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Climate and soils are most influencing factors to affect vine growth and productivity. Studying of prevailing climate over the years in a region provides sufficient information related to management practices to be incorporated in vineyards. Evaluating suitability of vineyard soils under different climatic conditions serves as yardstick to analyze the performance. Ten soil profiles (Eastern and southern dry zone) were excavated from six sub-division for which climatic analysis, site suitability and Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) stock studies were carried out using water balance diagram, FAO (1976) and by estimation of easily oxidizable organic carbon, respectively. In almost all regions studied, soil moisture enhancement starts at the end of May or June, peaking in either September or October. Bangalore North (Rajanukunte) soils were highly suited for grapes cultivation with few limitations. Bangalore North (GKVK Farm) was moderately suited with slight to moderate slope limitations and available nitrogen content. Moderate Suitability was observed in the rest of the profiles studied with slight to moderate limitations of either SOC or available nitrogen or both. Magadi (Southern dry zone) soils were moderately suitable with slight to moderate limitations of graveliness, available nitrogen, organic carbon and Exchangeable sodium percentage. The SOC stock content in these soils ranged from low at Bangalore North (Rajanukunte) (3.96 kg m−3) to medium in status in Bangalore North (GKVK farm) (6.22 kg m−3). Sustainable performance of vineyards in terms of yield can be achieved in these sub-division by managing the constraints in soils such as nitrogen and organic carbon status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The detailed reconnaissance soil survey was carried out in Tumkur district of Karnataka to characterize, classify and study organic carbon stocks of degradation vulnerable soils during 2021-2023 using remote sensing, GIS and field studies. Satellite imageries (Sentinal -2) of three-seasons were used along with soil map to delineate the degraded soils through visual image interpretation. Using this as base map, resource characterization was done. Thirteen soil pedons were studied from Tumkur district covering major soils. Four representative pedons (Kurubarahalli, Koratagere; Huliyurdurga, Kunigal; Chinnenahalli, Sira and Hosahalli forest, Gubbi) to study characterization and classification of soils of Tumkur district, Karnataka based on organic carbon. The granite, gneissic and schistose landform, with dykes and laterized parent material give rise to well, somewhat excessive or moderately well drained soils. The soils were generally deep, non-gravelly to very gravelly with sandy clay loam to clayey texture. Moderately acid to moderately alkaline Specify with low to high organic carbon content were observed. CEC/clay ratio ranged from 0.14 to 0.70 and base saturation varied from 46.31 to 79.98 per cent. The available water holding capacity ranged from 42.84 to 77.55 mm m-1 with highest organic carbon stock in Hosahalli forest of Gubbi (9.82 kg m-3) and the least in Kurubarahalli village of Koratagere (1.93 kg m-3) upto 150 cm. The major taxa of the soil identified at sub-group level of soil taxonomy were Rhodic Kanhaplustalfs, Typic Rhodustalfs, Rhodic Kandiustalfs and Fluventic Haplustepts. Use of remote sensing and GIS techniques along with field studies is ideal for assessing land qualities of Tumkur district. This can help in identifying and encountering problems created by land degradation processes over a period of time along with exposure to adverse climatic conditions, land management and other anthropogenic interventions for ensuring sustainable management of land with enhanced productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowledge of the spatial distribution of soil nutrients is essential for site-specific nutrient management, which forms an effective strategy in precision agriculture. As mango is one of southern Karnataka's most important horticultural crops, the present study was conducted on 108 mango orchards under different agro-climatic zones to assess spatial nutrient variability for nutrient management. The soils of the study areas were acidic and non-saline. Nitrogen (N) deficiency was found in 84.26 percent area, whereas phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) contents were medium in most soils. Sulphur was sufficient, and calcium and magnesium contents varied with agro-climatic zones. The micronutrient (Zn, Fe, Mn) status was sufficient, except for copper and boron. The nutrient index for nitrogen was low, while phosphorus and potassium were low to medium. It is inferred that agro-management should include proper nitrogen fertilization, FYM, and boron throughout the growing cycle for better yield and quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of the avifaunal diversity was carried out in the Mangalore University campus, located in Dakshina Kannada District, Karnataka from 2013 to 2021, in and around the campus. A total of 150 bird species belonging to 18 orders and 56 families were recorded during the study. Out of these, the study area supports five species which are endemic to the Western Ghats. The feeding guild analysis revealed that the insectivorous group had the highest number of species (53 species). The study provides baseline data for monitoring the avifauna in the campus and demonstrates the importance of the area in bird conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Cluster of Differentiation 9 (CD9), known as Motility Related Protein (MRP-1) regulates cell adhesion, motility, migration and proliferation. Many studies have stated conflicting results on prognostic significance of invasive breast carcinomas with CD9 expression that had performed on tumour tissues. Aim: To assess the inter-relationship of CD9 expression of tumour cells and stromal immune cells in breast carcinoma with clinicopathological parameters which include age, tumour size, grade, histological type, lymph nodes, tumour staging and molecular classification. Materials and Methods: An observational prospective (2020 July to 2021 June) and retrospective (2019 October to 2020 June) study was done in 71 cases of resected primary invasive breast carcinoma over a period of one and half year at Sri Devaraj Urs Medical College, Karnataka, India. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining was done using CD9 antibody. Tumour cells (T-CD9) expression was evaluated by Immunoreactivity scoring (IS= Intensity score × Extent of staining). The stromal cells (S-CD9) expression was evaluated by Percentage (%) of stromal area occupied by CD9 stained immune cells. Chi-square test was used as test of significance for qualitative data. The p-value of <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: Out of 71 cases, T-CD9 expression was noticed in 40 cases (56.34%) and IS <4 considered as negative was observed in 31 cases (43.66%). However there was no association with age, tumour size, grade and molecular markers for the expression of both T-CD9 and S-CD9. Human Epidermal growth factor receptor 2 neu (HER2neu) negative was associated with T-CD9 expression (p-value=0.05). Hence CD9 can be used as prognostic marker for Her2neu negative cases. Conclusion: CD9 expression was not significantly associated with tumour cells (T-CD9) and stromal cells (S-CD9) in breast carcinoma cases. However it was significantly associated with Her2neu negative tumour cells. T-CD9 showed more positivity in Luminal A followed by Triple negative whereas S-CD9 showed more positivity in Luminal B. CD9 did not show association with any parameters except Her2neu negative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies have documented an increase in the incidence of antifungal resistance in newly emerging species closely related to C. albicans, and the coexistence of genotypic variants. Hence, an application of PCR-based molecular typing is crucial in identifying these fungi. Our study used molecular methods to characterize the latest genotypic subgroups of C. albicans and analysed if there was a relationship between the genotypes and the antifungal resistance pattern. The study was conducted in JSS Hospital, Mysuru, Karnataka between July 2018 and December 2020. A total of 1427 Candida species were isolated from clinical samples. Candida albicans were isolated and confirmed using Germ tube test, ID VITE K 2 and PCR (ITS primer). DNA extraction was done using the Hi-Media Yeast DNA Extraction Kit. The amplified products were analysed using Agarose gel electrophoresis (2%). Among 1427 Candida species, 282 were Candida albicans. The following resistance was exhibited to major antifungals - Caspofungin (3.5%), Amphotericin B (1.4%), flucytosine (2.8%) Fluconazole (6%) Micafungin (2.8%) Voriconazole (3.1%) and all were sensitive to miconazole. ABC genotyping showed Genotype A (450 bp) predominant (87.58%) followed by genotype B (840bp) (9.92 %) and genotype C (450bp and 840 bp) (0.2%). Genotype D and E were not observed. Our study showed the growing antifungal resistance in clinical isolates. Genotype A was predominant in South Karnataka region followed by Genotype B and C. There was no correlation between genotyping and antifungal resistance. However, a study with greater number of samples from diverse geographical locations may give more insight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Onion purple blotch is mainly caused by the fungus Alternaria porri (Ellis) Neerg. is a major yield-limiting factor in the Onion growing areas of Karnataka. Correlation analysis of the severity of onion purple blotch with weather parameters found a significant relationship between disease and weather factors during Kharif 2016-17 and indicated a significant positive correlation with minimum temperature (0.630) and sunshine hours (0.649). Whereas negative correlation co-efficient was observed with minimum temperature (-0.870), rainfall (-0.651), both RH1 (-0.579) and RH2 (-0.810) and wind speed (-0.763). Interaction between weather parameters showed a positive correlation between relative humidity and minimum temperature, RH I and minimum temperature, minimum temperature with wind speed, rainfall with RH I and RH II, rainfall with wind speed and RH II with wind speed. The multiple linear regression analysis resulted in the development of an auto regression prediction model in relation to weather parameters. A narrow variation up to 15 per cent was observed between the observed PDI value and predicted PDI value and fits better for the prediction of a purple blotch of onion up to 85 per cent. Disease progress was assessed on 15 onion varieties, in which Bheema Shakti and Bheema Super found a less apparent rate of infection (0.018) and area under disease progress curve (AUDPC) (932.12 and 1105.89, respectively) considered as resistant varieties to the purple blotch of onion. Alternaria porri have survived on leaf debris kept in soil under glasshouse and field conditions for 10 and 11 months, respectively have practical significance in the initiation of disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Tobacco is the common cause to a number of illnesses affecting millions of individuals all over the world. Primary care physicians are the initial point of contact for tobacco users, yet reaching everyone is impossible. Therefore, it is important to understand community health workers attitude to render community services in tobacco cessation counseling. Aim: To assess knowledge, attitude, practices, and occupational barriers toward tobacco control among community health care workers in Belagavi district, Karnataka. Settings and Design: This cross-sectional study was conducted in various subcenters of Belagavi district, Karnataka. Methods and Material: Simple random sampling technique was employed and 220 participants were interviewed using an interviewer administered questionnaire comprising of 22 close ended questions. Reliability of the questionnaire assessed with Cronbach's α value of 0.85, face validity 84%, and content validity ratio 0.78. Statistical Analysis Used: The data were analyzed using descriptive analysis, chi square analysis, correlation, and regression. Results: The mean knowledge score among Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers was 4.77 ± 2.11 and it was lower in Anganwadi workers 2.93 ± 2.55. There was a statistically significant difference in the attitude scores (P < 0.05) between the community health workers. The majority of the ASHA workers would spread awareness, on the other hand, Anganwadi workers did not take any specific step which showed statistically significant difference with a P value of 0.018. Conclusion: ASHA workers had been superior to Anganwadi workers with regard to knowledge and attitude toward tobacco control. However, knowledge regarding tobacco and its ill effects was below optimal level among community health workers which desires to thoroughly educate in the aspects of oral health and disorders as part of their training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research study aims to understand the opportunities and challenges faced by these families for mass production of biodegradable items. The data for the study was collected by using both personal interview and telephonic interview method. The Snowball sampling method is used in this study; in the first level, the biodegradable product sellers in Udupi and Dakshina Kannada market were contacted. They gave a few primary contacts of product producers; further, these primary contacts gave many references for succeeding interviews. A total of 60 respondents were interviewed for the study. Collected data are tabulated; further frequency tables and cross-tabulation techniques are used in the study to conclude. The study results revealed that the availability of raw materials for Areca nut leaves, Coconut coir and soil based bio-degradable products is abundantly available in Dakshina Kannada. However, the proper technological advancement has not happened to go for mass production. Hence, the cost of production of these items is really high compare to plastic items. For entrepreneurs who are technology ready to produce earthen pots and creeper baskets, Udupi and Dakshina Kannada could be a good destination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluation of coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) varieties for growth and tender nut quality was carried out at Horticulture Research and Extension Centre (UHS, Bagalkot), Arsikere, Karnataka. The highest palm height (2.35 m) was recorded in Kalpa Dhenu, whereas it was lowest (1.22 m) in COD at the age of nine years. Palm girth (101.78) and leaf length (4.73 m) were maximum in variety Kalpatharu. Higher amount of tender nut water (605 ml/nut) in Kalpa Dhenu, whereas, Gautami ganga (551.7 ml/nut) and COD (520 ml/nut) had optimum quantiy of water. Gauthami Ganga recorded highest TSS (6.1°Brix) and lowest titrable acidity (0.05%). COD recorded maximum total sugars (6.79 g/100 ml) and lowest acidity (0.05%). Gauthami Ganga had optimum quantity of mineral content (61.47 mg/100 ml calcium, 10.87 mg/100 ml magnesium, 2023.33 ppm potassium and 23.33 ppm sodium). Organoleptic evaluation indicated that Gauthami Ganga (8.5) and COD (7.23) were the best for tender nut purpose as both of them ranked good for taste of water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was carried out to characterize and classify major Bangalore Blue grapes-growing soils of Karnataka and to assess the inherent fertility of these soils for cultivation. Four locations were selected on the basis of concentration of Bangalore Blue grapes-growing areas of Karnataka and delineated based on the variability of agro-climate with the help of land resource map and report of Karnataka state, generated at 1: 2,50,000 scale by ICAR - NBSSLUP, Bangalore. The regions included Bangalore North - GKVK farm and Bangalore North-Rajankunte with Doddaballapur and Hosakote belonging to eastern dry zone of Karnataka, which are endowed with hot moist semi-arid tropical climate at an elevation of 850-900 m above MSL that exclusively produces 52,240 tonnes of Bangalore blue grapes from 2,791 ha per year for a long while. Soil profiles were studied at these selected sites. The major Bangalore blue grapes-growing soils of Karnataka are generally dark red, deep, non-gravelly and well drained, sandy clay or clayey in texture with moderate, medium and sub-angular blocky structure. Soils were slightly acidic to neutral in reaction and low to medium in soil organic carbon status. Cation exchange capacity and base saturation varied from low or medium and moderate or high, respectively. The major taxa of the soils identified at sub-group level of soil taxonomy are Rhodic Kandiustalfs, Kandic Paleustalfs, Typic Rhodustalfs and Typic Haplustalfs in the order of soil development. The study along with assessed fertility status could evolve the soil test based application of OM, nitrogenous and K containing fertilizers as a routine mechanism in developing a decision support system for successful cultivation of Bangalore blue grapes variety in eastern dry zone of Karnataka. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In India, there is a large gap between the mental health morbidity in society and the availability of psychiatrists. However, the latest Indian undergraduate medical curriculum does not require any competency in psychiatry to be fulfilled for certification of medical graduates as doctors. Thus, the role of Indian psychiatry teachers is quite challenging. Interestingly, there has been hardly any effort to understand the felt needs of psychiatry teachers that may further improve the quality of undergraduate training. Methods: We used a survey questionnaire that was both qualitative and quantitative, with questions on topics such as years of psychiatry training and experience as a psychiatry teacher. Do they feel the need for training in undergraduate psychiatry teaching? Do they require training in teaching psychiatry theory or clinics or both? What are the specific areas where they want training? What more should be planned for psychiatry teachers? Based on an online survey further steps in the direction of psychiatry teachers felt needs were initiated. Results: Around 55 responses with a response rate of 37% were received. More than 50% were working in medical colleges for the last 5 years. About 80% felt the need for further training to teach medical students while 97% felt that additional training is required for handling theory as well as bedside clinic. More than 60% were keen to attend a 1-day workshop to upgrade their teaching skills. A majority wanted to have a forum to share their experiences and to learn from others. Based on the felt needs of psychiatry teachers from the survey, a 1-day workshop was carried out and a forum for psychiatry teachers was inaugurated. Conclusion: Training of psychiatry teachers is an important felt need for the challenges that are unique to Indian medical education. The outcome from the Karnataka survey is a progressive step in addressing this challenge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High ground magnetic anomalies are observed at western basin of the Sandur schist belt (SSB) near Muraripura village, Karnataka. Sources for these anomalies are inferred due to presence of exposed banded iron formations hosted by metabasalts, arenaous and argillaceous rocks associated with the Donimali Formation of the schist belt. Two varieties of BIF bands are observed in the study area viz. Band 1 and Band 2. The bands 1 and 2 are displaced by lateral strike-slip fault. Band 1 is dominantly composed of banded iron formation, rich in iron ore minerals and silica chert. Band 2 is largely composed of ferruginous quartzite and quartz arenites. Qualitative analysis of the magnetic data indicates that the study area can be divided into three lithologically important BIF/BQ formations. Spectral and quantitative analysis of the magnetic data indicates, the average depth of band 1 is 70 m and band 2 is 130 m. The magnetic data results are well correlated with chemical analysis of borehole and surface rock samples data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil nutrients are essential for crop growth. Spatial variability of nutrients can occur in various scales, between regions, between fields or within the field. RS and GIS techniques enables farm management based on small-scale spatial variability of soil and crop parameters in the field. The present study was carried out in Nagenahalli microwatershed, Doddaballapur taluk, Bangalore rural district with the objective to determine and map the macronutrient status of soils in the watershed using GIS technique. The NPK was analyzed and mapped using Arc GIS to quantify the level of spatial nutrients availability. Results indicated that NPK ranged from 31.36 to 376.32 kg ha-1(N), 21.29 to 390.62 kg ha-1 (P2O5) and 55.10 to 521.47 kg ha-1 (K2O) respectively in the surface soils. Nutrient map showed that the soils were poor in available nitrogen and available potassium whereas sufficient in available phosphorous content. Furthermore NPK map can be used to identify deficient or sufficient areas for efficient fertilizer management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is based on a MPhil thesis submitted to the Alagappa University. Survey method is used to collect the primary data for the study using a questionnaire administered to a random sample of management college library staff to identify the strategies employed for leadership among management libraries in Karnataka. The results suggest that librarians use a combination of various personal and professional strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Evaluating a portfolio of agricultural loans has become an important issue in recent years primarily due to a large number of loan defaults. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors influencing credit repayment behavior of farmers in Karnataka.Design/methodology/approach The study is based on secondary data of 590 farmers collected from a private bank in the state of Karnataka, India. Binary logistic regression and multinomial regression analysis was carried out to estimate the probability of non-payment of a loan.Findings The results of the regression confirm a significant relationship between non-repayment of agricultural credit and characteristics of borrowers such as the age, years of banking relationship, yield of the crop, distance to bank branch, size and tenure of the loan, farm size and leverage and efficiency ratio.Practical implications The factors predicted by the model do certainly help in improving the decision-making process in agricultural lending. A rigorous assessment of family responsibilities, farm size, credit-to-asset ratio, interest burden on the farmers and farm income is suggested to reduce the probability of doubtful assets.Originality/value The studies that predict default risk in agricultural loan are limited in India. This is one of the few studies that estimate the determinants of substandard and doubtful categories of credit in a private sector bank. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted to examine soil morphological, physico-chemical properties and different forms of soil acidity of six selected laterite soils under cashew plantations in coastal Karnataka. Pedons were dug to a depth of 2 m at six selected locations viz. Pala hillock, DCR-Shanthigodu, Muchipadavu, Mulia, ARS-Ullal and Palikudel and horizon wise samples were collected to study the various soil parameters including different forms of soil acidity. Cation exchange capacity and base saturation of the soils were varied from 7.60 to 19.8 cmol (p+) kg-1 and 4 to 32%, respectively. The exchangeable acidity varied from 0.06 to 2.20 cmol (p+) kg-1 and extractable acidity ranged from 8.16 to 47.89 cmol (p+) kg-1. Presence of low exchangeable acidity could be due to efficient recycling of basic cations and higher exchangeable acidity in few locations may be due to the presence of exchangeable ions like H+ and Al3+. Results obtained from this study indicated that the Pedons 1, 4, 5 and 6 requires more lime than others to reclaim for maximizing cashew production by restoring the available soil nutrients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent developments in sensor technology have given an onset for studying the earth surface features based on the detailed spectroscopic observation of different rocks and minerals. The spectroscopic profiles of the rocks are always quite different than their constituent minerals however, the spectral profile of a rock can be broadly reconstituted from the spectral profile of each constituent minerals. Interpretation of rock spectra using the spectra of constituent minerals based on relative spectral matching can bring out interesting information on the rock. Present study is an effort toward this and it highlights how visible-near infrared-shortwave-infrared (VNIR-SWIR) rock spectroscopy acts as an useful tool for understanding the rock-mineralogy in indirect and rapid way. It has also been observed that spectral signatures of rocks; studied in present case, are related to spectral signatures of constituent minerals although absorption features of constituent mineral in the rock are also modified by the other minerals juxtaposed in the rock fabric. However, each rock of the study area has their significant absorption features, but many of the absorption signatures are closely spaced, as altered rock has significant absorption at 2305 nm whereas amphibolite has its important absorption signature in 2385 nm and metabasalt has its significant absorption at 2342 nm. Therefore spectral measurement of high spectral resolution with appreciable signal to noise ratio (SNR) only can detect rocks from each other based on the absorption signatures mentioned above (each of which is 10 to 20 nm apart from the other) and therefore spectroscopy of rock is an innovative technique to map rocks and minerals based on the spectral signatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We carried out a tuberculin survey among 5-10 years old children in rural Mysore ( n=1026) to estimate the annual risk of tuberculosis infection (ARTI). 90.8%of them had BCG scar. The prevalence of infection was estimated as 13.3% with 95% CI of 11.4-15.5 and ARTI as 1.38%. These figures are comparatively higher than what is reported from other places in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foot rot disease commonly known as quick wilt caused by Phytophthora capsici is one of the major limiting factors in production and productivity of black pepper in Karnataka, India. Roving surveys were conducted during 2014-15 to assess the incidence of foot rot disease in Kodagu district covering the three taluks viz., Virajpet, Madikeri and Somwarpet. In each taluk a 4-5 villages covering 250 vines in each village were examined. The maximum disease incidence was observed in Virajpet taluk (16.8%) followed by Madikeri (12.88%) and least incidence was observed in Somwarpet taluk (9.92%). The average foot rot disease incidence of black pepper in Kodagu District was found to be 13.2 per cent during the year 2014-15. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excess rainfall during August 2018 triggered numerous landslides in the Western Ghats region of India covering the states of Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. These landslides caused widespread damage to property, loss of life and adversely affected various land resources. In this article, we present an inventory of landslide prepared from the analysis of multitemporal high-resolution images acquired before and after the rainfall event from Resourcesat-2, WorldView-2, GF-2, SPOT-6 and 7, Pleiades-1, Kompsat-3 and Sentinel-2 Earth observation satellites. A total of 6970 landslides with a cumulative area of 22.6 sq. km were mapped for this rainfall event. Majority of landslides have occurred in Kerala (5191), followed by Karnataka (993) and Tamil Nadu (606). Landslides are mostly debris slide and debris flow type with entrainment along the channels. Results show that landslides (83.2%) are triggered by very high rainfall. Also, very high rainfall has resulted in 14.9% of landslides even though slopes are moderate, mainly in the Kodagu district of Karnataka. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effect of sodicity on clay dispersion in salt-affected black soils of the Kabini canal command area in Chamrajnagar district, southern Karnataka was studied. Forty-eight soil samples were collected from nine soil profiles and analysed for physical and chemical properties. The clay dispersion ranged from 0.57% to 62.1%. High positive and negative correlations with exchangeable sodium and exchangeable calcium respectively, with clay dispersion were recorded, which can be predicted better with exchangeable sodium and available soil water. Based on clay dispersion value, 2%, 27% and 71% soils are dispersive, intermediate dispersive and non-dispersive respectively. Based on exchangeable sodium percentage, 50, 21 and 29 soils are dispersive, intermediate dispersive and nondispersive respectively. Application of gypsum and organics reduces the clay dispersion in surface soil. Sub-surface drainage will be more effective. Construction of soil and water conservation structures with pile foundation; providing cement lining for soil stabilization in normal construction; providing drainage lines for the structures; construction after refilling with non-dispersive soil will save the structures in saltaffected soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the leading cause of acute viral hepatitis with over 2 billion cases per year. In India, HEV accounts for 60% of acute viral hepatitis cases. On 10 July 2015, Mandya district in Karnataka, India reported 50 cases of jaundice from factory A. We investigated to describe the outbreak, identify risk factors and propose recommendations. Methods & Materials: We defined a case as acute onset of jaundice (yellow discoloration of eyes/dark coloured urine) in factory A worker between April and July 2015. We did a retrospective cohort study between 15th and 30th July. We interviewed workers about socio-demographic characteristics, food exposures and water sources. We calculated relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). We collected 19 serum samples for IgM testing by ELISA for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis E and Leptospirosis. We assessed water sources and collected water samples from canteen, overhead tank and river for testing faecal coliforms. Results: We identified 132 cases between 25 May and 28 July 2015. There werenodeaths, but most (73%) cases were hospitalised. Attack rate was 14% (132/950) and almost equal between genders (females 14% [114/812] and males (13% [18/138]). Median age was 29 years. Drinking water from factory tap (RR=1.7, 95% CI=1.2-2.5), eating lunch daily from factory canteen (RR= 2.1, 95% CI=1.4-3.1), or eating at least once from factory canteen in past three months (RR=2.4, 95%CI=1.7-3.3) were associated with illness. Using public water for drinking or cooking at home (RR=1.1, 95% CI=0.8-1.4) was not significant. Washing hands with soap after defecation was protective (RR=0.6, 95%CI: 0.4-0.9). Eighteen serum were positive for HEV. River water was filtered in sand filter and stored in overhead tank, but was never chlorinated. Factory tap water was used for cooking in canteen. Water samples from all three sites were positive for faecal coliforms. Conclusion: This HEV outbreak in factory A in Mandya district was probably due to drinking water from factory and eating from factory canteen. We recommend providing safe water for drinking and cooking by changing sand in filters, chlorination and periodic testing of water. We recommend promoting hand washing practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]