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Background: SARS-CoV-causing COVID-19 resulted in mortality, and the clinic-epidemiological profile at the time of admission of patients who died later could provide an insight into pathophysiological consequences due to infection. Method: Retrospective observational study of 64 RTPCR-confirmed COVID-19 non-survivors was conducted from April - June 2021 and January February 2022. Data were analyzed, and a P value

Background: An early and effective immune response has a role in disease presentation and clearance of pathogen. Chemokine and cytokine responses in the immunopathogenesis of scrub typhus (ST) are the least explored aspect. This study aimed to analyze interleukin (IL)-2, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), IL-10, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, and human macrophage inflammatory protein-1 (HMIP-1) β cytokine levels in ST-positive patients during the acute phase of illness. Materials and Methods: A total of 112 ST-positive patients were included in the study with 30 healthy controls (HC). Diagnosis was confirmed by immunoglobulin M enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and indirect immunofluorescence assay. The serum levels of cytokines were measured using the ELISA. Statistical analysis was performed with the IBM SPSS Statistics 20 and MedCalc 16.1 Software. Results: The mean level of IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, and HMIP1-β (72 pg/ml, 86.7 pg/ml, 187.05 pg/ml, and 12.23 pg/ml vs. 7.30 pg. ml, 8.73 pg/ml, 56.62 pg/ml, and 6.94 pg/ml, respectively) was significantly raised among the ST patients compared to the control group (P < 0.001) However, the mean and median levels of IL-2 and TGF-β were not differed significantly between ST patients and HC (P = 0.0207 and 0.0386, respectively). The severity of the disease involved respiratory complications. Around 90.1% (101/112) of patients showed high levels of IL-6, whereas IL-10, TNF-α, and HMIP-1 β levels were raised in 97 (86.6%), 63 (56.2%), and 69 (61.6%) cases, respectively. There was a higher TNF-α level in severe cases with a few values up to 298.77 pg/ml. Conclusion: Proinflammatory cytokines and IL-10 were found to be increased in ST patients during the acute phase of infection. A proper balance of these cytokines is required for a better outcome. These findings suggest that the status of TNF-α levels in the acute phase may predict the severity of ST disease.

HIV infection has an impact on the natural course of chronic HBV infection, as it results in an increase in HBV DNA levels, accelerated progression of liver disease, and increased liver-related mortality compared with HBV mono-infection. In HIV/HBV co-infected individuals, widespread uptake and early initiation of HBV-active antiretroviral therapy have drastically improved the natural history of viral infection; however, liver disease remains common. In this paper we have reviewed the epidemiology, prevalence, treatment, pathogenesis of HIV and HBV co-infection. Co-infection of HBV-HIV is more likely to progress and complicate the disease and should be closely monitored and treated.

Background: Genotypically, hepatitis B virus (HBV) is divided into 8 groups, A–H. The interaction between HBV replication and immune responses against HBV infection plays an important role in the pathogenesis of virus infection. Aims and Objectives: In an attempt to elucidate the role of immunomodulatory, pro-inflammatory, and anti-inflammatory mediators in the pathogenesis of HBV genotype D fulminant hepatitis (FH), we assessed the role of interferon gamma (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in such patients. Subjects and Methods: Two hundred and seventy-six cases of acute hepatitis among which 37 cases of fulminant hepatic failure were screened. A genotyping system based on polymerase chain reaction using type-specific primers was used in this study (Sami et al. 2013). TNF-α, IL-10 levels, and IFN-γ serum level were measured by ELISA. Results: Genotype D was detected in 10 cases (27.02%) out of 37 FH patients. Mean IL-10, IFN-γ, and TNF-α levels in FH patients were significantly higher than the healthy controls at 127.6 ± 73.45 pg/ml (P < 0.001), 10.6778 ± 5.23 pg/ml (P < 0.0001), and 62.9000 ± 21.67 pg/ml (P < 0.001), respectively. IFN-γ and IL-10 levels were much higher in cases of hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAg) seronegative individuals, mean levels being 20.77 pg/ml and 36.53 pg/ml, respectively. Using multiple linear regression analysis, the presence of HBeAg was inversely associated with TNF-α. Conclusion: This study clearly highlights the excessive dysregulated response of the three cytokines, more so of IL-10 which appears pivotal in the pathogenesis of FH. Interventions leading to suppression of IL-10 levels may be beneficial in improving the patient outcome.

Objectives: Detection and comparison of metallo-β-lactamase (MBL) production in clinical isolates by phenotypic and genotypic measures. The objective of this study is to evaluate clinical characteristics and risk factors in patients infected with MBLs. Materials and Methods: Study was conducted by the Department of Microbiology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College from February 2014 to December 2015. Bacterial culture, identification, and antibiotic susceptibility were carried out according to standard guidelines. MBL production was detected both phenotypically (Modified Hodge test [MHT], imipenem-ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid double disk potentiation test [IMP-EDTA DDPT], IMP-EDTA combined disk synergy test [IMP-EDTA CDST]), and genotypically (bla NDM-1, bla VIM and bla IMP). Results: Among 116 carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative Bacilli (CRGNB), Citrobacter species 28 (24.1%) was the most common pathogen. Phenotypically, MHT, IMP-EDTA DDPT, and IMP-EDTA CDST detected MBL production in 105 (90.5%), 96 (81%), and 87 (75%) CRGNB, respectively. Bla NDM-1 genes were detected in 6 6 (56.8%) isolates, however, very few bla VIM (16, 15.2%) and bla IMP (1, 1.2%) were identified. Considering polymerase chain reaction (PCR) as the gold standard, it was observed that IMP-EDTA CDST was most specific (78.3%) while MHT was most sensitive (97.4%). Results of bla NDM-1 gene by PCR were further confirmed by sequencing (Triyat genomics, Nagpur). All the 11 representative strains were confirmed to be NDM-1 gene. Major risk factors in patients infected with MBLs were in-dwelling devices (68%), prolonged hospital stay (72%) and prior antibiotic treatment (86%). However, on tracing their outcome, it was interesting to note that mortality was relatively low 5 (4.3%). Conclusion: The present study shows a rising trend of bla NDM-1 in CRGNB, an ominous sign heralding the post antibiotic era. It is essential to assess the prevalence of various MBLs so that infection control measures can be reinforced. We recommend three phenotypic tests in tandem for the detection of MBL. While phenotypic tests are easy and cost-effective to perform, quick, effective molecular diagnostic techniques can tailor treatment guidelines to optimize patient's management.

Introduction: Urinary tract infection (UTI) continues to be the most common infection diagnosed in outpatients as well as in hospitalized patients. Citrobacter spp. is an emerging urinary pathogen. The present study assessed the prevalence and antibiotic sensitivity pattern of Citrobacter spp. in patients admitted to or attending outpatient departments with Complain of UTI in a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: A total of 36,250 urine samples were included in the study. UTI was confirmed in 7099 samples. Of these 246 (3.46%) had UTI due to Citrobacter spp. Identification was by conventional biochemical methods. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method as recommended by Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute M2-A9. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) was defined as resistance to more than two groups of drugs. Extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL), AmpC, and metallo beta-lactamase (MBL) were detected by phenotypic methods. Results: Females predominated in the study 193 (78.4%) with 53 (21.5%) males. Most of the isolates were in the age group 21-30 and 31-40. 49 (19.9%) patients were inpatients, and 197 (80.08%) were outpatients. Aminoglycosides had a better spectrum of antimicrobial sensitivity (70.2%) with 85.2% isolates sensitive to amikacin. Fluoroquinolones had a poor activity against Citrobacter (46% sensitive). Ureidopenicillins had poor efficacy (15.4%). Out of the 246 strains, 129 (52.4%) were MDR, 61 (24.7%) of which were ESBL producers and 65 (26.4%) were AmpC producers. Most of the ESBL producing strains were isolated from inpatients. No MBL were identified in this study. Conclusion: Citrobacter though not uncommon isolate is posing a problem due to its MDR character. Infection control practices should be observed strictly, and any type of unnecessary instrumentation should be avoided.