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Introduction: Staphylococcus aureus is responsible for causing a variety of human infections, which may range from minor skin diseases to life-threatening infections. It colonizes healthy individuals and causes severe infection in hospitalized patients. Staphylococcus aureus infections used to respond to ß-lactam and related group of antibiotics but the emergence of Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) has posed a serious therapeutic challenge. The present study aimed to determine prevalence of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Dhiraj General Hospital, Gujarat and to determine antibiotic sensitivity pattern of Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus in various samples and to determine inducible clindamycin resistance strains out of Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus at Dhiraj General Hospital. Materials and methods: The present study was conducted in Microbiology Department of SBKS MI and RC during January 2022 to December 2022. The study comprised of 114 coagulase-positive staphylococci (COPS), isolated from a total of 1470 clinical specimens (like pus, blood, urine, high vaginal swab, sputum, etc.) of patients admitted in Dhiraj General hospital attached to SBKS MI and RC, Hospital, Waghodia, Gujarat. All the isolates were identified by standard procedures. Antimicrobial susceptibility test was carried out on each bacterial isolate using the disc diffusion method on Muller Hinton agar (MHA). Data were entered and analyzed statistically. Results: During one year of study period, a total of 1470 positive culture samples were there. Out of that, 114 positive samples of Staphylococcus aureus were isolated. Out of total Staphylococcus aureus positive samples, 24 strains of Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) were detected. Out of total MRSA, 10 inducible clindamycin resistant Staphylococcus aureus were detected. Conclusion: To conclude, we can say that Vancomycin and Teicoplanin is the drug of choice in MRSA patients. As MRSA is an alarming issue for the health system, one should always think about drug sensitivity test before starting treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neonatal septicemia is a major cause of infection and mortality in neonates. Neonatal sepsis is a type of neonatal infection, particularly bacteremia, diagnosed by the presence of microorganisms in blood via microbiological culture tests during the first 4 weeks of birth. Neonatal sepsis is classified into early bacterial neonatal septicemia (less than 72 h) and late bacterial neonatal septicemia (>72 h–28 d) according to age. Isolation of septicemia-causing bacteria from the blood of neonates and investigation of their antibiotic susceptibility pattern for disease management. This study was a retrospective analysis of blood cultures from neonates admitted to the NICU with symptoms of septicemia from June to December, 2019. All samples were processed according to standard microbiological procedures using the BACTEC 9050 automated culture system. Results were reported on the basis of microbial appearance on the culture media and microscopic examination using the Gram staining method, and authentication was performed using standard biochemical reactions. Of the 228 patients, 32.89% were positive for blood culture. Early bacteremia was detected in 64% of the patients, and late bacteremia was detected in 36% of the patients. The most effective drugs against the gram-positive bacteria were linezolid, vancomycin, and ciprofloxacin and against the gram-negative bacteria were tigecycline, imipenem, and amikacin. Coagulase-negative staphylococci and gram-negative organisms such as Klebsiella, Acinetobacter, and Staphylococcus aureus were the major cause of neonatal septicemia in this study, and almost all the isolates were resistant to different antibiotics. Overall, antimicrobial drug resistance was observed in all the positive blood culture samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To address pneumonia, a major killer of under-5 children in India, a multimodal pulse oximeter was implemented in Health and Wellness Centers. Given the evidence of pulse oximetry in effective pneumonia management and taking into account the inadequate skills of front-line healthcare workers in case management, the device was introduced to help them readily diagnose and treat a child and to examine usability of the device. Design: The implementation was integrated with the routine OPD of primary health centers for 15 months after healthcare workers were provided with an abridged IMNCI training. Monthly facility data was collected to examine case management with the diagnostic device. Feedback on usefulness of the device was obtained. Setting: Health and Wellness Centers (19) of 7 states were selected in consultation with state National Health Mission based on patient footfall. Participants: Under-5 children presenting with ARI symptoms at the OPD. Results: Of 4846 children, 0.1% were diagnosed with severe pneumonia and 23% were diagnosed with pneumonia. As per device readings, correct referrals were made of 77.6% of cases of severe pneumonia, and 81% of pneumonia cases were correctly given antibiotics. The Pulse oximeter was highly acceptable among health workers as it helped in timely classification and treatment of pneumonia. It had no maintenance issue and battery was long-lasting. Conclusion: Pulse oximeter implementation was doable and acceptable among health workers. Together with IMNCI training, PO in primary care settings is a feasible approach to provide equitable care to under-5 children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]