Showing 563 results for Research Article: Original Paper
Chandralekshmy Chandrika, Archana Jayan, Fathima Beevi Osman,
Volume 18, Issue 2 (3-2024)
Abstract
Background: Type 2 DM is a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by insulin resistance, impaired insulin secretion, increased glucose production, and abnormal fat metabolism. Diabetes mortality primarily results from microvascular complications such as diabetic retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy, as well as macrovascular complications like coronary artery, peripheral vascular, and cerebrovascular diseases. Patients with diabetes usually have changes in adipose tissue metabolism and abnormalities in the secretion of adipokines such as leptin. The present study aims to study the relationship between serum leptin levels and lipid profile parameters among non-obese type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and non-diabetic individuals.
Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 41 type 2 diabetic patients and 41 non-diabetic individuals of both sexes between the ages of 40 and 70. Fasting blood glucose (FBS), serum leptin, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels were assayed.
Results: The mean serum leptin levels among diabetic patients were lower than those of non-diabetic individuals, and this difference in mean was statistically significant. The study showed a significant negative correlation between serum leptin, TC, TG, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and a positive correlation with HDL. In the final regression model, serum leptin showed a statistically significant association with FBS and HDL.
Conclusion: This study demonstrated that serum leptin levels can be a strong predictor of low HDL levels in diabetic patients. It can also contribute to raised levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL, which are responsible for macrovascular complications in diabetics.
Imran Ahmed Siddiqui, Sowmya Gayatri C, Swati Suravaram, Bharat Kumar Reddy, Dhanalakshmi A,
Volume 18, Issue 2 (3-2024)
Abstract
Background: ‘M’ proteins or paraproteins refer to immunoglobulins that are produced by clonal plasma cells and are a characteristic feature of monoclonal gammopathies. Routine electrophoresis on agarose gel and immunofixation can be used to detect immunoglobulin paraprotein (M-protein). We aimed to evaluate the performance of agarose gel electrophoresis alone and in combination with immunofixation for detecting serum M-proteins.
Methods: One hundred and twenty-three patients suspected of paraproteinemia were evaluated. Routine serum protein electrophoresis (SPE) and immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE) protocols were performed. Data from SPE, and SPE-IFE (gel images and electrophoretograms) were collected and reviewed.
Results: 21% cases were confirmed using the SPE-IFE combination, and among them, 33% had positive light chain (λ) only on IFE. Similarly, nine cases with biclonal gammopathy on SPE were characterized by IFE.
Conclusion: IFE can be a confirmatory test in cases where SPE results are not reliable and it can be a complementary test when characterization of the M protein detected on SPE is required.
Hina Rahangdale, Tejaswini Olambe, Priyanka Klabhor, Sangita Bhalavi, Varsha Wanjare, Sunanda Shrikhande,
Volume 18, Issue 2 (3-2024)
Abstract
Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common types of infections affecting people in community and hospital settings. Bacteria are the leading cause of UTIs, followed by fungi. 39% of all healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) affecting all age groups are UTIs, causing high morbidity and mortality rates. The antibiotic susceptibility pattern of causative organisms is changing due to improper antibiotic use. The study was conducted to determine the microbiological profile of both community and HAIs and their antimicrobial susceptibility pattern.
Methods: Clean-catch, mid-stream urine samples collected in the universal wide-mouthed sterile containers were transported to the laboratory. Samples were processed by standard conventional microbiological procedures. Antimicrobial susceptibility was done using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method on Mueller-Hinton agar plates.
Results: The most common causative organisms among gram-negative bacteria were E coli (26.05%), followed by Klebsiella spp (20.37%), and Enterococcus spp (12.81%) was more common among the gram-positive bacteria. Non-albicans Candida (64.10%) were more commonly isolated than Candida albicans (35.90%). E coli was highly susceptible to nitrofurantoin and fosfomycin, and Klebsiella spp and Enterococcus spp were similarly highly susceptible. Antibiotic resistance was more common among bacteria isolated in HAIs.
Conclusion: In both settings, E coli was the most common causative organism. The incidence of non-albicans Candida species has increased in comparison to Candida albicans. Antimicrobial susceptibility to empirical 3rd-generation cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones has drastically decreased. Hospital-acquired UTIs are a rising threat to the healthcare system and community. Based on hospitals’ antimicrobial policy formulated by studying antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, empirical treatment should be chosen.
Jincy W,
Volume 18, Issue 2 (3-2024)
Abstract
Background: Musculoskeletal disorders are common in patients with hypothyroidism, and are also observed in thyrotoxicosis. Creatine kinase (CK) is present in the muscles and is involved in energy metabolism. This study aimed to estimate the serum CK levels in patients with hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and healthy individuals. Moreover, the correlation of CK levels with markers of thyroid function is assessed.
Methods: A total of 120 patients with hypothyroid and 120 with hyperthyroid were compared with 120 healthy individuals aged 20-60 years. The thyroid status was assessed by determining the serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (fT4) using chemiluminescent immunoassay. Serum CK was measured the by kinetic method. Statistical analysis was performed by analysis of variance and Pearson’s correlation to investigate the correlations between CK and thyroid hormones.
Results: A significant increase (P<0.0001) and a significant decrease (P<0.0001) in serum CK were observed in hypothyroid patients (253.98±129.04 IU/L) and in hyperthyroid patients (34.68±13.15 IU/L), respectively, compared to the control group (72.9±29.01 IU/L). A negative correlation was found between fT4 and CK (r: -0.4253, P<0.0005).
Conclusion: It could be concluded that CK activity in serum may be a useful additional test in thyroid disorders.
Sonakshi Dwivedi, Vaishali Rahangdale, Swati Bhise, Sunanda Zodpey,
Volume 18, Issue 3 (5-2024)
Abstract
Background: Rampant and irrational use of antibiotics led to antimicrobial resistance in intensive care units, directly influencing the clinical outcome. The prior introduction of antibiotics, especially broad-spectrum antibiotics, has been identified as a leading cause of hospital-acquired pneumonia. The present study aims to examine the existing scenario of antibiotic resistance due to multidrug-resistant organisms that are detected in mechanically ventilated patients.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the department of Microbiology of a tertiary care hospital in Central India. A total of 410 endotracheal secretions were collected. The endotracheal aspirate of adult patients admitted to the medicine intensive care unit and on mechanical ventilation was received at the microbiology laboratory for processing by standard bacteriological techniques. Drug susceptibility testing was done using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method according to the indications mentioned in Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute 2021.
Results: Out of 410 collected endotracheal secretion samples, 332 (81 %) samples demonstrated bacterial growth. A total of 265 (80%) cases fulfilled the inclusion criteria. From 265 samples, 92 (34.7 %) patients were clinically and microbiologically confirmed as cases of ventilator-associated pneumonia. Over eighty percent of gram-negative bacilli were multidrug-resistant strains (Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa).
Conclusion: Real understanding of multidrug-resistant pathogens, early isolation as well as avoiding long-term antibiotic intake can reduce mortality levels currently linked with late-onset ventilator-associated pneumonia.
Piyushkumar Mansinh Pargi , Manish Barvaliya , Bhargav Purohit,
Volume 18, Issue 4 (7-2024)
Abstract
Background: Although the anti-diabetic effects of various Ficus species have been investigated in animal models, research on the blood glucose-lowering potentials of Ficus lacor Buch Ham bark remains sparse. This study evaluated the blood glucose-lowering potentials of an aqueous extract derived from Ficus labor bark in a diabetic rabbit model.
Methods: Diabetes was induced in rabbits through intravenous administration of alloxan monohydrate (120 mg/kg). 36 rabbits were divided into six groups, each consisting of six animals. Control groups included a non-diabetic control (Distilled water) and a diabetic control (Distilled water). Two experimental groups received Ficus lacor extract at doses of 100 mg/kg (Low-dose) and 200 mg/kg (High-dose) orally for six weeks. Metformin was used as an active control. A non-diabetic group (Extract control) was also administered Ficus lacor extract at 200 mg/kg. Fasting blood sugar (FBS) and post-prandial blood sugar (PP2BS) levels were measured weekly over the 6 weeks. The percentage reduction in blood glucose levels was calculated and compared for each group.
Results: The administration of both low-dose and high-dose Ficus lacor extracts resulted in significant reductions in FBS and PP2BS levels in diabetic rabbits. After six weeks, the low-dose extract group exhibited an average reduction of 38.3% in FBS and 40.5% in PP2BS, whereas the high-dose extract group showed average reductions of 35.3% in FBS and 36.3% in PP2BS.
Conclusion: The aqueous extract of Ficus lacor bark demonstrates substantial glucose-lowering activity, indicating its potential utility as a therapeutic agent in diabetes management.
Abazar Yari , Morteza Ahmadi , Mahdieh Mehrpouri ,
Volume 18, Issue 5 (9-2024)
Abstract
Background: Thyroid hormones play a critical role in hematopoiesis, and thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can affect blood parameters. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of thyroid dysfunction on various blood parameters.
Methods: This case-control study included 194 subjects who were classified into three groups based on TSH levels: hypothyroid (n=70), hyperthyroid (n=56), and control (n=68). Conditions that affect blood parameters, including pregnancy, inherited or acquired red blood cell abnormalities, chronic inflammatory diseases, evidence of nutritional deficiencies, and underlying diseases such as cancer, as well as patients unwilling to participate in the study, were excluded. Hematological parameters were measured using a cell counter, and the results were analyzed using SPSS software.
Results: The results showed that 78% of the participants were female and 22% were male, aged 4 to 89 years. The analyses revealed that RBC, Hb, HCT, WBC count, and WBC differential count were significantly different between the three groups (P-value <0.05), but the differences were not significant for MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW, PLT, and MPV (P-value >0.05). Correlation analysis indicated a significant correlation between TSH and Hb, HCT, WBC, PLT, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, and eosinophils (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Since thyroid hormones play a critical role in hematopoiesis, thyroid dysfunction can affect many hematological parameters. Therefore, the management of patients with thyroid disease should include the CBC test. In addition, patients with poor responses to anemia treatment may have an underlying thyroid disorder.
Usunobun Usunomena, Ambrose Emuobonuvie Akpovona ,
Volume 18, Issue 5 (9-2024)
Abstract
Background: Telfairia occidentalis is among the most popular vegetable crops propagated in the West African rainforest zone for its green leafy vegetable and ellipsoidal fruit, which are highly nutritious. This study investigated the liver's synthetic ability and hematological profile potential of T. occidentalis against carbon tetrachloride-induced toxicity in Wistar rats.
Methods: Five experimental groups of rats were used in this study. One group received distilled water and served as the normal control. The second group received carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) alone for four days. The third and fourth groups received CCl4 for four days prior to treatment with 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg T. occidentalis aqueous extract for six days, respectively. The last group received CCl4 for four days prior to treatment with silymarin (100 mg/kg) for six days. With the exception of normal control rats, all rats received a mixture of freshly prepared CCl4 in olive oil (1 ml/kg, 1:1 intraperitoneally) for four days. The activities of liver synthetic molecules, such as total protein, albumin, and total bilirubin, as well as hematological parameters, were measured in the blood.
Results: CCl4 exposure and toxicity caused a significant (P < 0.05) increase in total bilirubin and white blood cells and a significant decrease in total protein, albumin, hemoglobin, hematocrit, red blood cells, and platelets. However, treatment with T. occidentalis aqueous extract significantly (P < 0.05) ameliorated the levels of these markers toward normal values.
Conclusion: T. occidentalis aqueous extract exhibited enhancement of liver synthetic ability and hematological profile in CCl4-induced toxicity.
Aradhana Harrison , Aswathy Prabha , Karishma Krishna , Vejay Viknesh Marudhadurai , Jahnavi Chikkegowda, Rajshree Choudhary ,
Volume 18, Issue 5 (9-2024)
Abstract
Background: β-thalassemia trait (BTT) can be screened by several discriminator indices (DIs) using complete blood counts (CBC). These DIs can help differentiate BTT from other causes of anaemia, thus reducing the financial burden of laboratory testing. At standard cut-off values, statistical analyses traditionally used to compare the diagnostic competence of these DIs give variable results. This study establishes new optimal cut-off values to improve the applicability of these DIs for BTT screening.
Methods: This was a retrospective study conducted on anaemic adults whose high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and CBC results achieved over the past 6 months were reviewed. Based on HPLC reports, patients were categorised into BTT and non-BTT groups, with each group comprising 25 age- and sex-matched patients. Discriminator indices, including Mentzer’s Index (MI), Green and King Index (GKI), Sehgal Index (SI), Shine and Lal Index (SLI), Srivastava Index (SrI), and England and Fraser Index (EFI), were calculated for both groups. Statistical analysis was performed respective to standard cut-off values to establish new optimal cut-off values with the highest sensitivity and specificity.
Results: According to the results, SrI emerged as the best index, offering high sensitivity, specificity, Youden’s Index, accuracy, and odds ratio. On the other side, SLI and GKI were observed to be poor indices with low sensitivity and specificity. The new optimal cut-off values for the best performance of each DI for BTT screening were as follows: SrI ≤3.5, MI ≤11.4, GKI ≤59.7, SI ≤709.4, SLI ≤941.1, and EFI ≤1.91.
Conclusion: The performance of DIs at standard cut-off values was poor to screen BTT. New optimal cut-off values provided maximal sensitivity and specificity thereby enhancing their performance as screening parameters for BTT in regions with a high-prevalence of the condition. Further studies are warranted to substantiate the new cut-off values for BTT screening.
Bizav Rasheed , Beri Tawfeq,
Volume 18, Issue 6 (11-2024)
Abstract
Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-term autoimmune disorder that primarily affects joints. The disease may also affect other parts of the body, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, nerves, and blood. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of methotrexate on blood, liver, and renal parameters in patients with RA.
Methods: A six-month cross-sectional study was carried out on 60 consecutive patients aged 19-70 years diagnosed with RA on methotrexate treatment (10 mg) orally per week. A questionnaire was taken from participants, and laboratory tests were done on renal and liver function and complete blood count (CBC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT or AST), glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT or ALT), Creatinine, C-reactive protein (CRP), and rheumatoid factor (RF) as a follow-up to drug intake.
Results: At the end of sample collection, participants ranged in age from 19 to 70 years, with a female-to-male ratio of 1.5:1. Significant differences in platelet (PLT) levels were observed only between days 1 and 14 of the treatment (p <0.05). Similarly, SGPT levels showed significant variation between days 1 and 30 of the treatment (p <0.05). Additionally, RF levels exhibited significant differences between days 1 and 14 (p <0.01) and between days 1 and 30 of the treatment (p <0.04).
Conclusion: The recommended medication for all kinds of patients with RA is methotrexate, which has had a notable impact on blood, liver, and kidney parameters. These characteristics can serve as indicators for monitoring the medication’s effectiveness, safety, and patient follow-up.
Joseph Ki , Mohan Kumar , Kanagasabapathy Sivagami , Jeevithan Shanmugam , Periasamy Aparnavi ,
Volume 18, Issue 6 (11-2024)
Abstract
Background: The ABO and Rh blood group systems have been associated with variations in disease susceptibility. This study aimed to assess the variability in blood parameters, including red cell parameters and metabolic parameters (Renal function, hepatic function, blood glucose, lipid profile, and thyroid function), by ABO and Rh blood grouping systems.
Methods: A secondary data analysis was conducted among patients who underwent a preventive health check-up at a private tertiary care hospital in Coimbatore, India. The laboratory database contained records of 62,808 adult participants who reported for master health check-ups between January 2017 and February 2024. Among these patients, those who reported for the first time were included.
Results: Blood grouping and typing data were available for 50,368 and 56,155 participants, respectively, with a mean age range of 52.6 to 53.0 years across all blood groups. The most prevalent blood group was O, followed by B, A, and AB, with a similar distribution across genders. The mean hemoglobin level was highest in the B group (13.7 ± 13.9 g/dl). MCH and MCV values were elevated in the A and O groups, while MCHC and ESR were higher in the B and AB groups. Renal and liver parameters mostly did not vary by blood group or Rh type, except for elevated urea levels in the A group and higher ALP levels in the O and Rh-positive groups. LDL and total cholesterol were highest in the A group, while HDL was highest in the AB group.
Conclusion: The results underscore the importance of considering blood group variations when interpreting blood parameters in clinical practice.
Zahra Eslami , Shayan Marhamaty, Seyyed Mehdi Jafari , Mohadese Khorasani , Mehdi Sheikh Arabi , Hamidreza Joshaghani ,
Volume 19, Issue 1 (1-2025)
Abstract
Background: Bivalent minerals function as crucial cofactors that participate in a multitude of metabolic pathways within the organism. Specifically, zinc (Zn) assumes catalytic, structural, and regulatory roles in numerous biological processes. A severe deficiency in Zn can lead to disruptions in nucleic acid and protein synthesis, impaired cellular proliferation, increased apoptosis, and heightened lipid peroxidation of cellular membranes, a phenomenon associated with a reduced lifespan of red blood cells (RBCs). The objective of this study was to investigate the correlations between Zn status and various erythrocyte indices in a cohort of anemic patients, in comparison to a control group.
Methods: A cohort of 563 participants was enrolled in this investigation. Serum Zn concentration was quantified using a BT-3500 autoanalyzer, while hematological indices were determined via a Sysmex KX21N cell counter. Following confirmation of data normality, Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was employed to analyze the relationship between serum Zn levels and RBC indices.
Results: The mean serum Zn concentration was 102.8 ± 17.6 mg/dL. Serum Zn levels exhibited a weak correlation with RBC and hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations in healthy women, as well as a weak correlation with mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) in anemic men (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the results indicated significantly higher serum Zn levels, RBC, Hb, hematocrite (HCT), and MCHC in men (p < 0.01), while mean corpuscular volume (MCV) was significantly higher in women (p < 0.01). Notably, in individuals with serum Zn levels < 30 mg/dL, MCHC (p < 0.01) and RBC (p < 0.05) were elevated, whereas Hb (p < 0.05), HCT, MCV, and MCH (p < 0.01) were higher than 30.
Conclusion: Considering the potential impact of varying Zn concentrations on erythrocyte indices, including Hb and MCHC, in both healthy and anemic individuals, careful regulation of its dosage is warranted.
Sae Pol, Pooja Shah, Vaishali Gaikwad, Sujata Dharmshale, Mansi Rajmane, Rajesh Karyakarte,
Volume 19, Issue 1 (1-2025)
Abstract
Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease of the respiratory system that spreads when a patient coughs, sneezes, or spits. COVID-19, another respiratory disease, created havoc in 2020 and 2021. During this pandemic, the whole healthcare system was diverted into COVID-19 patient care. It is important to determine what the status of TB was during the COVID-19 period. This study was mainly undertaken to detect the occurrence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) and rifampicin resistance before, during, and after COVID-19 restrictions were fully released.
Methods: Pulmonary and extrapulmonary samples from 1st January 2018 till 31st December 2022 were included in the present retrospective study. The period was divided as- 2018, 2019 - Before COVID-19 2020, 2021 -COVID-19 period with restrictions (Such as use of masks, social distancing, avoiding gatherings) 2022 -COVID-19 period without restrictions. All samples received in TB section were subjected to Cartridge-Based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (CBNAAT). The samples were processed according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Results: There was no significant difference in samples received per year from 2018 to 2022. The positivity of M. tuberculosis decreased from 22.52% in the pre-COVID-19 period to 15.70% in the COVID-19 period with restrictions and increased again in 2022 (16.80%). Rifampicin resistance decreased from 10.40% to 6.89% in the COVID-19 period with restrictions. A decrease in positivity was not observed in extrapulmonary TB cases.
Conclusion: In the present study, total samples for TB received over five years were relatively the same. Restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 period could decrease TB and rifampicin resistance. Thus, imposing restrictions on TB-suspected and positive patients regularly can help prevent the spread of the disease.
Mohit Kumar, Jayaprakash C S, Athira K P,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (3-2025)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Non-Hodgkin lymphoma represents a heterogenous group of lympho-proliferative malignancies with unique presentation and treatment response. This study was intended to assess the histomorphology of non-Hodgkin lymphoma subtypes and correlate with clinicopathological and immunohistochemical findings.
Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on all samples, diagnosed as non-Hodgkin lymphoma by histopathological analysis, with available immunohistochemical findings. Study was conducted in the department of pathology, for 24 months, during the period of March 2018 to February 2020. The specimens were fixed in 10 % formalin and representative sections were obtained.
Clinical details such as age, gender, location and presentation were recorded. Histopathological and immunohistochemical findings were correlated. Statistical analysis based on p value was performed.
Results: The study includes a total of 48 cases with a male predominance (56.3%). Cervical lymph node (35.4%) was the most common site. Extra nodal presentation was noted in 39.6% of the cases including stomach, testis, hard palate, para-sacral area and para-vertebral area. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (43.8%), followed by follicular lymphoma and mantle cell lymphoma were the most common subtypes. A statistically significant p value of 0.05 was obtained.
Conclusion: In our study, we found diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) as the most common type of Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Cervical lymph nodes were most common site of involvement. But involvement of sites like the testis and palate were also found, hence the probability of NHL in these rare sites should always to be considered.
Yashica Gowda , Suja Ajoy Kumar, Karthik Srevatsa ,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (3-2025)
Abstract
INTRODUCTION :
The importance of blood transfusion can be described by the phrase “Its not just blood, its liquid life”.But it has its own risks if blood safety is not ensured. Among which transmission of Hepatitis B infection is highly contagious.(1) Inspite of the availability of effective vaccine against Hepatitis B virus ,this remains a major public health concern due to its high infectivity, & chronicity.(2)
AIMS :
To determine the trend of HBSAg seropositivity among blood donor population during 5 year period & its prevalence among voluntary and replacement donors.
MATERIALS & METHODS:
This study was conducted at a licensed blood centre of a tertiary care hospital. A retrospective review of blood donor data of 5 years was extracted. All donated blood was screened for the presence of HBSAg using commercially available ELISA kits. All repeatedly reactive samples were labelled seropositive. The data was analysed for the trends in prevalence of HBSAg over the study period.
RESULTS:
A total of 18,139 apparently healthy donors were screened during the study period. Among them 11,517 were replacement donors & 6,622 were voluntary donors. The overall prevalence of HBSAg seropositivity was 0.66% which was more in replacement blood donors(0.46%).Also, we found a decline in the incidence of HBSAg among donors over the five year study duration.
CONCLUSION:
. To conclude, promoting and encouraging voluntary blood donation is a simple and effective way to reduce the prevalence of all Transfusion transmitted Infections.
Kavitha Konikkara, Aiswarya Mukundan, Reena John,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (3-2025)
Abstract
The surge of COVID-19 has weighed heavily on health care systems and hospitals. Health care workers are at high risk of exposure both in the community and workplace when providing care to patients. Quantitative assays to detect antibodies against SARS COV-2 help to determine individual antibody titre and in longitudinal monitoring of antibody response. The present study was undertaken as there is not much data available regarding the presence of SARS COV-2 antibodies among health care workers in Kerala. The objective was to estimate the IgG antibody response and to find out the associated factors in vaccinated healthcare workers. The study was conducted among 187 vaccinated health care workers. Blood sample was collected from them and quantitative determination of humoral antibodies (including IgG) was done by Chemiluminescence immunoassay. The antibody response was correlated with various factors. Analysis was done using the software IBM SPSS Version 25. The seroconversion rate following Covishield vaccine was found to be 99.47% with mean, median and standard deviation of antibody titre being 1291.0, 311.40 and 1792.500 respectively. Statistical significance in antibody titre was observed among different categories of health care workers and in those with previous COVID-19 infection. Higher titre was noted within 3 months of vaccination and thereafter waning of titre was seen which was also statistically significant. No correlation was observed with age, gender, co-morbidities , area of work and Body Mass Index (BMI). Vaccination plays a major role in containing the infection. The immune response among vaccinated health care workers was satisfactory.
Saif Karim, Mahdi Zahedi, Zeinab Mohammadi, Nahid Poursharifi, Mehdi Khorami, Mohsen Tatar,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (3-2025)
Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of smoking on blood homocysteine, folic acid, and vitamin B12 levels in patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Methods: We collected 90 participants with cardiovascular complications who were divided into two groups: Smokers (n=46) and non-smokers (n=44) groups. The serum levels of homocysteine, folic acid, and vitamin B12 were determined by the ELISA. Additionally, the systolic, diastolic blood pressure, and BMI were taken from patients. Results: Our results illustrated that the serum level of folic acid was significantly decreased in smoker patients (22.41±5.95) compared with the non-smokers group (28.05±4.13, p=0.000). In contrast, the serum level of homocysteine (p=0.958) and vitamin B12 (p=0.578) was not altered significantly between both groups. Our data also showed a negative correlation between folic acid and systolic blood pressure. No relationship was observed between folic acid and vitamin B12 and homocysteine in the smoking group. Conclusion: Our study showed that the levels of folic acid significantly decreased in CVD patients with smokers compared with non-smokers. A significant negative relationship was observed between folic acid and systolic blood pressure.
Anuradha Saini, Anjali Sharma, Mukul Singh, Shaily Goyal, Maninder Narang, Sunil Ranga,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (3-2025)
Abstract
Background & objectives: Sepsis is one of the most common cause of mortality among patients who are critically ill and in Intensive Care Units(ICU). Bacterial infection or sepsis leads to an increase in Neutrophilic CD64(nCD64) expression on activated polymorphonuclear leukocytes(PMNs). Early diagnosing of sepsis is very important in order to start timely and specific treatment. The availability of a rapid laboratory test with high specificity for sepsis in adult patients could aid in therapeutic decision making and reduce unnecessary antibiotic use.
Methods: Sepsis patients diagnosed as per sepsis-3 definition were included in this study. 2 ml blood sample was collected in EDTA & plain vial each for evaluation of nCD64, Procalcitonin(PCT) & high sensitivity C-reactive protein(hS-CRP). The samples were run on Flow cytometer, Nephelometer and Chemiluminescence for nCD64, hS-CRP and PCT respectively.
Result: The Positive Predictive Value(PPV) of nCD64 for prediction of sepsis was 92.68% and the Negative Predictive value(NPV) was 94.87%. Receiver operating curve(ROC) was plotted for indicating the diagnostic accuracy of nCD64(≥1.8), hS-CRP(≥3 mg/L) and PCT(≥0.4 ng/mL). Area under the curve(AUC) for nCD64 was highest[0.938(95%CI=0.876-0.999)] followed by hS-CRP[0.888(95%CI=0.807-0.968)] and PCT [0.850(95%CI =0.759-0.941)].
Conclusion: These findings are suggestive of the possibility that nCD64 determination was a useful tool for diagnosing infection in patients with septic syndrome, with a performance superior to that of hS-CRP and PCT.
Sahar Siddiqui, Mohd Suhail Lone, Umer Qureshi, Rayees Khanday,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (3-2025)
Abstract
Background: Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a common pathogen that causes both community and hospital-acquired infections Objectives: To identify clinico-microbial profiles of S aureus acquired in the community and in the hospital. Methods This study was conducted from January 2021 to December 2022 in Postgraduate Department of Pediatrics Children Hospital Srinagar J&K on patients aged one month to 18 years suspected of having S. aureus sepsis or disseminated disease. Results: There were 56 patients identified with S aureus septicemia (SAS) over the study period; 37(66.10%) had community acquired S aureus sepsis (CASS) and 19(33.90%) hospital acquired S aureus sepsis (HASS). 35(62.50%) affected belonged to male gender; 40(71.43%) patients belonged to rural area. Localized musculoskeletal symptoms (91.90%) were the most commonpresentation P value < 0.05. Pleuropulmonary disease and necrotizing soft tissue disease were significantly associated with patients of HASS and CASS respectively. The common disease presentation was pneumonia followed by abscess. Septic shock, respiratory failure, multi organ dysfunction, etc were the common complications seen more often in HASS. Out of 50 patients who had SAS in cultures, 48 were Methicillin resistant S aureus (MRSA) and 2 were Methicillin sensitive S aureus (MSSA). The survival rate from CASS was 94.60% and from HASS was 89.50% Conclusions: CASS and HASS affects children, is multifocal, and has high morbidity associated. The sensitivity pattern of Staphylococcus aureus in our settings as well as globally has undergone a dramatic change with rise in proportion of Methicillin resistance and needs to been addressed urgently.
Shayosree Sarkar, Sonal Chavan, Geetika Agrawal, Heena Rahangdale, Sunanada Zodpey,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (3-2025)
Abstract
Background: Burkholderia cepacia complex is are opportunistic nosocomial pathogen that can cause severe infections in neonates, involving the respiratory tract, the urinary tract and bloodstream infections. Therefore, it can lead to outbreaks through different sources. This study was conducted with the aim of early detection and successful control of an outbreak caused by Burkholderia cepacia complex.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital over a one-month period, July 2023. Blood culture samples of 11 neonate’s yielded growth of non-fermenting, oxidase-positive and motile, Gram-negative bacilli. Isolates were provisionally identified to be Burkholderia cepacia complex by conventional biochemical tests and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns. The increased, repeated, and continuous isolation of the same isolate raised the suspicion of an outbreak in the neonatal intensive care unit. Active surveillance was undertaken to trace the source and contain the bacteria. Identification of isolates was confirmed by VITEK 2 (BioMérieux, France) compact microbiology analyser.
Results: Surveillance revealed sources of Burkholderia cepacia complex for all 11 neonates. Sources of infection could be traced to intravenous catheters and cradles of the neonates and operation theatre beds, and instrument trolleys of the labour room where the babies were delivered. All the environmental isolates showed strain-relatedness of Burkholderia cepacia complex with the clinical isolates, along with a similar antibiotic susceptibility pattern. Timely interventions aided in the control of the outbreak.
Conclusion: This study presents the importance of the hospital infection control team in the management of an outbreak of Burkholderia cepacia complex in neonates.
