RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are dynamic and show a variable prevalence in different parts of the country. Moreover, the prevalence changes with time in the same geographical area. It is important to have the knowledge of current trend of STIs and partner notification (PN) rate in a particular area for the effective implementation of preventive and control measures. AIMS: This study aimed to assess the changing demographic and clinical trends of STIs in the patients attending a tertiary care center in North India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted at STI clinic located at a tertiary care center in North India. All the patients visiting STI clinic over a 5-year period from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2017, were included in our study. Diseases were diagnosed on the basis of detailed history, clinical examination, and relevant investigations, and PN was done using the patient-oriented notification method. RESULTS: The most common STI affected age group was 25-44 years (45.11%), and the most common STI noted was candidal balanoposthitis in males (19.49%) and candidal vaginal discharge in females (20.54%), followed by herpes genitalis (15.04%) and condylomata acuminata (14.66%) in both the genders. Bacterial STIs such as syphilis (1.58%), lymphogranuloma venereum (0.45%), and chancroid (0.39%) were less common. The average PN rate was 42.48%. CONCLUSION: In the present study, fungal and viral STIs showed an upward trend, whereas bacterial STIs such as syphilis and chancroid demonstrated a declining trend. The measures to improve PN are urgently required for both cure and the prevention of STIs.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Oral squamous cell lesions are most commonly diagnosed lesions in India. Both premalignant and malignant lesions are frequently encountered. In this study, we evaluated the role and significance of apoptotic indices (AI) and proliferative indices (PI) in premalignant and malignant squamous cell lesions of the oral cavity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 62 histologically proven cases of premalignant and malignant oral squamous cell lesions were analyzed. The biopsies were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and also with monoclonal antibody Ki-67. AI and PI were assessed using a light microscope. RESULTS: AI was found to increase gradually from normal to dysplasia to carcinoma. The highest AI was seen in well-differentiated squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). PI also was found to increase significantly from normal to dysplasia to carcinoma. The highest PI was seen in poorly differentiated SCC. CONCLUSION: AI in conjunction with the PI offers an accurate idea as to the nature and course of the lesion and may help to plan timely surgical intervention that results in better clinical prognosis and outcome.
RESUMO
Demonstration of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in a smear or culture is the most reliable method for diagnosing tuberculosis (TB). In the last 10 years, several enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) based on mycobacterial antigens (such as antigen 60, 38 kDa antigen, and antigen Kp90) have been used for the rapid diagnosis of TB. In this study, we report the isolation of an immunodominant lipopolysaccharide (LPS) antigen from M. tuberculosis H(37)Rv, which can be used for the serodiagnosis of TB. The LPS antigen was compared with three commercially available mycobacterium-specific antigens for the detection of TB. The antigens were evaluated using serum samples obtained from 59 Indian patients (19 patients with active pulmonary TB, 20 with extrapulmonary TB, and 20 with nontuberculous pulmonary disease) and 20 healthy adults. Antigen 60 IgG (sensitivity 89%, specificity 97%) and LPS (sensitivity 84%, specificity 97%) were more sensitive and specific than 38 kDa antigen IgG (sensitivity 79%, specificity 97%) and Kp90 IgA (sensitivity 82%, specificity 40%). These results indicate that the LPS antigen can be used as a sensitive tool for the serodiagnosis of TB and could be utilized to develop an ELISA for the screening of patients for TB.