Bishal Gupta - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Bishal Gupta

Research paper thumbnail of A rare case of isoniazid mono-resistant tuberculosis presenting as cardiac tamponade along with an anterior mediastinal mass in a 15-year-old immunocompetent patient

A rare case of isoniazid mono-resistant tuberculosis presenting as cardiac tamponade along with an anterior mediastinal mass in a 15-year-old immunocompetent patient

Lung India, 2024

Research paper thumbnail of A comparative study of clinical symptoms, demographic characteristics and laboratory parameters among primary and secondary dengue cases in a tertiary care hospital in Kolkata

IP International journal of medical microbiology and tropical diseases/IP international journal of medical microbiology and tropical diseases, Apr 15, 2024

Introduction: Dengue, an arthropod borne viral disease which is transmitted to humans through the... more Introduction: Dengue, an arthropod borne viral disease which is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, can result in a range of clinical presentations from mild febrile illness like dengue fever (DF) to severe presentations like dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS) which can turn fatal.While majority of primary dengue cases are asymptomatic/ mild symptomatic, secondary dengue infected cases usually have more complications and require critical care support. Aims: To find out proportion of Dengue IgG among NS1 reactive cases, study their clinical-demographic profiles and to find out the prevalent dengue serotypes. Materials and Methods: Blood collected from patients suffering from acute febrile illness less than 5 days and more than 5 days duration were tested for Dengue NS1and Dengue IgM respectively. Samples reactive for Dengue NS1 were further tested for dengue IgG by ELISA and dengue serotyping by RT-PCR. Results obtained were analysed and interpreted. Results: Out of 2286 blood samples suspected for Dengue during the study period (March 2021 to February 2022), only 134 samples were NS1 reactive and amongst them, 21 (16%) had early detection of IgG antibodies while the rest 113(84%) cases were primary dengue infection. The predominant serotype was DENV-3. Conclusions: It is evident that patients who suffer from Secondary Dengue infections require more supervision and critical care support. This highlights the importance of Dengue IgG detection in the early phase of the disease in order to predict the complications of dengue which can save many more lives. Nevertheless, Primary dengue infections can also be severe, hence should be monitored closely under supervision. Molecular surveillance may help to predict large scale outbreaks of dengue if regional shifts in the predominantly circulating serotypes are detected during the early phase of the dengue season.

Research paper thumbnail of A Clinico-Epidemiological Study on Leptospirosis in West Bengal: A Neglected Cause of Acute Febrile Illness

PARIPEX INDIAN JOURNAL OF RESEARCH

Introduction: Leptospirosis is a major neglected public health problem and is highly underreporte... more Introduction: Leptospirosis is a major neglected public health problem and is highly underreported in India. It is a common cause of the acute febrile illness (AFI), but accurate diagnosis is quite challenging and often delayed because of overlapping symptoms with many other infectious diseases, and limited access to laboratory diagnosis. The aim Aim: of the study was to assess the proportion of Leptospira infection among patients suffering from AFI in West Bengal and to analyse socio-demographic characteristics, clinical features, and laboratory parameters of leptospirosis cases. Materials and methods: Serum samples were collected from 350 hospital-admitted patients suffering from AFI (fever >five days ≤ two weeks) but without any identifiable cause and tested for Leptospira IgM using PanBio Leptospira IgM ELISA kit. Clinical features, laboratory parameters and epidemiological data were collected from each patient and analysed. 91(26%) out of 350 fever cases tested positive for ...

Research paper thumbnail of P186 Disseminated Histoplasmosis in an immunocompetent patient in a tertiary care center in North India

Medical Mycology

Poster session 2, September 22, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Objectives Histoplasmosis is a geograp... more Poster session 2, September 22, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Objectives Histoplasmosis is a geographically restricted dimorphic fungi that causes disseminated infection in immune-competent as well as immunocompromised patients. Adrenal involvement is seen in disseminated disease but sometimes it may be the only site where then infection can be demonstrated. Early diagnosis and treatment are needed to save the patient from fatal adrenal insufficiency. We present a case of bilateral adrenal histoplasmosis in immunocompetent patient. Methods A 63-year-old male presented to our hospital with a history of insidious onset of decreased appetite and unintentional weight loss for the last 6 months associated with generalized weakness. Patient had a history of mild to moderate intensity epigastric pain and discomfort which was intermittent in nature. Patient originally belongs to Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, but he was residing in Kolkata for the last 8 months. Patient had no history of fever, coug...

Research paper thumbnail of P207 A rare case of disseminated Blastomycosis in an immunocompetent host: A report from North India

Medical Mycology

Poster session 2, September 22, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Objectives Blastomycosis is a serious ... more Poster session 2, September 22, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Objectives Blastomycosis is a serious life-threatening systemic infection caused by dimorphic fungi Blastomyces dermatitidis. Infection is acquired via inhalation of airborne conidia or traumatic inoculation. It may produce a spectrum of infections ranging from asymptomatic infections in immunocompetent patients to disseminated disease, including skin, bone, genitourinary tract, and central nervous system (CNS) involvement in immunocompromised patients. This fungal infection is very rare in India. We report a unique case of disseminated blastomycosis in an immunocompetent patient. Methods A 37-year-old male patient from Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh presented with chief complaints of hematuria associated with passage of blood clots for 3 months. There was no history of dysuria, fever, or pain abdomen. When he was evaluated for gross hematuria, his USG abdomen was suggestive of bilateral renal masses. To rule out bilateral renal cell...

Research paper thumbnail of Contrasting Distribution of SARS-CoV-2 Lineages across Multiple Rounds of Pandemic Waves in West Bengal, the Gateway of East and North-East States of India

Microbiology spectrum, Jul 19, 2022

The evolution of viral variants and their impact on viral transmission have been an area of consi... more The evolution of viral variants and their impact on viral transmission have been an area of considerable importance in this pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). We analyzed the viral variants in different phases of the pandemic in West Bengal, a state in India that is important geographically, and compared the variants with other states like Delhi, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, located in other regions of the country. We have identified 57 pango-lineages in 3,198 SARS-CoV-2 genomes, alteration in their distribution, as well as contrasting profiles of amino acid mutational dynamics across different waves in different states. The evolving characteristics of Delta (B.1.617.2) sublineages and alterations in hydrophobicity profiles of the viral proteins caused by these mutations were also studied. Additionally, implications of predictive host miRNA binding/unbinding to emerging spike or nucleocapsid mutations were highlighted. Our results throw considerable light on interesting aspects of the viral genomic variation and provide valuable information for improved understanding of wave-defining mutations in unfolding the pandemic. IMPORTANCE Multiple waves of infection were observed in many states in India during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID19) pandemic. Fine-scale evolution of major SARS-CoV-2 lineages and sublineages during four wave-window categories: Pre-Wave 1, Wave 1, Pre-Wave 2, and Wave 2 in four major states of India: Delhi (North), Maharashtra (West), Karnataka (South), and West Bengal (East) was studied using large-scale virus genome sequencing data. Our comprehensive analysis reveals contrasting molecular profiles of the wave-defining mutations and their implications in host miRNA binding/ unbinding of the lineages in the major states of India.

Research paper thumbnail of Changing Paradigms in Antibiotic Resistance in Salmonella Species with Focus on Fluoroquinolone Resistance: A 5-Year Retrospective Study of Enteric Fever in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Kolkata, India

Antibiotics

Enteric fever, a potentially fatal multisystem disease that is caused by Salmonella enterica sero... more Enteric fever, a potentially fatal multisystem disease that is caused by Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi and Paratyphi, poses a significant risk in low- and middle-income countries. A retrospective study to understand the prevalence and evolving patterns of antibiotic resistance in Salmonella Typhi and Paratyphi was undertaken from June 2017 to June 2022. A total of 4051 blood samples were collected from patients attending inpatient and outpatient departments of the School of Tropical Medicine (Kolkata, India) hospital. Blood samples were cultured, and culture positive samples were further processed for identification using conventional and automated systems. Antibiotic susceptibility test was performed using both the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method and VITEK2 (bioMerieux). Forty-five (1.1%) Salmonella species were isolated among the number of total (n = 4051) samples that were tested. Out of the 45 Salmonella isolates, 35 were Salmonella Typhi (77.77%) and 10 were Salmonella Pa...

Research paper thumbnail of Crystalloid vs Colloid in Initial Management of Dengue Shock Syndrome – A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Crystalloid vs Colloid in Initial Management of Dengue Shock Syndrome – A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Research paper thumbnail of Primary prophylaxis with triazoles for fungal infections in HIV patients with low absolute CD4 count: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Primary prophylaxis with triazoles for fungal infections in HIV patients with low absolute CD4 count: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Research paper thumbnail of Here, There and Everywhere: A Hospital-Based Study on Nosocomialand Environmental Non-Fermenters

Here, There and Everywhere: A Hospital-Based Study on Nosocomialand Environmental Non-Fermenters

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH, 2021

Aim: To assess the prevalence of non-fermenting gram negative bacilli(NFGNB) as nosocomial pathog... more Aim: To assess the prevalence of non-fermenting gram negative bacilli(NFGNB) as nosocomial pathogens and environmental contaminants. Material and Methods: Nonfermenting gram negative bacilli were isolated from relevant patient samples and high-touch surfaces in the hospital environment. They were identied and their antibiotic susceptibility testing was done using conventional and automated methods. Result: The prevalence of nonfermenters as hospital acquired pathogens and as environmental contaminants was 25.8% and 16.3% respectively. All clinical isolates of Acinetobacter baumanii cplx and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were multidrug resistant. Cluster analysis of clinical isolates show similar antibiotic susceptibility prole indicating an ongoing cross-transmission in the hospital.

Research paper thumbnail of Efficacy of Tetravalent Dengue Vaccine - Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Efficacy of Tetravalent Dengue Vaccine - Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Research paper thumbnail of A Candid Approach to Nosocomial Infections: A Study on Hospital Acquired Yeasts

A Candid Approach to Nosocomial Infections: A Study on Hospital Acquired Yeasts

Aim :This study aims to assess the prevalence of nosocomial infections and to nd out the prevale... more Aim :This study aims to assess the prevalence of nosocomial infections and to nd out the prevalence of yeasts responsible for the same. Material and Methods: Nosocomial infections were identied using CDC-NHSN guidelines. The prevalence of yeasts responsible for the same was assessed. Conventional and automated methods were used to isolate yeasts from relevant samples. The antifungal susceptibility testing was performed using automated method. Result : During the study period,147 nosocomial infections were identied ,with a prevalence of 5%.Out of this,17 yeasts were isolated with a prevalence of 11.5%.There was a majority of non-albicans candida or NAC(53%)

Research paper thumbnail of A report on incidence of COVID-19 among febrile patients attending a malaria clinic

A report on incidence of COVID-19 among febrile patients attending a malaria clinic

Tropical Parasitology

Research paper thumbnail of RNA-extraction-free diagnostic method to detect SARS-CoV-2: an assessment from two States, India

Epidemiology and Infection

With increasing demand for large numbers of testing during COVID-19 pandemic, came alternative pr... more With increasing demand for large numbers of testing during COVID-19 pandemic, came alternative protocols with shortened turnaround time. We evaluated the performance of such a protocol wherein 1138 consecutive clinic attendees were enrolled; 584 and 554 respectively from two independent study sites in the cities of Pune and Kolkata. Paired nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs were tested by using both reference and index methods in blinded fashion. Prior to conducting RT-PCR, swabs collected in viral transport medium (VTM) were processed for RNA extraction (reference method) and swabs collected in dry tube without VTM were incubated in Tris-EDTA-Proteinase K buffer for 30 minutes and heat inactivated at 98 o C for 6 minutes (index method). Overall sensitivity and specificity of the index method were 78.9% (95% CI 71% to 86%) and 99 % (95% CI 98% to 99.6%) respectively. Agreement between the index and reference method was 96.8 % (k = 0.83, SE=0.030). The reference method exhibited enhanced detection of viral genes (E, N and RdRP) with lower Ct values compared to the index method. The index method can be used for detecting SARS-CoV-2 infection with appropriately chosen primer-probe set and heat treatment approach in pressing time; low sensitivity constrains its potential wider use.

Research paper thumbnail of RNA-extraction-free diagnostic method to detect SARS-CoV-2: an assessment from two States, India

RNA-extraction-free diagnostic method to detect SARS-CoV-2: an assessment from two States, India

With increasing demand for large numbers of testing during COVID-19 pandemic, came alternative pr... more With increasing demand for large numbers of testing during COVID-19 pandemic, came alternative protocols with shortened turn-around time. We evaluated the performance of such an approach wherein 1138 consecutive clinic attendees were enrolled; 584 and 554 respectively from two independent study sites in the cities of Pune and Kolkata. Paired nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs were tested by using both reference and index methods in blinded fashion. Prior to conducting RT-PCR, swabs collected in viral transport medium (VTM) were processed for RNA extraction (reference method) and swabs collected in dry tube without VTM were incubated in Tris-EDTA-Proteinase K buffer for 30 minutes and heat inactivated at 98oC for 6 minutes (index method). Overall sensitivity and specificity of the index method were 78.9% (95% CI 71% to 86%) and 99 % (95% CI 98% to 99.6%) respectively. Agreement between the index and reference method was 96.8 % (k = 0.83, SE=0.030). The reference method exhibited ...

Research paper thumbnail of A rare case of isoniazid mono-resistant tuberculosis presenting as cardiac tamponade along with an anterior mediastinal mass in a 15-year-old immunocompetent patient

A rare case of isoniazid mono-resistant tuberculosis presenting as cardiac tamponade along with an anterior mediastinal mass in a 15-year-old immunocompetent patient

Lung India, 2024

Research paper thumbnail of A comparative study of clinical symptoms, demographic characteristics and laboratory parameters among primary and secondary dengue cases in a tertiary care hospital in Kolkata

IP International journal of medical microbiology and tropical diseases/IP international journal of medical microbiology and tropical diseases, Apr 15, 2024

Introduction: Dengue, an arthropod borne viral disease which is transmitted to humans through the... more Introduction: Dengue, an arthropod borne viral disease which is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, can result in a range of clinical presentations from mild febrile illness like dengue fever (DF) to severe presentations like dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS) which can turn fatal.While majority of primary dengue cases are asymptomatic/ mild symptomatic, secondary dengue infected cases usually have more complications and require critical care support. Aims: To find out proportion of Dengue IgG among NS1 reactive cases, study their clinical-demographic profiles and to find out the prevalent dengue serotypes. Materials and Methods: Blood collected from patients suffering from acute febrile illness less than 5 days and more than 5 days duration were tested for Dengue NS1and Dengue IgM respectively. Samples reactive for Dengue NS1 were further tested for dengue IgG by ELISA and dengue serotyping by RT-PCR. Results obtained were analysed and interpreted. Results: Out of 2286 blood samples suspected for Dengue during the study period (March 2021 to February 2022), only 134 samples were NS1 reactive and amongst them, 21 (16%) had early detection of IgG antibodies while the rest 113(84%) cases were primary dengue infection. The predominant serotype was DENV-3. Conclusions: It is evident that patients who suffer from Secondary Dengue infections require more supervision and critical care support. This highlights the importance of Dengue IgG detection in the early phase of the disease in order to predict the complications of dengue which can save many more lives. Nevertheless, Primary dengue infections can also be severe, hence should be monitored closely under supervision. Molecular surveillance may help to predict large scale outbreaks of dengue if regional shifts in the predominantly circulating serotypes are detected during the early phase of the dengue season.

Research paper thumbnail of A Clinico-Epidemiological Study on Leptospirosis in West Bengal: A Neglected Cause of Acute Febrile Illness

PARIPEX INDIAN JOURNAL OF RESEARCH

Introduction: Leptospirosis is a major neglected public health problem and is highly underreporte... more Introduction: Leptospirosis is a major neglected public health problem and is highly underreported in India. It is a common cause of the acute febrile illness (AFI), but accurate diagnosis is quite challenging and often delayed because of overlapping symptoms with many other infectious diseases, and limited access to laboratory diagnosis. The aim Aim: of the study was to assess the proportion of Leptospira infection among patients suffering from AFI in West Bengal and to analyse socio-demographic characteristics, clinical features, and laboratory parameters of leptospirosis cases. Materials and methods: Serum samples were collected from 350 hospital-admitted patients suffering from AFI (fever >five days ≤ two weeks) but without any identifiable cause and tested for Leptospira IgM using PanBio Leptospira IgM ELISA kit. Clinical features, laboratory parameters and epidemiological data were collected from each patient and analysed. 91(26%) out of 350 fever cases tested positive for ...

Research paper thumbnail of P186 Disseminated Histoplasmosis in an immunocompetent patient in a tertiary care center in North India

Medical Mycology

Poster session 2, September 22, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Objectives Histoplasmosis is a geograp... more Poster session 2, September 22, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Objectives Histoplasmosis is a geographically restricted dimorphic fungi that causes disseminated infection in immune-competent as well as immunocompromised patients. Adrenal involvement is seen in disseminated disease but sometimes it may be the only site where then infection can be demonstrated. Early diagnosis and treatment are needed to save the patient from fatal adrenal insufficiency. We present a case of bilateral adrenal histoplasmosis in immunocompetent patient. Methods A 63-year-old male presented to our hospital with a history of insidious onset of decreased appetite and unintentional weight loss for the last 6 months associated with generalized weakness. Patient had a history of mild to moderate intensity epigastric pain and discomfort which was intermittent in nature. Patient originally belongs to Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, but he was residing in Kolkata for the last 8 months. Patient had no history of fever, coug...

Research paper thumbnail of P207 A rare case of disseminated Blastomycosis in an immunocompetent host: A report from North India

Medical Mycology

Poster session 2, September 22, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Objectives Blastomycosis is a serious ... more Poster session 2, September 22, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Objectives Blastomycosis is a serious life-threatening systemic infection caused by dimorphic fungi Blastomyces dermatitidis. Infection is acquired via inhalation of airborne conidia or traumatic inoculation. It may produce a spectrum of infections ranging from asymptomatic infections in immunocompetent patients to disseminated disease, including skin, bone, genitourinary tract, and central nervous system (CNS) involvement in immunocompromised patients. This fungal infection is very rare in India. We report a unique case of disseminated blastomycosis in an immunocompetent patient. Methods A 37-year-old male patient from Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh presented with chief complaints of hematuria associated with passage of blood clots for 3 months. There was no history of dysuria, fever, or pain abdomen. When he was evaluated for gross hematuria, his USG abdomen was suggestive of bilateral renal masses. To rule out bilateral renal cell...

Research paper thumbnail of Contrasting Distribution of SARS-CoV-2 Lineages across Multiple Rounds of Pandemic Waves in West Bengal, the Gateway of East and North-East States of India

Microbiology spectrum, Jul 19, 2022

The evolution of viral variants and their impact on viral transmission have been an area of consi... more The evolution of viral variants and their impact on viral transmission have been an area of considerable importance in this pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). We analyzed the viral variants in different phases of the pandemic in West Bengal, a state in India that is important geographically, and compared the variants with other states like Delhi, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, located in other regions of the country. We have identified 57 pango-lineages in 3,198 SARS-CoV-2 genomes, alteration in their distribution, as well as contrasting profiles of amino acid mutational dynamics across different waves in different states. The evolving characteristics of Delta (B.1.617.2) sublineages and alterations in hydrophobicity profiles of the viral proteins caused by these mutations were also studied. Additionally, implications of predictive host miRNA binding/unbinding to emerging spike or nucleocapsid mutations were highlighted. Our results throw considerable light on interesting aspects of the viral genomic variation and provide valuable information for improved understanding of wave-defining mutations in unfolding the pandemic. IMPORTANCE Multiple waves of infection were observed in many states in India during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID19) pandemic. Fine-scale evolution of major SARS-CoV-2 lineages and sublineages during four wave-window categories: Pre-Wave 1, Wave 1, Pre-Wave 2, and Wave 2 in four major states of India: Delhi (North), Maharashtra (West), Karnataka (South), and West Bengal (East) was studied using large-scale virus genome sequencing data. Our comprehensive analysis reveals contrasting molecular profiles of the wave-defining mutations and their implications in host miRNA binding/ unbinding of the lineages in the major states of India.

Research paper thumbnail of Changing Paradigms in Antibiotic Resistance in Salmonella Species with Focus on Fluoroquinolone Resistance: A 5-Year Retrospective Study of Enteric Fever in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Kolkata, India

Antibiotics

Enteric fever, a potentially fatal multisystem disease that is caused by Salmonella enterica sero... more Enteric fever, a potentially fatal multisystem disease that is caused by Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi and Paratyphi, poses a significant risk in low- and middle-income countries. A retrospective study to understand the prevalence and evolving patterns of antibiotic resistance in Salmonella Typhi and Paratyphi was undertaken from June 2017 to June 2022. A total of 4051 blood samples were collected from patients attending inpatient and outpatient departments of the School of Tropical Medicine (Kolkata, India) hospital. Blood samples were cultured, and culture positive samples were further processed for identification using conventional and automated systems. Antibiotic susceptibility test was performed using both the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method and VITEK2 (bioMerieux). Forty-five (1.1%) Salmonella species were isolated among the number of total (n = 4051) samples that were tested. Out of the 45 Salmonella isolates, 35 were Salmonella Typhi (77.77%) and 10 were Salmonella Pa...

Research paper thumbnail of Crystalloid vs Colloid in Initial Management of Dengue Shock Syndrome – A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Crystalloid vs Colloid in Initial Management of Dengue Shock Syndrome – A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Research paper thumbnail of Primary prophylaxis with triazoles for fungal infections in HIV patients with low absolute CD4 count: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Primary prophylaxis with triazoles for fungal infections in HIV patients with low absolute CD4 count: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Research paper thumbnail of Here, There and Everywhere: A Hospital-Based Study on Nosocomialand Environmental Non-Fermenters

Here, There and Everywhere: A Hospital-Based Study on Nosocomialand Environmental Non-Fermenters

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH, 2021

Aim: To assess the prevalence of non-fermenting gram negative bacilli(NFGNB) as nosocomial pathog... more Aim: To assess the prevalence of non-fermenting gram negative bacilli(NFGNB) as nosocomial pathogens and environmental contaminants. Material and Methods: Nonfermenting gram negative bacilli were isolated from relevant patient samples and high-touch surfaces in the hospital environment. They were identied and their antibiotic susceptibility testing was done using conventional and automated methods. Result: The prevalence of nonfermenters as hospital acquired pathogens and as environmental contaminants was 25.8% and 16.3% respectively. All clinical isolates of Acinetobacter baumanii cplx and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were multidrug resistant. Cluster analysis of clinical isolates show similar antibiotic susceptibility prole indicating an ongoing cross-transmission in the hospital.

Research paper thumbnail of Efficacy of Tetravalent Dengue Vaccine - Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Efficacy of Tetravalent Dengue Vaccine - Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Research paper thumbnail of A Candid Approach to Nosocomial Infections: A Study on Hospital Acquired Yeasts

A Candid Approach to Nosocomial Infections: A Study on Hospital Acquired Yeasts

Aim :This study aims to assess the prevalence of nosocomial infections and to nd out the prevale... more Aim :This study aims to assess the prevalence of nosocomial infections and to nd out the prevalence of yeasts responsible for the same. Material and Methods: Nosocomial infections were identied using CDC-NHSN guidelines. The prevalence of yeasts responsible for the same was assessed. Conventional and automated methods were used to isolate yeasts from relevant samples. The antifungal susceptibility testing was performed using automated method. Result : During the study period,147 nosocomial infections were identied ,with a prevalence of 5%.Out of this,17 yeasts were isolated with a prevalence of 11.5%.There was a majority of non-albicans candida or NAC(53%)

Research paper thumbnail of A report on incidence of COVID-19 among febrile patients attending a malaria clinic

A report on incidence of COVID-19 among febrile patients attending a malaria clinic

Tropical Parasitology

Research paper thumbnail of RNA-extraction-free diagnostic method to detect SARS-CoV-2: an assessment from two States, India

Epidemiology and Infection

With increasing demand for large numbers of testing during COVID-19 pandemic, came alternative pr... more With increasing demand for large numbers of testing during COVID-19 pandemic, came alternative protocols with shortened turnaround time. We evaluated the performance of such a protocol wherein 1138 consecutive clinic attendees were enrolled; 584 and 554 respectively from two independent study sites in the cities of Pune and Kolkata. Paired nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs were tested by using both reference and index methods in blinded fashion. Prior to conducting RT-PCR, swabs collected in viral transport medium (VTM) were processed for RNA extraction (reference method) and swabs collected in dry tube without VTM were incubated in Tris-EDTA-Proteinase K buffer for 30 minutes and heat inactivated at 98 o C for 6 minutes (index method). Overall sensitivity and specificity of the index method were 78.9% (95% CI 71% to 86%) and 99 % (95% CI 98% to 99.6%) respectively. Agreement between the index and reference method was 96.8 % (k = 0.83, SE=0.030). The reference method exhibited enhanced detection of viral genes (E, N and RdRP) with lower Ct values compared to the index method. The index method can be used for detecting SARS-CoV-2 infection with appropriately chosen primer-probe set and heat treatment approach in pressing time; low sensitivity constrains its potential wider use.

Research paper thumbnail of RNA-extraction-free diagnostic method to detect SARS-CoV-2: an assessment from two States, India

RNA-extraction-free diagnostic method to detect SARS-CoV-2: an assessment from two States, India

With increasing demand for large numbers of testing during COVID-19 pandemic, came alternative pr... more With increasing demand for large numbers of testing during COVID-19 pandemic, came alternative protocols with shortened turn-around time. We evaluated the performance of such an approach wherein 1138 consecutive clinic attendees were enrolled; 584 and 554 respectively from two independent study sites in the cities of Pune and Kolkata. Paired nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs were tested by using both reference and index methods in blinded fashion. Prior to conducting RT-PCR, swabs collected in viral transport medium (VTM) were processed for RNA extraction (reference method) and swabs collected in dry tube without VTM were incubated in Tris-EDTA-Proteinase K buffer for 30 minutes and heat inactivated at 98oC for 6 minutes (index method). Overall sensitivity and specificity of the index method were 78.9% (95% CI 71% to 86%) and 99 % (95% CI 98% to 99.6%) respectively. Agreement between the index and reference method was 96.8 % (k = 0.83, SE=0.030). The reference method exhibited ...