus with discharge from suture site which resolved in two weeks with regular dressing. Prolonged ileus was noted in two patients, which resolved spontaneously by the fourth day. None of the patients developed surgical site infection, skin necrosis, wound dehiscence, bowel obstruction, urinary complications, or deep vein thrombosis. Also, none of the patients required conversion to open surgery. Conclusion:The current study generates evidence in support of this technique to be adapted in centers with advanced laparoscopic skills.

Worth of Laparoscopy in Undiagnosed Chronic Abdominal Pain: A Tertiary Care Center Study

Introduction: Chronic abdominal pain which is difficult to diagnose initially not only encumbers the patient but it also affectstheir daily routine, leading to physical and psychological disability, here comes the role of diagnostic laparoscopy which provesto be beneficial aiding in diagnosing most of these cases. Hence, the aim was to evaluate the diagnostic value of laparoscopyin cases with chronic abdominal pain.Materials and Methods: This study was done in the Department of General Surgery at Indira Gandhi Institute of Medicalsciences, Patna, Bihar, from July 2019 to March 2020 in 40 patients. Prior Institutional Ethical Committee approval was alsoobtained for this study.Results: Out of 40 patients included in this study, maximum number of patients were females. Male-to-female ratio was 1:1.4.The maximum number of patients were in the age group of 21–40 years (60%). Maximum patients 45% (n = 18) had complaintof pain in the right lower quadrant of abdomen. The most common finding during diagnostic laparoscopy was found to bepathology in the appendix accounting for 27.5% of cases (11/40).Conclusion: Diagnostic laparoscopy is a safe and effective tool to establish the etiology of chronic abdominal pain and allowsfor appropriate interventions. It can serve as a time saving and cost-effective implement for these patients.

Current Trends of Various Candida Coinfection using KB006Hi Candida Kit and CHROM Agar in Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients at a Tertiary Health Care Center in Patna

Introduction: The various Candida species have long been associated with pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). These Candidahave assumed significance as emerging pathogen in these TB patients with some degree resistance to antifungal therapy thuscomplicating the disease and its treatment. Early identification of Candida species and instituting appropriate treatment therapyis important in reducing the morbidity and mortality in patients with TB.Aim: The aim is to study trends and prevalence of various Candida coinfection using KB006Hi Candida kit and CHROM agarin pulmonary TB patients and evaluating usefulness of these candida identification kit.Material and Methods: This study was done in the Department of Microbiology at Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences,Patna, Bihar, over a period of 1 year in seventy patients of pulmonary TB. Prior Institutional Ethical Committee approval wasalso obtained for this study.Results: Out of a total of 200 patients, 70 patients (35%) whose sputum samples were positive for acid-fast bacilli were includedin the study. Candida coinfection was observed in 26 (37.14%) patients which included 16 male and 10 female patients. Theratio of male to female in Candida infection group was 1.6:1. Candida albicans was the most common isolate among Candidaspecies in pulmonary TB patients which was isolated in 50% of the patients.Conclusion: Candida coinfection in pulmonary TB patient is common, and synergistic growth between Candida species andTB exists. Along with C. albicans, the prevalence of non-albicans species is also increasing with variable degree of resistance.Prompt measures need to be taken for routine identification and treatment of these opportunistic Candida infections in TB patients.

Intestinal Tuberculosis: Experience with Mode of Presentation and Epidemiological Profile at a Tertiary Care Centre in Eastern Bihar.

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) is a major global health problem and still considered as a social disease in India reflecting the standards of living in a community. It possesses a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge to practicing surgeon in resource-limited countries. Aim: The aim of the present study was to study different surgical features and epidemiological profile of intestinal TB. Materials and Methods: 100 diagnosed cases of intestinal TB were studied over a period of 3-year in the Department of General Surgery at Katihar Medical College with emphasis on mode of presentation and epidemiological profile. Result: 64% of the cases were in the age group of 21-40 years. The sex incidence revealed a female to male ratio of 1.17:1 showing a female preponderance particularly affecting those who were engaged in household work. Persons of low socio-economic status, particularly non-vegetarians were the common victims of this disease. 50% of the cases belonged to the Muslim community. The important symptoms were abdominal pain, vomiting, loss of appetite, loss of weight, constipation, recurrent bowel upset, and distension of abdomen. The important signs were emaciated look, anemia localized, tenderness, abdominal lump, visible peristalsis, doughy feel of abdomen, distension and ascites and rigidity of the abdomen. The average duration of symptoms was 6-18 months at presentation. Conclusion: Intestinal TB has vague presentations as shown by this study with a predominant feature of abdominal pain. Good results can be obtained by adopting a multidisciplinary approach, health education, and awareness among people as this disease is very prevalent in this region.

Clinical presentation and bacteriological profile of diabetic foot in Eastern Bihar, India.

Background: Diabetes is a worldwide problem. A majority of diabetic patients develop foot ulcers in one point of time or other during the course of their illness. Chronic wound, especially non-healing types are the most common surgical conditions. The etiopathogenesis of diabetic foot lesions are multi-factorial like diabetic neuropathies, vasculopathy, poor control of diabetes and bacterial infection. The aim of the present study was to study various modes of presentation and microbiological profile in management of diabetic foot. Methods: 100 diagnosed cases of diabetic foot were studied over a period of three years in the department of General Surgery at Katihar Medical College with emphasis on clinical features and microbiological picture of diabetic foot and its complications. Results: Males are more prone to surgical complications three times than females because of more outdoor activities. It is more prevalent in age group 51-60 years (36%). In the present study, cases presenting with ulcer were maximum (52%) followed by cellulitis (20%), cases presenting with gangrene of toe or foot was minimum (12%). Staphylococcus Aureus was found in majority of cases of septic lesions on culture of pus (41%). Other organisms isolated were Pseudomonas, Klebsiella, E.Coli, Proteus etc. Conclusions: Diabetic foot has varied presentation. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus and its surgical complications can be attributed to poor patient knowledge, education and awareness of the disease. Patient education for care of feet such as pairing of nails, wearing proper footwear and prompt reporting to doctor in case of early lesions is essential.