Decreased fasting serum glucogenic amino acids with a higher compared to normal protein diet during energy restriction in women: a randomized controlled trial.

Dietary protein alters circulating amino acid (AAs) levels and higher protein intake (HP) is one means of losing weight. We examined 34 overweight and obese women (57 ± 4 years) during 6 months of energy restriction (7.3 ± 3.8% weight loss) divided into groups consuming either normal protein (NP; 18.6 energy% protein) or HP (24.3 energy% protein). There was a reduction in fasting serum glucogenic AAs (p = 0.015) that also associated with greater weight loss (p < 0.05) in the HP group, but not in the NP group. These findings have implications for nutrient prioritization during energy restriction.

Occurrence of Listeria monocytogenes on the seafood contact surfaces of Tuticorin Coast of India.

Listeria monocytogenes was screened from different seafood contact surfaces in five sampling sites of fishing harbour, fish landing centers, seafood processing plants, fish market, and fish curing yards of Tuticorin Coast of India. 115 swab samples were collected and tested for the occurrence of L. monocytogenes by conventional and molecular methods. Overall, 5.22% of swab samples collected were positive for L. monocytogenes. The fishing harbour had high incidence (10.3%) of L. monocytogenes followed by fish landing centers (5.9%), and seafood processing plants (4.1%). Boat deck, fish transport tricycle were the two seafood contact surfaces in fishing harbour, which had the occurrence of L. monocytogenes. The swab samples from fish market and fish curing yards were negative for L. monocytogenes. All the isolated colonies of L. monocytogenes were confirmed by PCR assay targeting virulent hlyA gene. The DNA of all the isolates yielded a product of 174 bp on PCR amplification in comparison with L. monocytogenes Type culture (MTCC 1143). The results clearly indicated the occurrence of L. monocytogenes in seafood contact surfaces along the Tuticorin Coast of India.

Three doses of vitamin D, bone mineral density, and geometry in older women during modest weight control in a 1-year randomized controlled trial.

The effects of higher than recommended vitamin D doses on bone mineral density (BMD) and quality are not known. In this study, higher intakes, in postmenopausal women undergoing weight control over 1 year, had no effect on areal or volumetric BMD but prevented the deterioration in cortical bone geometry. INTRODUCTION: Studies examining how bone responds to a standard dose of vitamin D supplementation have been inconsistent. In addition, the effects of higher doses on BMD and quality are not known. Postmenopausal women undergoing weight control to improve health outcomes are particularly at risk for bone loss and might benefit from supplemental vitamin D intake above the recommended allowance. METHODS: This 1-year-long, randomized, double-blind controlled study addresses whether vitamin D supplementation, in healthy overweight/obese older women, affects BMD and bone structural parameters. In addition, bone turnover and serum total, free, and bioavailable 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) responses to one of three daily levels of vitamin D3 (600, 2000, 4000 IU) with 1.2 Ca g/day during weight control were examined. RESULTS: Fifty-eight women (age, 58 ± 6 years; body mass index, 30.2 ± 3.8 kg/m2, serum 25OHD, 27.3 ± 4.4 ng/mL) were randomized to treatment. After 1 year, serum 25OHD concentrations increased to 26.5 ± 4.4, 35.9 ± 4.5, and 41.5 ± 6.9 ng/mL, in groups 600, 2000, and 4000 IU, respectively, and differed between groups (p < 0.01). Weight change was similar between groups (-3.0 ± 4.1 %). Cortical (Ct) thickness of the tibia changed by -1.5 ± 5.1 %, +0.6 ± 3.2 %, and +2.0 ± 4.5 % in groups 600, 2000, and 4000 IU, respectively, and each group was significantly different from each other (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The decline in Ct thickness was prevented with higher vitamin D3 supplementation, but there were no other significant changes due to treatment over 1 year. Whether these findings translate to changes in biomechanical properties leading to reduced fracture risk should be addressed in future studies.

Hormonal and dietary influences on true fractional calcium absorption in women: role of obesity.

UNLABELLED: The goal in this study was to examine the hormonal and dietary predictors of true fractional Ca absorption (TFCA) in adult women and to determine whether TFCA differs due to body weight. Results showed that TFCA is higher in obese individuals and dietary fat, estradiol, and 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D are the most significant positive predictors of TFCA in adult women. INTRODUCTION: Calcium absorption is an important determinant of calcium balance and is influenced by several factors. Previous studies have identified that age, intake of protein, fat and fiber, and hormones such as 1, 25-dihyroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)(2)D(3)) influence absorption. The determinants of TFCA using the double isotope method, the gold standard estimate of absorption, have not been examined previously in adult women nor has the role of obesity been addressed. METHODS: In this study, we examined the hormonal and dietary predictors of TFCA in adult women with a wide range of age, body weights, and nutrient intake. TFCA was measured using dual stable isotope ((42)Ca and (43)Ca) technique. Serum was analyzed for bone-regulating hormones, and dietary information was obtained through food records. The independent dietary factors and hormonal predictors (25-hydroxyvitamin D, 1,25(OH)(2)D(3), parathyroid hormone, and estradiol) of TFCA were analyzed using multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: Two hundred twenty-nine women aged 54 ± 11 years old (24-75 years) and with BMI of 31 ± 7.0 kg/m(2) were eligible and were categorized into tertiles of body mass index (BMI) into leaner, overweight, and obese. In the entire group of women, total fat intake, estradiol, and 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) are significant positive predictors (p < 0.05). As expected, age is a significant negative predictor of TFCA (R (2) = 26%). TFCA is higher in obese women compared to non-obese women (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Together, these data show that dietary fat is the most significant positive predictor of TFCA which may have implications for dietary intake for non-obese individuals who are more likely to have lower and potentially compromised Ca absorption.

Microbiological quality of cuttlefish (Sepia pharaonis) fillets stored in dry and wet ice.

Microbiological quality of cuttlefish (Sepia pharaonis) fillets stored in three different ice conditions was studied. Fillets stored in wet ice at a ratio of 1:1 (package III) were sensorially acceptable for only 18 h, while that stored in dry ice at 1:1 (package I) and combination of dry ice and wet ice at 1:0.2:0.5 (package II) were in acceptable condition up to 24 h without re-icing and thus there was an extension of shelf life by about 33%. Total bacterial load was 7 log10 cfu/g at the end of the storage period. Total psychrophilic population increased from zero to 7 log10 cfu/g while total lactic acid bacteria from zero to 5 log10 cfu/g. H2S producers were detected only at 18 h, with a count of 1 log10 cfu/g. Sulphite-reducing Clostridia increased gradually from zero to 110 most probable number count/g. Fresh cuttlefish fillets carried a bacterial flora of Micrococcus, Planococcus, Streptococcus, Moraxella, Proteus and Aeromonas. Pseudomonas was dominant in wet ice pack, while Aeromonas was dominant in both the dry ice and combination pack. Immediately after packing, the temperatures recorded in packages I, II and III were 10.5, 1.2 and 3.0 °C, respectively, which drastically decreased in 1 h and then maintained and finally increased gradually. The results indicate that use of combination of dry ice and wet ice is economical and very much useful to seafood industries, as this package considerably reduced the cost of air freight, as well as improved the quality and shelf life of cuttlefish.

Obesity alters cortical and trabecular bone density and geometry in women.

UNLABELLED: The goal in this study was to determine the relationship between body mass index and trabecular and cortical bone using quantitative computed tomography. A higher body mass index (BMI) was positively associated with trabecular and cortical bone parameters, and serum parathyroid hormone, and negatively associated with cortical volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) and serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D. When BMI is greater than 35 kg/m(2), adiposity affects vBMD and may explain the higher fracture risk in this population without low BMD. INTRODUCTION: The influence of adult obesity on the trabecular and cortical bone, geometry, and strength has not been fully addressed. The goal in this study was to determine the relationship between body mass index and trabecular and cortical bone mass and geometry, over a wide range of body weights. METHODS: We examined 211 women (25-71 years; BMI 18-57 kg/m(2)) who were classified into three categories of BMI (kg/m(2)) including normal-weight (BMI<25), overweight and obese-class I (BMI 25-35) and obese-class II-III (BMI>35), and also by menopausal status. Volumetric bone mineral density (mg/cm(3)), trabecular, and cortical components as well as geometric characteristics at the 4%, 38%, and 66% from the distal tibia were measured by peripheral quantitative computed tomography, and serum was analyzed for parathyroid hormone (PTH) and 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25OHD). RESULTS: Higher BMI was associated with greater values of trabecular bone and cortical BMC and area and PTH (r>0.39, p<0.001), but lower cortical vBMD and 25OHD (r>-0.27, p<0.001). When controlling for lower leg muscle area, fat area was inversely associated with cortical vBMD (r=-0.16, p<0.05). Premenopausal obese women with both higher BMI and PTH had lower cortical vBMD (r<-0.40, p<0.001). While age is a predictor for most bone variables, fat mass explains more variance for vBMD, and lean mass and 25OHD explain greater variance in geometric and strength indices (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Severe obesity (BMI>35) increases trabecular vBMD and in the presence of a higher PTH is associated with a lower cortical vBMD without compromising bone geometry and strength. Whether or not a lower cortical vBMD in obesity influences fracture risk over time needs to be further explored.

Pyoderma gangrenosum: an Indian perspective.

BACKGROUND: Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is an uncommon, idiopathic, neutrophilic skin disease sometimes associated with systemic diseases. To our knowledge, there have been no case series of PG reported from India. AIM: To study the clinical features, associated systemic diseases and treatment methods in our case series. METHODS: In total, 18 cases of PG diagnosed at our institution in Mangalore were evaluated in a prospective study. RESULTS: Ulcerative PG was the most common variant, seen in all except one case. Paediatric patients constituted less than a quarter (27.77%) of the patients. Systemic diseases were associated with the disease in over half of the patients (55.55%). The pathergy test was positive in seven patients (38.88%), and all but one had associated systemic disease. Corticosteroids were mainly used for management. CONCLUSIONS: PG is a rare disease in India, but paediatric PG cases were relatively common. Ulcerative PG was the commonest type, and over half of the patients had associated systemic diseases. There were a significant number of patients with associated systemic disease who had a positive pathergy test.

Rhinoentomophthoromycosis with mutilation.

Rhinoentomophthoromycosis is a rare subcutaneous zygomycosis. We report a case of rhinoentomophthoromycosis with mutilation, which is an even more unusual phenomenon, and discuss the clinical features and management of this rare dermatosis.

Effect of different types of heat processing on chemical changes in tuna.

The chemical changes in skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) subjected to cooking, frying, canning and microwave heating were studied. Raw tuna contained an unusual fatty acid C16:3 in high proportion (29.3%) followed by C18:2, C24:1, C16:0 and C18:3. Health beneficial fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) (1.67%) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (2.50%), were quite low with ω-3/ω-6 ratio 0.28. The total saturated fatty acids suffered major loss in fried (70%) and canned tuna (40%) due to loss of C16:0, C14:0 and C22:0. The monounsaturated fatty acids content increased (38%) in cooked and microwave heated tuna due to C24:1. The polyunsaturated fatty acids content increased in fried (50%) and canned (25%) tuna due to the uptake of frying and filling oil, respectively during processing. The loss of health beneficial ω-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA were minimum in cooked tuna followed by microwave heated tuna. Canning totally destroyed these fatty acids. In fried tuna, the losses of EPA and DHA were 70 and 85%, respectively. Thiobarbituric acid - reactive substances values increased in heat processed tuna. Cholesterol increased in canned and microwave heated tuna but not in cooked tuna. Reduction of cholesterol in fried tuna was due to its migration into frying oil. This study indicated that cooking and microwave heating are the better processing methods to retain the health beneficial ω-3 fatty acids in comparison to frying and canning.

Quality changes in squid (Loligo duvaucelli) tubes chilled with dry ice and water ice.

Squid tubes were packed with 100% (w/w of squid) dry ice (PI), 20% dry ice and 50% water ice (PII) and 50% water ice (PIII) in polyethylene bags and store in thermocole boxes at room temperature (32 ± 2°C) for 24 h. Quality changes curing storage were studied. Lowest temperature of -30.3°C was attained in PI while it was 15-16°C in PII and PIII at 1 h of storage. The gas compositions in packages initially were 21% O2, 0.4% CO2 and 78.1% N2 in PI, PII and PIII, respectively. During storage for 24 h highest level of 82.5% CO2 was noticed in PII. Fresh squid tubes had bacterial flora of Hafnia, Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Flavobacterium and Alcaligens. Hafnia constituted 74% of the flora. Alcaligenes (47%), Alteromonas (30%) and Alcaligenes (56%) were dominant in squid tubes stored in 100% dry ice, in the combination package, and in 100% water ice, respectively. Increase in total volatile base nitrogen and trimethylamine nitrogen, no definite trend in free fatty acid values in all packages while increase in pH in PI and PIII and no consistent changes in PI were noticed during storage for 24 h. The PI had lowest bacterial counts and PIII the highest. Squids stored in PI and PII were sensorily acceptable after 24 and 18 h, respectively.

A clinical, dermoscopic, and histopathological study of Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra (DPN) - An Indian perspective.

BACKGROUND: Dermatosis papulosa nigra (DPN) is a benign cutaneous condition which commonly occurs in dark-skinned people, especially Asians and African Americans. Owing to its benign nature and rarity, very few studies have been conducted to date, and dermoscopic studies are practically nonexistent. OBJECTIVES: To study the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients with dermatosis papulosa nigra (DPN) and to correlate the clinical findings with dermoscopic and histopathological findings in DPN. METHODS: A total of 100 patients attending the Dermatology outpatient department at Father Muller Medical College, Mangalore, India, with clinically diagnosed dermatosis papulosa nigra were included in the study. Histopathology and dermoscopic evaluation of the lesions were done, and the characteristics seen were noted. RESULTS: Earlier onset of lesions was noted in our study, i.e. onset in the 4th decade as compared to the 6th decade in most other studies. A female preponderance, positive family history, history of sun exposure, and involvement of the head and neck were other significant associations. Histopathology revealed an acanthotic variant in all the lesions that were biopsied. The predominant dermoscopic finding was fissures and ridges of the cerebriform pattern followed by comedo-like openings. CONCLUSION: Dermatosis papulosa nigra is a benign unaesthetic condition seen in Fitzpatrick skin types IV-VI. The diagnosis is mainly clinical; however, in a few cases histopathology and dermoscopy aid in differentiating it from other benign and malignant tumors. Dermoscopy, in particular, being a noninvasive investigative moiety is a rapid and accurate diagnostic tool.

A Clinicopathological and Dermoscopic Correlation of Seborrheic Keratosis.

BACKGROUND: Seborrheic keratosis (SK) is the most common benign epidermal tumor of the skin. Even though SK has been well characterized clinically, dermoscopically, and histopathologically, data regarding clinical dermoscopic and histopathological correlation of different types of SK are inadequate. AIM: We carried out this study to establish any correlation between the clinical, dermoscopic, and histopathological appearance of SK and its variants. METHODS: This was a descriptive study. Patients with SK were evaluated with respect to age, sex, family history of similar lesions, site of lesions, and symptoms associated with the lesions. Dermoscopy was performed in all cases. Biopsies were taken from the lesions and assessed for histopathology. RESULTS: The most common age group affected by SK was 31-50 years (42%). A female preponderance of 76% was seen. Majority of our patients had a positive family history (62%), though Sun exposure was not seen to be a major factor. The most common clinical variant was common SK (CSK) (46%). The most common dermoscopic findings seen in CSK were comedo-like (CL) openings, fissures and ridges (FR), and milia-like (ML) cysts. Dermatosis papulosa nigra and pedunculated SK had characteristic FR and CL openings on dermoscopy. Stucco keratoses showed network-like (NL) structures and sharp demarcation. CL opening on dermoscopy corresponded to papillomatosis and pigmentation, ML cysts corresponded to horn cysts, FR corresponded to papillomatosis, and NL structures corresponded to an increase in basal layer pigmentation. CONCLUSIONS: This study emphasizes the use of dermoscopy in improving the diagnostic accuracy of SK. The correlation between the various histological and dermoscopic features is described.

Cerebriform Cutaneous Lesions in Pemphigus Vegetans.

Pemphigus vegetans is an autoimmune bullous disorder characterized by vegetating lesions commonly over the flexures. A 42-year-old female patient came with pemphigus vegetans presenting with interesting cerebriform morphology of the cutaneous lesions over the flexures. Cerebriform tongue, a morphology with typical pattern of sulci and gyri over dorsum of the tongue is a well-known sign seen in pemphigus vegetans. Interestingly, we noticed the typical sulci and gyri pattern in the skin lesions of pemphigus vegetans over the flexures of the body. This clinical sign can be used as a clue in the diagnosis of pemphigus vegetans. Morphology and physical characteristics are important for the diagnosis of the disease. Clinical signs always give a clue to the probable or possible diagnosis in most of the dermatological conditions.

Vitamin D supplementation during short-term caloric restriction in healthy overweight/obese older women: Effect on glycemic indices and serum osteocalcin levels.

The effect of vitamin D supplementation and caloric restriction (CR) on glycemic indices and osteocalcin (OC) is not clear. In this randomized controlled double blind trial, we examined whether vitamin D3 supplementation at 2500 IU/d (D) or placebo has differential effects on markers of insulin sensitivity and bone turnover in overweight/obese postmenopausal women during 6 weeks of caloric restriction (weight loss; WL, n = 39) compared to weight maintenance (WM, n = 37). Seventy-six women (57 ± 6 years) completed this study and the WL groups lost 4 ± 1% of body weight. Baseline serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) was 24.8 ± 5.6 ng/mL at baseline; the rise was greatest in WL-D group (p < 0.05). There was an interaction between vitamin D intake and weight on serum OC, insulin, glucose and markers of insulin sensitivity (p < 0.05). The change in OC was explained by changes in serum 25OHD and insulin (model R(2) = 25.6%). Overall, vitamin D supplementation and CR influence serum osteocalcin levels and modestly favor improvements in insulin sensitivity.

Influence of vitamin D and estrogen receptor gene polymorphisms on calcium absorption: BsmI predicts a greater decrease during energy restriction.

Low calcium absorption is associated with low bone mass and fracture. In this study, we use gold standard methods of fractional calcium absorption (FCA) to determine whether polymorphisms of intestinal receptors, vitamin D receptor (VDR) and estrogen receptor α (ESR1), influence the response to energy restriction. Fractional calcium absorption was measured using dual stable isotopes ((42)Ca and (43)Ca) in women given adequate calcium and vitamin D and examined at baseline and after 6 weeks of energy restriction or no intervention. After genotyping, the relationship between VDR and ESR1 genotypes/haplotypes and FCA response was assessed using several genetic models. One-hundred and sixty-eight women (53 ± 11 years of age) were included in this analysis. The ESR1 polymorphisms, PvuII and XbaI and VDR polymorphisms (TaqI, ApaI) did not significantly influence FCA. The BB genotype of the VDR polymorphism, BsmI, was associated with a greater decrease in FCA than the Bb/bb genotype. Multiple linear regression showed that the BsmI polymorphism or the VDR haplotype, BAt, in addition to changes in weight and vitamin D intake explained ~16% of the variation in changes in FCA. In conclusion, the reduction in calcium absorption due to energy restriction is greatest for those with the BB genotype. Previous candidate gene studies show that VDR polymorphisms are associated with higher risk for osteoporosis, and the current study supports the notion that the BsmI polymorphism in intestinal VDR may be contributing to alterations in bone health.

A comparative study of 10% KOH solution and 5% imiquimod cream for the treatment of Molluscum contagiosum in the pediatric age group.

BACKGROUND: Although Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a self-limiting condition, active therapy could prevent further spread and improve cosmesis. Most of the available treatment modalities traumatize the lesions and have to be undertaken in the hospital, therefore evoking panic in children. In the quest for an alternative therapy, this study comparing 10% potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution and 5% imiquimod cream was taken up. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy and tolerability of 10% KOH and 5% imiquimod in the treatment of MC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This comparative study was conducted over a period of 18 months from October 2011 to March 2013, 40 patients between the age group of 1-18 years with clinically diagnosed MC were divided into two groups (lottery method), 20 patients were treated with 5% imiquimod cream (Group A) and the other 20 were treated with 10% KOH solution (Group B). Patients were followed up on the 4(th), 8(th) and 12(th) week of treatment. RESULTS: At the end of 12 weeks, out of 20 patients who received 10% KOH, 17 patients showed complete disappearance, whereas out of 20 patients who received 5% imiquimod, only 10 patients showed total clearance of the lesions. Adverse events were more frequent with 10% KOH, pigmentary disturbances being the most common. CONCLUSION: With only minor adverse effects, 10% KOH is an inexpensive and efficient modality for the treatment of MC in the pediatric age group. Although 5% imiquimod was effective in clearing the lesions with minimal adverse effects, the longer duration required for its efficacy may deter its wider use.

Giant lesions in histoid leprosy--an unusual presentation.

A forty-year-old man presented with multiple, asymptomatic, raised lesions of one-year duration. Well-defined, non-tender papules and nodules were seen on the normal looking skin. Few giant lesions were seen over the lower legs and feet. Diffuse infiltration of the face and ears was present. Bilateral ulnar, radial cutaneous, sural and right superficial peroneal nerves were thickened. Slit-skin smear from a nodule had a BI of 6+. Biopsy showed features of histoid leprosy. The lesions had developed de novo, without previous dapsone monotherapy.

A clinical and mycological study of dermatophytic infections.

BACKGROUND: Dermatophytoses refer to superficial fungal infection of keratinized tissues caused by keratinophilic dermatophytes. According to observations worldwide, dermatophytoses are the most common of the superficial fungal infections. It is common in tropics and may present in epidemic proportions in areas with high rates of humidity. Although common, the precise size of the problem defies measurement. AIMS: The present study was undertaken to assess the clinical profile of dermatophytic infection and to identify the species of fungi that are prevalent in this region. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 100 patients clinically suspected for dermatophytoses were selected for the study. Direct microscopy in 10% potassium hydroxide (KOH) and culture was done in each case. RESULTS: Out of 100 patients, the maximum were seen in the age groups of 16-30 years. Tinea corporis was the most common clinical type (44.3%) followed by tinea cruris (38.2%). Overall positivity by culture was 39% and by direct microscopy 96%. CONCLUSION: Trichophyton rubrum was the predominant species isolated (67.5%) in all clinical types followed by Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Culturing the fungus may identify the species, but it is not essential for the diagnosis as it is not a sensitive test.

Clinico-etiological study of 30 erythroderma cases from tertiary center in South India.

BACKGROUND: Erythroderma is a morphological reaction pattern of skin having many underlying causes and finding the etiology helps in the proper management of erythroderma cases. AIM: To evaluate the clinical profile, etiology of erythroderma and to correlate clinical diagnosis with histopathology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was performed at the department of dermatology, Father Muller Medical College and Hospital, Mangalore, South India. We studied 30 consecutive cases of erythroderma with respect to the epidemiological, clinical and histological data. Clinico-histological correlation was analyzed for etiology of erythroderma. RESULTS: The mean age of onset was 52.3 years with a male to female ratio of 14:1. In addition to erythroderma, other co-existent features included pruritus, fever, lymphadenopathy, and edema. Of the pre-existing dermatoses, psoriasis was the most common (33.3%) disease followed by eczema (20%), atopic dermatitis (6.6%), pityriasis rubra pilaris (3.3%) and drug-induced erythroderma (16.6%). In 16.6% of cases, etiology could not be ascertained. Clinico-histopathological correlation could be established in 73.3% of cases. CONCLUSION: Clinical features were identical irrespective of etiology. Detailed clinico-histopathological examination helps to establish the etiology of erythroderma.

The clinical spectrum and antibiotic sensitivity patterns of staphylococcal pyodermas in the community and hospital.

CONTEXT: The uncontrolled use of antibiotics has resulted in a relentless spread of multiresistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus. There are studies conducted in medical colleges in Chandigarh, Chennai, Mumbai and Vellore comparing pyodermas in the community and hospital setting based on clinical and bacteriological parameters. AIMS: This study, conducted over 1½ years from March 2009 to August 2010, aimed at analyzing the clinical spectrum and antibiotic sensitivity pattern of community and hospital-associated (HA) staphylococcal pyoderma. It also assessed the prevalence of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) in the community and hospital cohort settings. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study comprised of 200 cases of staphylococcal pyodermas, derived from the community (150 cases) and hospital (50 cases). Patients were evaluated based on their clinical presentation; antibiotic susceptibility was tested using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Statistical significance between individual attributes between the community and HA staphylococcal pyoderma groups was analyzed using Chi-square test and mean differences using student's t-test. RESULTS: Factors associated with community-associated (CA) pyodermas were young age (P = 0.0021), primary pyodermas, and involvement of extremities, while those with HA pyodermas were middle age, secondary pyodermas, and significantly increased body surface involvement (P = 0.041). Incidence of CA-MRSA was 11.3%, while that of HA-MRSA was 18%. CONCLUSIONS: A high level of resistance to first-line drugs such as penicillin, ciprofloxacin and cotrimoxazole was observed, more so in the hospital strain than in the community strain. S. aureus demonstrated good susceptibility to cephalosporins. Though the two strains of MRSA differed clinically, they showed 100% sensitivity to vancomycin and linezolid.