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Introduction Intestinal parasitic infections continue to loom in developing countries with low sanitation and socioeconomic conditions. Pandemic times are especially important to study the prevalence of these pathogens since the focus of all healthcare services was coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and time-trend of intestinal parasitic infections in the capital region of India during the pandemic times.

Invasive Fungal Infections have posed a difficult challenge in the recovery of people infected with COVID-19. COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) has been described and found in about 30 % of ICU patients worldwide. Here we present an unusual microscopic finding in a case of CAPA in an ICU patient which was helpful in initiating early definite therapy. A 56-year-old gentleman presented with complaints of fever and shortness of breath and subsequently tested positive for COVID. Post admission, his respiratory distress worsened and his condition deteriorated. A provisional diagnosis of COVID pneumonia with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) was established based on chest radiographic finding of left lower lobe consolidation, increased pulmonary infiltrates in bilateral lung fields with evidence of pleural effusion. Pleural Aspirate obtained via ultrasound guided thoracocentesis revealed branched hyaline septate hyphae along with structures which were composed of elongated vesicle with one layer of phialides covering two-thirds of the vesicle and bearing globose conidia on KOH direct mount. Aspergillus flavus grew on culture, which was later confirmed by MALDI TOF VITEK MS. Patient was diagnosed with Proven Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis with COVID-19 and voriconazole was started. Patient successfully recovered and was discharged. Identifying the Aspergillus species directly on the basis of KOH Mount, helped in decreasing the turnaround time, in early initiation of definite therapy and possibly contributed to the favorable outcome. CAPA is a potentially life-threatening complication in patients with severe COVID-19, thus a timely diagnosis and treatment becomes crucial in the management. Keywords: CAPA, COVID-19, Aspergillus

Background Human microsporidiosis presents as an important and rapidly emerging opportunistic infection. However, the exact burden of this infection especially in the pediatric population of Northern India remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of microsporidia among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive and HIV-negative pediatric patients who presented with diarrhea.

Aim: The increasing burden of resistance in Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) is becoming a major issue for hospital-acquired infections. Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanisms is important. Methodology: Resistance genes of phenotypically colistin-resistant GNB (n = 60) were determined using whole genome sequencing. Antimicrobial susceptibility patterns were detected by Vitek®2 & broth microdilution. Results: Of these phenotypically colistin-resistant isolates, 78% were also genetically resistant to colistin. Activation of efflux pumps, and point-mutations in pmrB, and MgrB genes conferred colistin resistance among GNB. Eight different strains of K. pneumoniae were identified and ST43 was the most prominent strain with capsular type-specific (cps) gene KL30. Discussion: These results, in combination with rapid diagnostic methods, will help us better advice appropriate antimicrobial regimens.

Introduction Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is an emerging environmental, gram-negative, multidrug-resistant organism, associated with risk factors such as prolonged hospitalization, invasive procedures, admission to the intensive care unit, mechanical ventilation, use of indwelling catheters, administration of immunosuppressants or corticosteroids, human immunodeficiency virus infection, underlying malignancy, and organ transplantation. The organism, despite being of low invasiveness in immune-competent individuals, is difficult to treat because of intrinsic resistance to several antimicrobial agents.

Background Expansion of the testing capacities for severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 is an important issue in the face of ever-increasing case load. So, there is need of point-of-care diagnostic tests in the existing laboratory capacities for early treatment, isolation, and clinical decision making, especially in resource limited settings. Materials and Methods This prospective cohort study was conducted at Jai Prakash Narayan Apex Trauma Center, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi. Nasopharyngeal samples and blood samples were collected for antigen and antibody testing. Rapid antigen test was performed as per the kit's instructions. The performance of the kit was compared with the gold standard reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing. Results Eighty-eight out of 110 patients tested positive by RT-PCR for coronavirus disease 2019 in last 48 to 72 hours were included in the study. Overall, the sensitivity of combined antibody test was 52%, antigen test 26%, and combined sensitivity of both antigen and antibody was 72.7%, respectively. Conclusion The combo kit needs to be used with caution in low prevalence settings, where cases may be missed.

Rapid antigen testing for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) available at present provides immediate results at low cost with less expertise and without any need of sophisticated infrastructure. Most of these test kits available are for nasopharyngeal samples. This is a novel study to detect the presence of COVID antigen in samples other than throat and oropharyngeal. Various samples received from patients admitted in the COVID-19 dedicated center were tested for the presence of antigen. Same procedure was followed as done for the nasopharyngeal sample. A total of 150 samples were tested, which included ascitic fluid, pleural fluid, drain fluid, bile, bronchoalveolar lavage, cerebrospinal fluid, endotracheal tube aspirate, sputum, tissue, and urine. Out of 150, 11 (7.33%) were positive and 138 (92.66%) were negative for the antigen test. The COVID-19 antigen test kit, though designed for nasopharyngeal samples, was able to detect the presence of antigen in other clinical samples.

Background The burden of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) is all assumption based, and the true burden remains unknown in most countries, particularly in the developing countries where healthcare facilities are suboptimal and knowledge is limited. Methodology This cross-sectional study was conducted at the trauma center of a tertiary care institute from August to September 2019, to assess the burden of HAI and antibiotic resistance pattern of HAI. The total sample size in our study was 105. Our objective was to estimate the point prevalence of HAI and study the associated factors in a tertiary care hospital. Result In this study, the point prevalence of HAI was five to six times higher when compared with that of developed countries. Gram-negative organisms were the predominant bacteria; with Acinetobacter baumannii the most common among them. Conclusion Point-prevalence survey is an important objective of the antimicrobial stewardship program; it will be helpful in controlling antimicrobial resistance and this tool plays a significant role in hospital settings. Our study is quite pertinent to assess the point prevalence of HAI. It will help in knowing the current prevalence and pattern of the HAI. Therefore, as healthcare administrators, we can further decrease the HAI for better patient outcomes in the future.

Abstract Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a key host protein by which severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) enters and multiplies within cells. The level of ACE2 expression in the lung is hypothesised to correlate with an increased risk of severe infection and complications in COrona VIrus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). To test this hypothesis, we compared the protein expression status of ACE2 by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in post-mortem lung samples of patients who died of severe COVID-19 and lung samples obtained from non-COVID-19 patients for other indications. IHC for CD61 and CD163 was performed for the assessment of platelet-rich microthrombi and macrophages, respectively. IHC for SARS-CoV-2 viral antigen was also performed. In a total of 55, 44 COVID-19 post-mortem lung samples were tested for ACE2, 36 for CD163, and 26 for CD61, compared to 15 non-covid 19 control lung sections. Quantification of immunostaining, random sampling, and correlation analysis were used to substantiate the morphologic findings. Our results show that ACE2 protein expression was significantly higher in COVID-19 post-mortem lung tissues than in controls, regardless of sample size. Histomorphology in COVID-19 lungs showed diffuse alveolar damage (DAD), acute bronchopneumonia, and acute lung injury with SARS-CoV-2 viral protein detected in a subset of cases. ACE2 expression levels were positively correlated with increased expression levels of CD61 and CD163. In conclusion, our results show significantly higher ACE2 protein expression in severe COVID-19 disease, correlating with increased macrophage infiltration and microthrombi, suggesting a pathobiological role in disease severity.

A medical postgraduate course in the field of Laboratory Medicine for the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree holders has existed for more than two decades in India, initiated and offered by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, which was created under the special Act of Parliament of India 1956. This course has recently been included in the draft of National Medical Commission's Post Graduate Regulation 2021 list of medical courses, and the foundation guidelines have been laid for other medical colleges and teaching hospitals across the country to start this course. This article, written purely in academic interest, describes the past, present and future of this postgraduate training program in India with an aim to answer several doubts regarding this unique and holistic course with a view to providing a direction to those who are willing to become a laboratory physician through this post-graduation.

Abstract SARS-CoV-2 has posed an unprecedented challenge to the world. Pandemics have been caused previously by viruses of this family like Middle East Respiratory Corona Virus (MERS CoV), Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus (SARS CoV). Although these viruses are primarily respiratory viruses, but they have been isolated from non-respiratory samples as well. Presently, the detection rate of SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA from different clinical specimens using Real Time Reverse Transcriptase Polymerized Chain Reaction (qRT‐PCR) after onset of symptoms is not yet well established. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review was to establish the profile of detecting SARS‐CoV‐2, MERS CoV, SARS CoV from different types of clinical specimens other than the respiratory using a standard diagnostic test (qRT‐PCR). A total of 3429 non-respiratory specimens were recorded: SARS CoV (total sample—802), MERS CoV (total sample—155), SARS CoV-2 (total sample—2347). Out of all the samples studied high positive rate was seen for saliva with 96.7% (14/14; 95% CI 87.6–100.0%) for SARS CoV and 57.5% (58/250; 95% CI − 1.2 to 116.2%) for SARS CoV-2, while low detection rate in urine samples for SARS CoV-2 with 2.2% (8/318; 95% CI 0.6–3.7%) and 9.6% (12/61; 95% CI − 0.9 to 20.1%) for SARS CoV but there was relatively higher positivity in urine samples for MERS CoV with detection rate of 32.4% (2/38; 95% CI − 37.3 to 102.1%). In Stool sample positivity was 54.9% (396/779; 95% CI 41.0–68.8%), 45.2% (180/430; 95% CI 28.1–62.3%) and 34.7% (4/38; 95% CI − 29.5 to 98.9%) for SARS CoV-2, MERS CoV, and SARS CoV, respectively. In blood sample the positivity was 33.3% (7/21; 95% CI 13.2–53.5%), 23.7% (42/277; 95% CI 10.5–36.9%) and 2.5% (2/81; 95% CI 0.00–5.8%) for MERS CoV, SARS CoV-2 and SARS CoV respectively. SARS‐CoV‐2 along with previous two pandemic causing viruses from this family, were highly detected stool and saliva. A low positive rate was recorded in blood samples. Viruses were also detected in fluids along with unusual samples like semen and vaginal secretions thus highlighting unique pathogenic potential of SARS‐CoV‐2.

Introduction Multiple drug resistance emergences among bacteria at an alarming rate worldwide are posing a serious threat to the treatment benefits that have been achieved with antibiotics. This crisis is due to the inappropriate and overuse of existing antibiotics. We evaluated the antimicrobial resistance pattern of Enterobacteriaceae pathogens isolated from intensive care units (ICUs), wards, and outpatient department (OPD) patients. Objectives The aim of the study is to determine the antimicrobial resistance pattern in bacteria of Enterobacteriaceae family. Material and Methods This is a retrospective study conducted at a tertiary care level-1 trauma center in the capital city of India. We collected all the retrospective data of 5 years from the laboratory information system software of the microbiology laboratory. The retrospective data included patients’ details, samples detail, organism’s identification, and their antimicrobial susceptibility testing, done by Vitek2 compact system and disk diffusion test according to each year’s Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. This study included the interpretation of zone diameters and minimum inhibitory concentrations of all isolates according to CLSI guidelines, 2018. Results Among all the Enterobacteriaceae, Klebsiella spp. was the most commonly isolated pathogen, followed by Escherichia coli and Enterobacter spp. in ICUs and wards, while in OPD patients E. coli was the most commonly isolated pathogen, followed by Klebsiella spp. and Enterobacter spp. Enterobacteriaceae isolates remained resistant to all classes of cephalosporins in all settings. In addition, β lactam and β-lactamase inhibitor remained less effective. Carbapenems showed less resistance than quinolones and aminoglycosides. Among the different antimicrobial agents, tigecycline proved most effective in all settings; however, it showed more resistance than other studies. Conclusion Tigecycline proved effective among different multidrug resistance bacteria. Multidrug resistance in bacteria leads to prolonged hospital stays as well as makes the treatment less cost effective. Proper and judicious use of antimicrobials is the need of the hour.

To elucidate the molecular mechanisms that manifest lung abnormalities during severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections, we performed whole-transcriptome sequencing of lung autopsies from 31 patients with severe COVID-19 and ten uninfected controls. Using metatranscriptomics, we identified the existence of two distinct molecular signatures of lethal COVID-19. The dominant ‘classical’ signature (n=23) showed upregulation of the unfolded protein response, steroid biosynthesis and complement activation, supported by massive metabolic reprogramming leading to characteristic lung damage. The rarer signature (n=8) that potentially represents ‘cytokine release syndrome’ (CRS) showed upregulation of cytokines such as IL1 and CCL19, but absence of complement activation. We found that a majority of patients cleared SARS-CoV-2 infection, but they suffered from acute dysbiosis with characteristic enrichment of opportunistic pathogens such as Staphylococcus cohnii in ‘classical’ patients and Pasteurella multocida in CRS patients. Our results suggest two distinct models of lung pathology in severe COVID-19 patients, which can be identified through complement activation, presence of specific cytokines and characteristic microbiome. These findings can be used to design personalized therapy using in silico identified drug molecules or in mitigating specific secondary infections.

Introduction Compliance to hand hygiene (HH) is an important measure in preventing infections to patients in health-care settings. Wellness and safety of patients and health-care workers (HCWs) can be achieved by promoting best practices in infection control through education and advocacy. Aims and Objectives To assess the compliance to HH among all cadres of HCWs and its association with hospital-acquired infection (HAI) in patients. Materials and Methods A prospective, observational study was conducted for a period of 5 years (January 2014 to December 2018) in Neuro Trauma intensive care unit. A standard checklist based on World Health Organization’s 5 Moments for Hand Hygiene was used as a tool to measure the HH compliance. Results HAI rate was found to be directly proportional to the compliance to HH. Reduction in HAI rates was reported when there was an increase in HH compliance. HAI of 4.25% was found to be lowest in the year 2015 with the compliance to HH of 63.65%. The HH compliance was also found to be highest (64.63%) in the year 2016 followed by 64.12% in the year 2017. During this period HAI rates were 4.35% and 4.8%, respectively. When the HH compliance declined in the year 2018 to 53.95%, there was an increase in the rate of HAI to 6.9%. Conclusion It could be concluded that HH compliance was associated with the decrease in HAIs. HH could be a simple and cost-effective method in the prevention of HAIs.

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a rare cause of appendicitis, skin soft tissue, and bloodstream infections. The clinical significance of its isolation from samples of skin or soft tissues and pus from the appendix is poorly understood. Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) continues to be a problem in India, associated with a high case fatality rate despite treatment facilities available in the hospital settings. In the present study, we report three adult cases, one presented as acute appendicitis, the other had skin and soft tissue infection, and third presented with bloodstream infection caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae from our level 1 trauma center. The patients with acute appendicitis and soft tissue infection recovered when treated with appropriate antimicrobial therapy, however, the one with pneumococcal sepsis could not be revived.

INTRODUCTION: Acinetobacter baumannii has now emerged as a significant nosocomial pathogen in health-care setting ESP in intensive care units. Rapidly growing resistance among clinical isolates suggests a need to detect resistance mechanisms in this organism. The present study was designed to compare the various phenotypic tests available with the gold standard of genotype. METHODOLOGY: The present study was conducted to include all isolates of Acinetobacter spp. isolated over 3 years. Their resistance to various antibiotics was determined and extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) and AmpC production in the isolates showing resistance to ceftazidime/ceftriaxone/cefotaxime (CAZ/CTR/CTX) was determined. ESBL and AmpC production was confirmed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS: A total of 154 strains were isolated, and all the strains were tested for ESBL and AmpC detection. Of the strains tested, 15 (9.7%), 17 (11%), 24 (15.6%), 27 (17.5%), 54 (35%), 67 (43.5%), and 72 (46.7%) strains showed ESBL production using CTX/CTX-clavulanate double-disc synergy test (DDST), CTX/CTX-clavulanate E-test, CAZ/CAZ-clavulanate DDST, CAZ/CAZ-clavulanate E-test, Piperacillin/Piperacillin-tazobactam (TZ) DDST, CTR/CTR-Sulbactum DDST, and Piperacillin/Piperacillin-TZ E-test, respectively. 20 (12.9%) and 19 (12.3%) of strains were positive for AmpC production using AmpC disc test and Boronic acid inhibition test, respectively. Genotype analysis using PCR for TEM, SHV, CTXM, PER, and VEB genes was done and 69 (51.5%) strains were positive for TEM gene. DISCUSSION: ESBL detection in Acinetobacter spp. is difficult as standard guidelines for the same are not available unlike in enterobacteriaceae, and there are no zone diameter breakpoints for aztreonam and cefpodoxime. In comparison, piperacillin/piperacillin-TZ E-test had the best sensitivity and specificity for ESBL detection. CONCLUSION: Standard guidelines for ESBL detection in nil fermeners like Acinetobacter spp. must be laid down for ease of detection. Use of piperacillin/piperacillin-tazobactam E-test could be used as one of the standard methods.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the study was to determine the prevalence and characterize the resistance profiles of Escherichia coli isolated from various clinical specimens by various phenotypic and genotypic methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 196 consecutive, nonduplicate strains of clinically significant E. coli isolated from various clinical specimens were included in the study. Identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by using Vitek-2 system (Biomerieux, France). Phenotypic detection of extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBLs), Amp-C-β lactamase (Amp C), and carbapenemase production was done by various combination of disc diffusion methods, minimum inhibitory concentration determination by E-test, followed by polymerase-chain-reaction for the detection of β-lactamase-encoding genes. RESULTS: Overall prevalence of ESBLs, Amp C, and carbapenemase production was found to be 88.3%, 42.2%, and 65.1% by the phenotypic detection methods. Our study also revealed high resistance rates against other antibiotics such as cefepime (89%), cefotaxime (95.4%), ceftazidime (85.4%), ceftriaxone (91.8%), cefpodoxime (92.7%), aztreonam (56.3%), piperacillin/tazobactam (89.2%), and ticarcillin/clavulanic acid (76.3%). The most prevalent ESBL gene was blaTEM(67.30%), and least prevalent ESBL gene was blaVEB(2.61%). In case of Amp C, blaFOXgene (21.9%) was predominant. Among the genes encoding for carbapenemases, the most common gene was blaNDM(61.7%) followed by blaVIM(30.8%), blaKPC(10.6%), blaOXA-48 (5.3%), and blaIMP(2.1%). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest a high rate of ESBLs, Amp C, and carbapenemase production among the E. coli isolates. A combination of both phenotypic and genotypic methods would be ideal for better characterization of resistance patterns among the E. coli isolates.

INTRODUCTION: Acinetobacter spp. has emerged as a major cause of nosocomial outbreaks. Multiple antibiotic resistance is an important problem in Acinetobacter isolates in recent years. The aim of this study was to evaluate the rate of antimicrobial resistance and changes in resistance pattern over a period of 5 years (2012–2016) in Acinetobacter spp. isolated from trauma patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Acinetobacter spp. was identified by VITEK 2 and antibiotic susceptibility of isolates was investigated by disc-diffusion method and VITEK 2 automated system. Interpretation of susceptibility results was based on the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. RESULTS: Out of the total 16,210 isolates obtained throughout the period of 5 years, Acinetobacter spp. accounted for 3744 (28.9%). Out of which, the species which was maximally isolated was Acinetobacter baumannii (98.5%), followed by Acinetobacter lwoffii (1.4%) and Acinetobacter hemolyticus (0.1%). The highest number of clinical isolates of Acinetobacter were recovered from neurosurgical ward (n = 1210), followed by the neurosurgical intensive care unit (ICU) (n = 1000) and surgical ICU (n = 948) and the most common sample of Acinetobacter isolation was from tracheal aspirate (37.1%), followed by wound swab (18.8%). The highest level of resistance was observed against ciprofloxacin (96%), followed by cefepime (95%), ceftazidime (95%), piperacillin (95%), and amikacin (92%). The trend of antibiotic resistance was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.001) for most of the antibiotics being tested such as amikacin and carbapenems. CONCLUSION: The high rate of antibiotic resistance of the Acinetobacter strains indicated that there is an urgent need for controlled antibiotic usage and appliance of hospital infection control measures.

INTRODUCTION: Device-associated infections constitute the majority of health-care infections in Intensive Care Units (ICUs). Trauma patients are more prone to acquire such infections; ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) being the most common Health care associated infections (HAI) in ICU has serious implications such as increased morbidity, prolonged hospital stay, and mortality. This study aims to compare the clinicomicrobiological profile of VAP and non-VAP trauma patients at Level I trauma center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 4-year retrospective study of prospectively maintained database was conducted at Level 1 trauma center from January 2013 to December 2016. The patients were classified into two groups named VAP and non-VAP patients. VAP patients were defined according to the criteria of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The data were compiled and analyzed. Statistical data were analyzed using SPSS version 21 software. RESULTS: During the study period, 134 (13%) cases of VAP and 909 (87%) non-VAP cases were observed in our study. The total number of ventilator days for VAP patients was 5128 days, which ranged from 2 to 82 days (median 42 days). The length of hospital stay in non-VAP category ranged from 1 to 390 days (median 195.5 days). Inhospital mortality was observed in 62 (46%) patients with VAP. Three hundred and eighteen (35%) non-VAP patients had also had a fatal outcome. Gram-negative organisms, most commonly Acinetobacter spp. (13, 21%), were reported in the fatal VAP patients. CONCLUSION AND DISCUSSION: Higher rate of mortality was observed in patients with VAP in comparison to non-VAP patients, both being on mechanical ventilation. Early recognition of VAP, implementation of proper VAP preventive bundle strategies, and stringent infection control practices are essential mandates to prevent VAP.

INTRODUCTION: Bloodstream infections (BSIs) can lead to life-threatening sepsis and are globally associated with high morbidity and mortality. Although BSIs require immediate antimicrobial treatment, their prevalence, etiology, and antimicrobial susceptibilities differ from one country to other. There is a dearth of such data from India. Here, we report the 4-year etiologic data on BSI in trauma patients admitted to a tertiary care referral hospital in New Delhi, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted at the trauma center between January 2013 and December 2016. The routine microbiological data on bacterial BSI were recorded and determined retrospectively from the laboratory records. Antimicrobial susceptibility profiles were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 2017 bacterial strains isolated from blood culture samples were included for microbiological analysis. During the study, the median age of the patients varied from 30 to 35 years, with the percentage of females in the study population varying from 17% to 19%. The predominant pathogens were Gram-negative bacteria, with Acinetobacter species, followed by Klebsiella species being the most commonly isolated organisms throughout the 4 years of study. Among Gram-positive isolates, Staphylococcus species were the leading pathogens (11%–15%). CONCLUSIONS: A detailed analysis of prevalence, etiology of BSIs in India and its resistance profile is crucial for appropriate antibiotic use, clinical management, and formulation of antibiotic policies and preventive measures.

INTRODUCTION: Antimicrobial resistance is an increasing problem worldwide especially among the surgical site infections (SSIs). SSI is becoming more serious due to hospital-acquired infections/nosocomial infections, which further leads to the overuse of broad-spectrum antibiotics. To investigate the antimicrobial resistance patterns among Gram-negative bacteria in SSI in in- and out-patients the present study was designed. METHODOLOGY: During the 4 years (January 2013–December 2016), the antimicrobial resistant pattern was studied in the admitted patients and in the patients who were followed up to the outpatients department (OPD) after discharge. Antimicrobial resistance pattern testing was done by the disk diffusion method on Mueller-Hinton agar and by E-test for ten antibiotics according to The Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines for Gram-negative bacilli. RESULTS: A total of 2,447 strains were isolated from the studied population on over the period of 4 years. Of 2447, 1996 (81%) were isolated from patients who had SSI during the hospital stay, and 451 (18%) were from patients who attended the OPD after discharge. In the outpatients, who followed up in the OPD for the SSI, Escherichia coli (148), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (93), whereas in the patients who develop SSI during their hospital stay, Acinetobacter baumannii (622), E. coli (424), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (315) were found to be common. A very high resistance pattern was observed in both the studied groups; however, a higher resistance pattern was seen in in-patients as compared to outpatients. CONCLUSION: In our study, we have reported resistance pattern in Gram-negative bacteria isolated from the patients who were came for the follow as well as in the inpatients. For the outpatients, it can be concluded that it could be a community-acquired infection which is also an alarming condition for our society.

Gas gangrene is a necrotic infection of the skin and soft tissue that is associated with high mortality and often necessitating amputation to control the infection. Clostridial myonecrosis is most often cause of gas gangrene and usually present in settings of trauma, surgery, malignancy, and other underlying immunocompromised conditions. The most common causative organism of clostridial myonecrosis is Clostridium perfringens followed by Clostridium septicum. Here, we are reporting an unusual case report of posttraumatic gas gangrene caused by Clostridium sordelli.

Antimicrobial resistance is one of the greatest threats to human health worldwide. The rate of development of newer antibiotics is much slower than the rate of development of antibiotic resistance. A survey reported that it takes 15 years and US$800 million (including preclinical and clinical costs) to bring a single drug to the market, whereas the reuse of the older drugs for antimicrobial use takes $17 million, thereby circumventing 40% of the overall cost. The first case is a patient with nosocomial pyrexia of unknown origin who was given treatment with tigecycline and cefepime/tazobactam but failed to respond to the same. However, the patient responded to the treatment with cotrimoxazole. The second case is a patient with meningitis caused by an atypical zoonotic pathogen, Staphylococcus chromogenes. This is the first report of human infection with S. chromogenes, this being a common cause of bovine mastitis. The isolate was obtained from a patient of neurotrauma who developed meningitis after decompressive craniotomy. The strain was obtained from cerebrospinal fluid, blood, and shunt chamber pus. Cotrimoxazole was given for the treatment, and the patient improved after the treatment. Although the newer antibiotics have replaced sulfonamides in the treatment of many infections, they are still of great value and are the agents of choice in many infections. Sulfonamides have wide antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, but their usefulness has diminished with the emergence of resistant strains. This paper reports cases of two different kinds of infections from a level 1 trauma center, who failed to respond to the newer antibiotics but showed a response to administration of cotrimoxazole.

INTRODUCTION: Stenotrophomonas maltophilia earlier had limited pathogenic potential, but now with growing degree of immunosuppression in general population, it is being recognized as an important nosocomial pathogen. METHODOLOGY: A retrospective 7 years study was carried out to determine the clinical characteristics of all patients with Stenotrophomonas infections, antibiotic resistance pattern, and risk factors associated with hospital mortality. All patients with Stenotrophomonas culture positivity were identified and their medical records were reviewed. Risk factor associated with hospital mortality was analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 123 samples obtained from 88 patients were culture positive. Most patients presented with bacteremia (45, 51%) followed by pneumonia (37, 42%) and skin and soft tissue infections (6, 7%). About 23 of 88 Stenotrophomonas infected patients had co-infection. Percentage resistance to cotrimoxazole; 8 (5.4%) was lower than that for levofloxacin; 18 (12%). Twenty-eight patients died during hospital stay. Intensive Care Unit admission (P = 0.0002), mechanical ventilation (P = 0.0004), central venous catheterization (P = 0.0227), urethral catheterization (P = 0.0484), and previous antibiotic intake (P = 0.0026) were independent risk factors associated with mortality. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that Stenotrophomonas can cause various infections irrespective of patient’s immune status and irrespective of potential source. Thus, Stenotrophomonas should be thought of as potential pathogen and its isolation should be looked with clinical suspicion.

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) remain a major problem both in hospitalized and outdoor patients. Multidrug-resistant enterococci are emerging as a major nosocomial pathogen with increasing frequency. However, the incidence of community-acquired enterococcal infections and species prevalent in India is not thoroughly investigated. Objectives: This study aims to estimate the burden of community-acquired UTIs seen at a tertiary care hospital and to identify the Enterococcus species isolated from these patients. The study also aims to determine the antibiotic susceptibility pattern with reference to high-level aminoglycosides and vancomycin. Materials and Methods: Semi-quantitative cultures from a total of 22,810 urine samples obtained from patients seen at various Outpatient Departments were analyzed. From them 115 nonduplicate isolates of enterococci were obtained as significant pure growth (>105 cfu/ml) and speciated. Antibiotic susceptibility was performed by Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method. Vancomycin resistance screening was performed by the vancomycin screen agar method recommended by Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute and confirmed by determination of minimum inhibitory concentration by agar dilution method. Results: Of 115 enterococcal isolates, 61 were identified as Enterococcus faecalis, 42 as Enterococcus faecium, 3 each as Enterococcus dispar, and Enterococcus pseudoavium. High-level gentamicin resistance (HLGR) was higher in E. faecium (47.6%) than E. faecalis (32.7%) and HLSR also showed the same pattern with 47.6% and 27.9% resistance, respectively. Vancomycin resistant enterococci accounted for 11.3% of the isolates, and out of them 53.8% were E. faecium by agar dilution method. Conclusion: High rate of resistance to antibiotics of penicillin group and aminoglycosides was observed in our tertiary care hospital even in community acquired UTIs. Hence, there is an urgent need for more rational and restricted use of antimicrobials.

Aeromonads are hallophillic, nonacid fast, nonspore forming, Gram-negative rods which are widely distributed in the soil, foodstuffs, and aquatic environment. Since times immemorial, they are important zoonotic pathogens of poikilotherms but are now emerging as important human pathogens. These emerging enteric pathogens flourish in the water distribution system by forming biofilms. They possess large number of virulence factors including inherent resistance to various antibiotics and ability to form biofilms using quorum sensing. These properties make them easy pathogens for human infections. Aeromonads are important enteric pathogens, but, with the growing level of immunosuppression in the population, they have been associated with various extraintestinal infections, such as skin and soft‑tissue infections, traumatic wound infections, and lower respiratory tract/ urinary tract infections. The average annual incidence of bacteremia in Southern Taiwan due to Aeromonas spp. was 76 cases/ million inhabitants between 2008 and 2010. However, the incidence reported from Western countries is much lower. The case fatality rate among patients with Aeromonas bacteremia ranges from 27.5 to 46%. Aeromonads are universally resistant to the narrow-spectrum penicillin group of antibiotics such as penicillin, ampicillin, carbenicillin, and ticarcillin. They are however susceptible to piperacillin, azlocillin, second and third generation cephalosporins, and carbapenems. Most of the Aeromonas species are susceptible to aminoglycosides, tetracycline, chloramphenicol, trimethoprim‑sulfamethoxazole, quinolones, and monobactams. This manuscript is a comprehensive systematic review of the literature available on Aeromonas spp.

Pneumococcal meningitis is a life-threatening infection, requiring prompt diagnosis and effective treatment. The approach to therapy in patients with pneumococcal meningitis has changed considerably over the past 20 years because of emerging penicillin resistant pneumococcal meningitis. We report a case of Penicillin resistant pneumococcal meningitis in a six-year-old child after skull trauma injury. The patient responded well to injection ceftriaxone and injection vancomycin therapy and recovered completely without sequelae.

BACKGROUND:There is a paucity of data on the epidemiology of sepsis in outborn neonates being referred to level-3 units in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). The objective of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of sepsis and outcomes of outborn neonates with sepsis, and to characterize the pathogen profile and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) patterns of common isolates in them. METHODS:In this prospective observational cohort study (2011-2015), a dedicated research team enrolled all neonates admitted to an outborn level-3 neonatal unit and followed them until discharge/death. Sepsis work-up including blood culture(s) was performed upon suspicion of sepsis. All the isolates were identified and tested for antimicrobial susceptibility. Gram-negative pathogens resistant to any three of the five antibiotic classes (extended-spectrum cephalosporins, carbapenems, aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, and piperacillin-tazobactam) were labeled multi-drug resistant. RESULTS:Of the total of 2588 neonates enrolled, culture positive sepsis and total sepsis-i.e. culture positive and/or culture negative sepsis-was diagnosed in 13.1% (95% CI 11.8% to 14.5%) and 54.7% (95% CI 52.8% to 56.6%), respectively. The case fatality rates were 23.4% and 11.0% in culture-positive and total sepsis, respectively. Sepsis accounted for two-thirds of total neonatal deaths (153/235, 63.0%). Bacterial isolates caused about three-fourths (296/401; 73.8%) of the infections. The two common pathogens-Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 50, 12.5%) and Acinetobacter baumannii (n = 46, 11.5%)-showed high degree of multi-drug resistance (78.0% and 91.3%, respectively) and carbapenem resistance (84.0% and 91.3%, respectively). About a quarter of infections were caused by Candida spp. (n = 91; 22.7%); almost three-fourths (73.7%) of these infections occurred in neonates born at or after 32 weeks' gestation and about two-thirds (62.1%) in those weighing 1500 g or more at birth. CONCLUSIONS:In this large outborn cohort, we report high burden of sepsis, high prevalence of systemic fungal infections, and alarming rates of antimicrobial resistance among bacterial pathogens.

Background: Bloodstream infection (BSI) and bacteremias due to Enterococcus spp. are increasing worldwide with the current need to understand its causes among hospitalized trauma patients. Hence, the study was conducted. Methodology: A 3-year retrospective laboratory cum clinical based study was performed at a level I trauma center in India. Patients with health care associated enterococcal bacteremia were identified using the hospital database, their episodes of BSI/bacteremia calculated and their clinical records and treatment were noted. Results: A total of 104 nonrepetitive Enterococcus spp. was isolated of which Enterococcus faecium was the most common (52%). High-level resistance to gentamicin high-level aminoglycoside resistance was seen in all the Enterococcus spp. causing bacteremia, whereas a low resistance to vancomycin and teichoplanin was observed. Overall mortality was more in patients infected with vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (5/11, 46%) compared to those with vancomycin sensitive Enterococcus (9/93, 10%); though no significant association of mortality with Enterococcus spp. bacteremia (P > 0.05) was seen. The rate of bacteremia due to Enterococcus spp. was 25.4 episodes/1,000 admissions (104/4,094) during the study period. Conclusion: Enterococcal bacteremia is much prevalent in trauma care facilities. Here, a microbiologist can act as a sentinel and help in preventing such infections.

Introduction: Trauma is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide with infections as important causes of death in such patients. Bacterial infections cause activation of monocytes with excessive synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Hence, this prospective study was conducted to assess the activity of monocytes in traumatized sepsis patients using flow cytometry and to assess if they have any prognostic potential. Materials and Methods: A total of 16 consecutive trauma patients with sepsis and having positive blood culture were enrolled, along with four healthy controls during the period of March 2013 to July 2013. Blood from septic patients were collected on the same day when blood culture was positive and on days 2 and 5 thereafter. Surface staining for monocytes with CD14 and intracellular staining for interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) was done and results were analyzed by flow cytometer. Procalcitonin (PCT) assay was done using MiniVidas. Complete clinical follow-up was done for the patients. Results: Of the 16 patients, four died due to infections by various microorganisms. Isolated abdominal trauma (25%) was the most common injury among the enrolled patients of sepsis. Levels of TNF-α were significantly decreased when stimulated with lipopolysaccharide in the fatal patients as compared to the healthy controls. Patients having sepsis who survived had an increased level of TNF-α during the follow-up periods. Conclusion: This study showed that activity of monocytes to produce TNF-α and IL-6 were reduced in severe sepsis. Early identification of such immune-paralysis can help in earlier intervention to salvage this vulnerable trauma population.

The greatest threat to antimicrobial treatment of infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria is the production of carbapenemases. Metallo-beta-lactamases and plasmid-mediated serine carbepenemases like Klebsiella pneumonia carbapenemase are threatening the utility of almost all currently available beta-lactams including carbapenems. Detection of organisms producing carbapenemases can be difficult, because their presence does not always produce a resistant phenotype on conventional disc diffusion or automated susceptibility testing methods. These enzymes are often associated with laboratory reports of false susceptibility to carbapenems which can be potentially fatal. Moreover, most laboratories do not attempt to detect carbapenemases. This may be due to the lack of availability of guidelines and procedures or lack of knowledge and expertise. Because routine susceptibility tests may be unreliable, special tests are required to detect the resistance mechanisms involved. This document describes the standard methodology for detection of various types of carbapenemases, which can be put to use by laboratories working on antimicrobial resistance in Gram-negative bacteria.

Purpose: Candida spp. is a common cause of bloodstream infections. Candidemia is a potentially fatal infection that needs urgent intervention to salvage the patients. Trauma patients are relatively young individuals with very few comorbidities, and the epidemiology of candidemia is relatively unknown in this vulnerable and growing population. In this study, we report the epidemiology of candidemia in a tertiary care Trauma Center of India. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted from January 2009 to July 2012. All patients from whose blood samples a Candida spp. was recovered were included in this study. A detailed history and follow up of the patients was done. The isolates of Candida were identified to the species level. The speciation was done by conventional methods, including morphology on Corn Meal Agar, color development on Triphenyl Tetrazolium Chloride Agar and CHROMagar, and germ tube tests. The VITEK 2 YST ID colorometric card, a fully automated identification system was also used. Antifungal susceptibility was performed using the VITEK 2 system. Results: A total of 212 isolates of the Candida species were recovered from blood samples of 157 patients over the study period. Candida tropicalis, 82 (39%), was the most common, followed by C. parapsilosis, 43 (20%), C. albicans, 29 (14%), C. glabrata, 24 (11%), C. rugosa, 20 (9%), C. hemulonii,; 6 (3%), C. guilliermondii, 4 (2%), C. famata, 3 (1.5%), and C. lusitaniae 1 (0.5%). Out of all the candidemia patients, 68 (43%) had a fatal outcome. Fluconazole and Amphotericin B resistance was seen in seven (3.3%) and seven (3.3%) of the isolates, respectively. Conclusion: Candidemia is a significant cause of mortality in trauma patients in our center, with C. tropicalis and C. parapsilosis being the predominant pathogens. Resistance to antifungal drugs is a matter of concern. Better hospital infection control practices and good antibiotic stewardship policies could possibly help in reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with candidemia.

Introduction: Mupirocin is an effective antibiotic for elimination of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) from nasal colonization and has been used to control outbreaks. Current reports show an increasing trend of resistance to this antibiotic. Objective: This study was conducted to analyze the resistance pattern of MRSA to mupirocin among the patients admitted following trauma to an apex trauma care center of India and to compare the efficacy between two methods of antimicrobial sensitivity testing. Materials and Methods: A total of 150 isolates of MRSA from various clinical samples of trauma patients over a period of 2 years were included in this study. These strains were confirmed for MRSA using VITEK ® 2 Compact and the Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute disc diffusion methods. The mupirocin susceptibility of the strains was tested by using E-test and 5 μg mupirocin disc in parallel each time, and the results were compared. Results: Clear zones of inhibition were observed in both tests. Though, good correlation was observed between the disc diffusion and E-tests in >98%, E-test showed a tendency to show lower minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) in the remaining. These finding did not affect the final interpretation or outcomes. Of the total 150 strains, 138 (92%) showed sensitivity with the zone size in the range of 30-45 mm by 5 μg disc; rest (8%) showed sensitivity with the zone in the range of 18-30 mm by 5 μg disc, but 143 (95%) showed MIC ≤ 0.094 μg/ml and 8 (5%) gave MIC ≤ 0.75 μg/ml but ≥0.094 μg/ml by E-test. However, when both tests were compared, 5 (3.3%) showed zone size between 14 and 25 mm with ≤0.75 but >0.25 μg/ml MIC; 7 (5%) falling between 25 and 30 mm zone with MIC of ≤0.25 but >0.094 μg/ml and 138 (92%) showed zone >30 mm with MIC ≤0.094 but >0.064 μg/ml. Conclusions: All the MRSA isolates in our study were sensitive to mupirocin which is an encouraging finding. Though good screening for sensitivity can be done with 5 μg mupirocin disc, E-test provides a much clear and accurate results in clinical set-up. Hence, disc test can be used in resource poor countries and supplemented with E-test when needed.

Background: There is an alarming rate of morbidity and mortality observed in the trauma victims who suffer spinal cord injuries (SCI). Such patients are admitted immediately and stay for longer periods of time and thus are at risk of acquiring nosocomial infections. Aims: The aim of this study is to analyze the primary cause of mortality in SCI patients. Design: Retrospective study. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective 4 year analysis of the postmortem data of 341 patients who died after sustaining SCI at a tertiary care apex trauma center of India. Epidemiological data of patients including the type of trauma, duration of hospital stay, cause of death and microbiological data were recorded. Results: On autopsy, out of 341 patients, the main cause of death in the SCI patients was ascertained to be infection/septicemia in 180 (52.7%) patients, the rest 161 (47.2%) died due to severe primary injury. Respiratory tract infections (36.4%) were predominant followed by urinary tract infections (32.2%), blood stream infections (22.2%), wound infections (7.1%) and meningitis reported in only 5 (2.1%) cases. Acinetobacter sp (40%) was the predominant organism isolated, followed by Pseudomonas sp (16.3%), Klebsiella sp (15.1%), Candida sp (7.8%), Escherichia coli (6.9%), Staphylococcus aureus (6.9%), Proteus sp (3.3%), Enterobacter sp and Burkholderia sp (two cases each) and Stenotrophomonas sp (one case). A high level of multidrug resistance was observed. Conclusions: Hospital acquired infections (HAI) are leading cause of loss of young lives in trauma patients; hence efforts should be made to prevent HAIs.

Purpose: Bloodstream infections (BSIs) are one of the major life-threatening infections in hospitals. They are responsible for prolonged hospital stays, high healthcare costs, and significant mortality. The epidemiology of BSIs varies between hospitals necessitating analysis of local trends. Few studies are available on trauma patients, who are predisposed due to the presence of multiple invasive devices. Materials and Methods: A prospective surveillance of all BSIs was done at a level 1 trauma center from April, 2011 to March, 2012. All patients admitted to the different trauma intensive care units (ICUs) were monitored daily by attending physicians for subsequent development of nosocomial BSI. An episode of BSI was identified when patients presented with one or more of the following signs/symptoms, that is, fever, hypothermia, chills, or hypotension and at least one or more blood culture samples demonstrated growth of pathogenic bacteria. BSIs were further divided into primary and secondary BSIs as per the definitions of Center for Disease Control and Prevention. All patients developing nosocomial BSIs were followed till their final outcome. Results: A total of 296 episodes of nosocomial BSIs were observed in 240 patients. A source of BSI was identified in 155 (52%) episodes. Ventilator-associated pneumonia was the most common source of secondary BSI. The most common organism was Acinetobacter sp. (21.5%). Candida sp. accounted for 12% of all blood stream organisms. A high prevalence of antimicrobial resistance was observed in Gram-negative and-positive pathogens. Conclusions: Trauma patients had a high prevalence of BSIs. Since secondary bacteremia was more common, a targeted approach to prevention of individual infections would help in reducing the burden of BSIs.

AmpC β-lactamases are clinically important cephalosporinases encoded on the chromosomes of many Enterobacteriaceae and a few other organisms, where they mediate resistance to cephalothin, cefazolin, cefoxitin, most penicillins, and β-lactamase inhibitor/β-lactam combinations. The increase in antibiotic resistance among Gram-negative bacteria is a notable example of how bacteria can procure, maintain and express new genetic information that can confer resistance to one or several antibiotics. Detection of organisms producing these enzymes can be difficult, because their presence does not always produce a resistant phenotype on conventional disc diffusion or automated susceptibility testing methods. These enzymes are often associated with potentially fatal laboratory reports of false susceptibility to β-lactams phenotypically. With the world-wide increase in the occurrence, types and rate of dissemination of these enzymes, their early detection is critical. AmpC β-lactamases show tremendous variation in geographic distribution. Thus, their accurate detection and characterization are important from epidemiological, clinical, laboratory, and infection control point of view. This document describes the methods for detection for AmpC β-lactamases, which can be adopted by routine diagnostic laboratories.

Introduction: Despite the advances in medical sciences, the morbidity and mortality due to sepsis in severe trauma patients remains high; hence the need for early and accurate diagnosis. Very few prospective studies are available in a country like India, which tried to analyze the prediction of sepsis using serum procalcitonin (PCT) in such a large scale among trauma patients. This study explores the role of the biomarker PCT in early diagnosis of sepsis and prediction of outcomes in severe trauma cases. Materials and Methods: We studied the patient population prospectively in two different groups. One with acute trauma but no clinical evidence of sepsis and the second group with clinical evidence of sepsis and are followed. Bronchoalveolar lavage, tracheal aspirates, pus, urine, body fluids from sterile body sites, etc., were collected including blood for culture and serum for PCT assays. Such assays were done on samples collected on days 1 and 4 and then compared. Additionally, C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) levels were also tested. Antimicrobial sensitivity tests were carried out for all the isolates from the clinical samples and correlated with the clinically suspected cases of sepsis. Outcomes of the patients were noted. Results: Patients with high initial PCT levels (>2 ng/ml) in severe trauma cases had poor outcomes and risk of developing complications. Its correlation with severe outcomes was better marked as compared with CRP and ESR levels. The difference in PCT levels between days 1 and 4 in group two patients was statistically significant (P = 0.006) but were not statistically significant for CRP (P = 0.646) and ESR (P = 0.935). The study also shows that PCT levels fall in response to appropriate antimicrobial treatment. Conclusion: PCT is a useful biomarker for early and accurate prediction of sepsis in severe trauma patients. If used in adjunct to clinical findings, it proves to be a good biomarker for early diagnosis, treatment and for monitoring response to therapy in confirmed cases of sepsis. It will prove to be a good supportive indicator of sepsis in early stages for the trauma patients in a low resource country like India.

Patient safety is an important issue affecting the delivery of health care in developed, transitional and developing countries. With the advancements in patient care, hitherto unknown issues relating to patient safety are emerging. An important problem endangering patient safety is infections acquired in the health care facilities. Health care associated infections (HCAIs) are no longer a local or regional problem. With the dissemination of multi-drug resistant bacteria across the globe, the problem of HCAIs has become even grimmer. The emergence of pan-resistant bacterial strains, compounded by lack of availability of new antimicrobials foretells a grave future for management of infections acquired in hospitals. Therefore, it is important to frame local policies and measures and take affirmative actions for prevention of HCAIs and reduce the burden of multi drug resistance.

Purpose: Blood stream infection (BSI)/bacteremia is a potentially life threatening infection and are associated with a high crude mortality. Coagulase negative Staphylococcus (CONS) and Staphylococcus aureus are the most commonly isolated gram positive bacteria from blood culture samples. While S. aureus is a known pathogen causing BSIs, CONS are considered to be common contaminants of blood culture. Of late many studies have challenged this traditional viewpoint. The aim of this study was to determine the epidemiology and significance of Staphylococcus aureus and CONS bacteremia, their resistance patterns and associated mortality in critically ill trauma patients admitted to a level 1 trauma center. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted from January 2009 to June 2011. All patients from whose blood samples yielded a S. aureus or CONS on culture were included in this study. A detailed history was obtained and follow-up of the patients was done. The isolates of Staphylococci were identified to species level. Antibiotic susceptibility was performed by the disc diffusion method and VITEK-2 system. Results: During this 30 month period, total of 10,509 blood samples were received from 2,938 patients. A total of 1,961 samples taken from 905 patients were positive for one or more pathogens. S. aureus/CONS were isolated from 469 samples from 374 patients. Crude mortality amongst the patients having Staphylococcal BSI was 25% (94/374). Conclusion: Staphylococcal blood stream infections are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality.

Purpose: The purpose was to evaluate the performance of a commercially available chromogenic Candida speciation media and the Vitek 2 ID system for the identification of medically important yeasts and yeast-like organisms in a routine clinical microbiology laboratory. Materials and Methods: A total of 429 non duplicate, consecutive yeast strains were included during the 3.5-year study period. The performance of the Vitek 2 ID system and a chromogenic agar medium was evaluated against the gold standard conventional phenotypic and biochemical identification method for speciation of yeast isolates from trauma patients. Results: Candida tropicalis (64%) was the most common Candida species, followed by Candida albicans (14%), Candida rugosa (7%), and Candida parapsilosis (6.5%). Of the 429 isolates, 183 could be identified to species level by all the three methods. Agreement between the chromogenic agar method and conventional methods was 80% for Candida tropicalis, 100% for Candida rugosa, 89% for Candida albicans, and 77% for Candida parapsilosis. Vitek 2 had lower sensitivity, with agreement of 49% for Candida tropicalis, 100% for Candida rugosa, 39% for Candida albicans, and 31% for Candida parapsilosis. Conclusion: Thus, in long-term ICU patients, an increasing trend of isolating nonalbicans Candida spp. continues. The chromogenic agar medium is a convenient and economic method to identify commonly isolated species in busy clinical microbiology laboratories.

Background: Occupational exposure to sharps and splashes pose a major hazard among health care workers (HCWs); so knowledge and awareness regarding sharps/splashes by blood and potentially infectious body fluids (BBF) is a must. Hence, the study was done to assess the extent of knowledge of the staff and using awareness classes and hands on practice as a model to increase awareness as well as prevention. Materials and Methods: This prospective interventional cohort study, using before – after trial, was conducted in a Level I trauma care centre. All cadres of HCWs were enrolled randomly into 5 different groups of 15 each. This study was conducted in 2 phases – interactive classes and hands on practice (Phase I) and questionnaire assessment and work area observation (phase II). This was repeated twice and the final outcome was analysed. A systematic level of grading was used to assess the improvement. Results: It was observed that Group 1 (doctors) and group 2 (nurses) had the maximum knowledge about such exposures and its prevention compared to the other groups (groups 3, 4 and 5) during the initial assessment (Phase I). The remaining groups showed a major improvement after the 2nd assessment, though their knowledge was poor in the beginning. Groups 1and 2 showed 32% and remaining groups showed a 25% improvement in voluntary reporting after the second assessment (Phase II). Conclusion: Awareness classes and hands on practice are indeed useful in generating knowledge about sharps/ splashes. Certain incentives given at right time can improve it further.