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Context: A biofilm is a layer of microorganisms contained in a matrix (slime layer), which forms on surfaces in contact with water. Their presence in drinking water pipe networks can be responsible for a wide range of water quality and operational problems. Aim: To identify the bacterial isolates, obtained from water pipelines of kitchens, to evaluate the water quality & to study the biofilm producing capacity of the bacterial isolates from various sources. Settings and Design: A prospective study using water samples from aqua guard & pipelines to kitchens of S.C.B Medical College hostels. Materials and Methods: Standard biochemical procedures for bacterial identification, multiple tube culture & MPN count to evaluate water quality & tissue culture plate (TCP) method for biofilm detection was followed. Statistical analysis: STATA software version 9.2 from STATA Corporation, College station road, 90 Houston, Texas was used for statistical analysis. Results: One hundred eighty seven isolates were obtained from 45 water samples cultured. The isolates were Acinetobacter spp. (44), Pseudomonas spp.(41), Klebsiella spp.(36) & others . Biofilm was detected in (37) 19.78 % of the isolates (95% CI 30.08% -43.92%) including Acinetobacter spp.-10, Klebsiella spp. - 9, Pseudomonas spp. - 9, & others, majority (34) of which were from kitchen pipelines. Conclusion: Water from pipeline sources was unsatisfactory for consumption as the MPN counts were > 10. Most of the biofilm producers were gram negative bacilli & Pseudomonas & Acinetobacter spp. were strong (4+) biofilm producers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cutaneous tuberculosis, pulmonary tuberculosis and hanseniasis are all caused by different spp. of Mycobacterium, an intracellular pathogen whose development depends on impaired cell mediated immunity. Scrofuloderma is the most common variant of cutaneous tuberculosis, which is characterized by a direct extension of the skin which overlies the infected lymph gland, bone or joint, that breaks down to form an undermined ulcer. We are reporting a rare association of Scrofuloderma (cutaneous tuberculosis) with Hanseniasis (leprosy) in an adult male whose immune status was controversial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]