Indian J Med Res
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There is a growing burden of lung cancer cases in India, incidence projected to increase from 63,708 cases (2015) to 81,219 cases (2025). The increasing numbers are attributed to smoking (India currently has nearly 100 million adult smokers) and environmental pollution. Most patients present with advanced disease (80-85% are incurable), causing nearly 60,000 annual deaths from lung cancer. ⋯ Developing this model over the next several years will facilitate a structured cancer screening programme for populations at the highest risk of lung cancer. In this paper, we discuss the demographics of lung cancer in India and its relation to smoking patterns. Further, we elaborate on the potential applications and challenges of bringing a smart approach to LCS in high-risk populations in India.
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Background & objectives Cervical cancer (CC) has been documented as the fourth most common cancer worldwide. Persistent infections with high-risk human papillomavirus (hr-HPV) have been suggested in the development of CC. Although prophylactic vaccines are available for the prevention of prevalent hr-HPV types, intra-type variations exist within a particular HPV type that has varying oncogenic potential as well as the mechanism of pathogenicity and varying neutralization by antibodies. ⋯ Interpretation & conclusions The distribution of lineages varied with the different genomic regions sequenced. Additionally, there were certain unique and common variations in the HPV genome with respect to geographical regions. Hence, we suggest the identification of region-specific variations for the development of diagnostic and prognostic interventions.
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Background & objectives The global impact of COVID-19, with over 45 million cases and 533,300 deaths in India alone, necessitates effective surveillance methods. Traditional approaches face challenges in detecting pre-symptomatic and asymptomatic cases, prompting the exploration of wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE). This study focuses on Mumbai's vulnerable slums, aiming to assess the potential of WBE as an alternative surveillance method. ⋯ Interpretation & conclusions Wastewater-based epidemiology emerges as a cost-effective and rapid early warning system, providing crucial insights into virus behaviour and evolution. Particularly significant for countries like India, WBE aids in outbreak monitoring and targeted interventions. The global integration of wastewater surveillance emphasizes its importance in comprehensive pandemic monitoring, establishing it as an integral component of public health strategies worldwide.
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Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) is an opportunistic pathogen that causes severe infections in immunocompromised individuals. It is a common contaminant of medical drugs, solutions and devices used in healthcare setups. This scoping review aimed to assess Bcc outbreaks in Indian hospital settings and address a wide range of sources to improve outbreak management. ⋯ Multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) was employed to study clonality among isolates in six outbreaks. This review highlights that varied medical products and environmental surfaces/objects can harbour Bcc and act as potential sources of Bcc outbreaks in hospitals. Ensuring immediate identification of Bcc from clinical samples, regular sterility checks, thorough epidemiological investigations, and timely infection control and prevention measures are critical to help manage and prevent these outbreaks and the subsequent mortality.
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Background & objectives Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection, leading to >90 per cent seropositivity in women of reproductive age from India, is the largest cause of congenital infections worldwide. HCMV infection status was prospectively monitored together with congenital transmission (cCMV) and adverse pregnancy outcomes (APO) in a public health setting where maternal or neonatal screening was not in practice. Methods Eighty three pregnant women, with (n=45) and without (n=38) bad obstetric history (BOH), were monitored for HCMV infection by ELISA-(IgM, IgG, IgG avidity) for all TORCH (Toxoplasma, Rubella, HCMV, HSV 1 & 2) pathogens along with HCMV-specific chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA) and nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). ⋯ Also, recent HCMV infection (intermediate IgG avidity), observed mainly in the BOH group, but not recurrent infection (IgM positivity), in first and second trimesters, was associated with neonatal saliva positivity and adverse outcomes, including neonatal death (P=0.0762). Exposure to other TORCH pathogens, while detected, did not include IgM positivity or low/intermediate IgG. Conclusion This study highlights the significance of conducting early, multi-pronged screening for maternal HCMV infection during pregnancy, especially in public health settings with high HCMV seroprevalence.