Indian J Med Res
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Background & objectives The emergence of Rapid Grower Mycobacteria (RGM) infections recently produced a great challenge among surgeons following laparoscopic surgical site infection. Infections caused by atypical mycobacteria may be overlooked due to limitations of proper diagnostic infrastructure and unawareness in the resource-limited set-up. In this study, we proposed an intervention strategy for RGM infection among patients having post-laparoscopic surgical site infections in our hospital. ⋯ The game-changing intervention related to this outbreak scenario was the introduction of gas-plasma sterilization and maintaining strict asepsis in surgical operation theatre. Interpretation & conclusions Based on the analysed data, we proposed an intervention strategy in our hospital for treating and preventing RGM infection. Such an approach will help arrest the RGM-outbreaks in future.
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Background & objectives Internet shutdowns, although rare can be imposed by governments or affiliated entities and can intentionally disrupt online information and communication systems. While justified for maintaining public order, these shutdowns cause substantial economic losses, public suffering, and reputational damage. The internet shutdown in Manipur, initiated on May 3, 2023, due to civil unrest, has affected various sectors. ⋯ The study also found some positive impacts, such as less screen time leading to better sleep and increased physical activities. Interpretation & conclusions The findings of this study suggest that the internet shutdown significantly affected both the professional and personal aspects of postgraduate trainees' lives in Manipur. The implementation of a targeted ban on social media platforms and the establishment of designated internet access points are proposed as potential alternatives.
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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 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.
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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.