Indian J Med Res
-
Background & objectives Mumps, a contagious disease caused by the mumps virus (MuV) involves parotid gland inflammation, with potential complications affecting organs other than the parotid glands and central nervous system. Despite successful vaccination, a resurgence of mumps occurred, raising concerns about vaccine effectiveness. This study aimed to examine the entire genome of a representative MuV genotype C from Dibrugarh, Assam, and compare it with references to detect genetic variations in the circulating strain. ⋯ Despite mumps' global effect, genomic studies are limited, particularly in north-east. Our study provides first comprehensive whole-genome report on circulating MuV genotype C in Assam. This research contributes vital genomic data, filling gaps in MuV genetic epidemiology, supporting global research, and assessing vaccine effectiveness.
-
Background & objectives Q fever is an important zoonotic disease affecting humans as well as animals. The objective of this study was to assess the burden of Q fever in individuals with acute febrile illness, particularly those in close contact with animals. Various diagnostic methods were also evaluated in addition to clinical examination analysis and associated risk factors. ⋯ Interpretation & conclusions Q fever is underdiagnosed due to its varied clinical presentations, diagnostic complexities, and lack of awareness. This study underscores the importance of regular screening for Q fever in individuals with acute febrile illness, particularly those with animal exposure. Early diagnosis and increased awareness among healthcare professionals are essential for the timely management and prevention of chronic complications associated with Q fever.
-
Background & objectives Presence of resistant gut flora in the community is associated with increasing multi-drug resistance (MDR) infections. In this study, the prevalence of MDR organisms in the gut flora of a healthy rural population residing in northern India was determined. Methods Healthy individuals aged 18-45 yr from Nuh district, Haryana, India were included in this study. ⋯ Resistance against fluoroquinolones was highest [92(48.7%)] among all isolates. Forty nine (25.9%), 25 (13.2%), 24 (12.7%) and 21 (11.1%) isolates, respectively were positive for blaTEM, blaSHV, blaCTXM-1 and OXA-48 genes. Interpretation & conclusions Overall the study findings suggest that 27 per cent individuals from rural northern India carry MDR organisms in their fecal flora, with an ESBL carriage rate of 44 per cent.
-
Background & objectives Genetic analysis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) strains circulating in India during 2020-2022 was carried out to understand the evolution of potentially expanding and divergent clades. Methods SARS-CoV-2 sequences (n=612) randomly selected from among the sequences of samples collected through a nationwide network of Virus Research Diagnostic Laboratories during 2020 (n=1532) and Indian sequences available in Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data during March 2020-March 2022 (n=53077), were analyzed using the phylo-geo haplotype network approach with reference to the Wuhan prototype sequence. Results On haplotype analysis, 420 haplotypes were revealed from 643 segregating sites among the sequences. ⋯ Interpretation & conclusions The haplotype analysis revealed that the G and GR clades were co-evolved and an epicentrefor the evolution of the GH, GK and GRA clades. GH was more frequently identified in northern parts of India than in other parts, whereas GK was detected less in north India than in other parts. Thus, the network analysis facilitated a detailed illustration of the pathways of evolution and circulation of SARS-CoV-2 variants.