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Resistance shown by Staphylococcus aureus to methicillin; mediated by mecA, and vancomycin; mediated by vanA, has led to difficulty in treatment of related infections. Despite reports showing methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin resistant S. aureus (VRSA) in Nepal, and need for their regular surveillance, no study has been conducted on it in our hospital. So, this study is aimed to determine prevalence of MRSA, VRSA and their molecular characterization along with antibiogram. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from August to December, 2022 in Clinical Microbiology Laboratory of NMCTH among S. aureus (n=160) isolated from various clinical specimens after receiving ethical approval from NMC-IRC. AST was done by modified Kirby-Bauer’s disc diffusion method. MRSA and VRSA were detected by cefoxitin disc method and agar dilution method respectively. Inducible clindamycin resistance was detected by D-test. Resistant genes (mecA, PVL, and vanA) were detected using conventional PCR. Prevalence of MRSA was found to be 31.2% (50/160) but none of the isolates were resistant to vancomycin. Total 7 (46.6%) mecA and 7 (46.6%) PVL genes were detected among 15 selected MRSA isolates but vanA was not found. All the MRSA isolates were susceptibile to co-trimoxazole, tigecycline, chloramphenicol, vancomycin, teicoplanin and linezolid. The resistance rate against ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, and clindamycin was 52.0%, 44.0%, and 68.0% (20.0% iMLSB, 28.0% cMLSB and 16.0% MS-phenotypes) respectively. Prompt implementation of hospital antibiotic policy and AMR Act by government along with regular surveillance of MRSA and VRSA seems essential to contain MRSA infections. Co-trimoxazole could be treatment option against MRSA in our setting, keeping vancomycin in reserve. However, large scale studies are required to establish this conclusion.

Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp. are two important uropathogens showing resistance to beta-lactams by producing extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL), leading to difficulty in treating infections with these bacteria. Majority of the ESBLs are of TEM, CTXM and SHV types reported from Nepal. This study was conducted in Clinical Microbiology Department of Nepal Medical College Teaching Hospital from November 2021 to mid-January 2022 to determine prevalence of ESBL and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern among two common uropathogens. A total of 402 E. coli and Klebsiella spp. isolated from urine samples were included in the study. ESBL producing strains were identified by combination disc method and antibiotic susceptibility testing was done by Kirby Bauer’s disc diffusion method. PCR was done to detect the TEM and CTXM genes. Prevalence of ESBL among E. coli and Klebsiella spp. was found to be 14.9% (60/402). Among the E. coli, 16.1% (58/360) and only 4.8% (2/42) of Klebsiella spp. were ESBL producers. Antibiogram showed, 56.7% ESBL producers were susceptible to ciprofloxacin, 46.7% to co-trimoxazole, 96.7% to nitrofurantoin. However, all isolates were susceptible to amikacin, piperacillin-tazobactam, and carbapenems (both meropenem and imipenem). Among total 30 ESBL isolates selected by systematic random sampling, 3 isolates (all three E. coli) showed presence of TEM and 3 other isolates (two E. coli and one Klebsiella spp.) showed CTXM genes.

Blood and bone marrow cultures are considered the gold standard for the diagnosis of typhoid, but those methods require infrastructure and skilled manpower that are not always available in low- and middle-income countries where typhoid is endemic. The objective of the study is to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of nine commercially available Salmonella Typhi rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) using blood culture as reference standard in a multicenter study. This was a prospective and retrospective multicenter diagnostic accuracy study conducted in two geographically distant typhoid-endemic areas (Pakistan and Kenya; NCT04801602). 9 RDTs were evaluated were including Widal test. Point estimates for sensitivity and specificity were calculated using the Wilson method. Latent class analyses were performed using R to address the imperfect gold standard. 531 serum samples were evaluated (264 blood-culture positive; 267 blood-culture negative). The sensitivity of RDTs varied widely (range 0–78.8%), with the best overall performance shown by Enterocheck WB (72.7% sensitivity: 86.5% specificity). In latent class modeling, CTK IgG was found to have the highest sensitivity (79.1%), while the highest overall accuracy was observed with Enterocheck (73.8% sensitivity and 94.5% specificity). All commercially available Salmonella Typhi RDTs evaluated in the study had sensitivity and specificity values that fell below the required levels to be recommended for an accurate diagnosis. There were minimal differences in RDT performances between endemic regions. These findings highlight the clear need for new, more accurate Salmonella Typhi tests.

Background: The common bacterial pathogens isolated from bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) include Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumanii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Coagulase negative Staphylococcus. Objectives: This study was conducted to identify pneumonia causing organisms and to determine their antibiogram. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at Kathmandu Medical College Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal over a period of one year (Aug 2019-Jul 2020). Ethical approval (Reference Number:1004201810) was taken and convenience samplin g was done using Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute(CLSI) guidelines. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences(SPSS) version 19. Results: Out of 32 BAL samples, 14 were culture positive. The commonest bacterial pathogens isolated were Klebsiella Pneumoniae 6(42.85%), followed by Acinetobacter baumanii 5(35.71%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa 2(14.28%) and Coagulase negative Staphylococcus 1(7.14%). The isolates were 100% sensitive to Tigecycline and Polymixin B followed by Colistin(92.85%). Cotrimoxazole was 100% resistant to these isolates followed by Azithromycin (92.85%. Conclusion: Klebsiella pneumomiae, Acinetobacter baumanii were the most common bacterial pathogens isolated from BAL.

Introduction Nosocomial infection is a serious problem worldwide. Healthcare workers mobile phones may act as vehicle for nosocomial infections. Mobile phones are rarely cleaned and healthcare workers frequently use them thorough out their time in hospitals. The objective of this study is to determine the rate of contamination of mobile phones, prevalent microorganisms and their antibiotic sensitivity pattern. MethodsThe descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in Clinical Microbiology laboratory from July 2019 to September 2019 after ethical approval. Samples were collected aseptically by rolling sterile swabs over the exposed surfaces of the mobile phones and inoculated on the agar plates and incubated aerobically. After incubation, plates were examined for growth. Bacteria were identified by standard microbiological procedure and antibiotic sensitivity test of isolated pathogens was done using Muller Hinton Agar by Kirby-Bauer method. Statistical analysis was done by Excel 2018. ResultsOf the 198 mobile phones sample cultures, 112 (56.6%) samples showed 7 different types of bacteria. Mixed growth was observed in 3 mobile phones and total of 115 bacterial isolates were identified. Staphylococcus species (74.7%) were predominant organism followed by Acinetobacter spp, Klebsiella pneumoniae, E. coli, Citrobacter and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Total 37.5% of Staphylococcus aureus were methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). ConclusionMobile phones may have potential pathogenic microorganisms on their surface and can act as vector in spread of infectious agents in hospital settings. It is recommended to disinfect mobile phones regularly and to implement hand washing practices and regulations around the use of mobile phones in hospital settings.

Lower respiratory tract infection accounts for a great burden of disease worldwide. The problem has further increased due to increasing antimicrobial resistance. This study was done to find out prevalence of positive bacterial culture among lower respiratory tract specimens of patients in a tertiary care centre.A descriptive cross-sectional study was done in the Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology in a tertiary care centre from May, 2021 to October, 2021. Ethical approval was received from the Institutional Review Committee (Reference number: 045-077/078). A total of 635 specimens were collected by convenience sampling. The specimens were cultured as per standard microbiological techniques. Antibiotic susceptibility was performed following Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (2020) guidelines. Microsoft Excel was used for data entry and analysis. Point estimate at 95% Confidence Interval was calculated along with frequency and proportion.Among the 635 lower respiratory specimens, 112 (17.63%) (111.97 to 112.03 at 95% Confidence Interval) showed positive bacterial culture. Klebsiella pneumoniae 44 (37.93%) was the commonest isolate followed by Acinetobacter calcoaceticus baumannii complex 34 (29.31%).The prevalence of positive bacterial culture among lower respiratory specimens was lower when compared to other studies done in similar settings.antibiotic resistance; gram negative bacteria; respiratory tract infections.

Self-medication of antibiotics is common among healthcare students due to their knowledge of pharmacology of antibiotics, which produces a false sense of confidence in self-diagnosis of disease conditions. Hence, this study was conducted to assess the practice of self-medication with antibiotics among medical students.This questionnaire based descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in Nepal Medical College Teaching Hospital, Attarkhel, Kathmandu from September 2019 to February 2020 on the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery students.Out of 405 students, 214 (52.8%) students had practiced antibiotics self-medication. The most commonly self-medicated antibiotics were azithromycin 126(58.9%), amoxicillin 67(31.3%), metronidazole 35(16.4%) and ciprofloxacin 14(6.5%) that were most commonly used for sore throat 93(43.5%), fever 82(38.3%), common cold 59(27.6%) and cough 43(20.1%).The common sources for self-medication were previous prescription 66 (30.8%), followed by own pharmacological knowledge 58 (27.1%). The most common reasons for practicing antibiotics self-medication were stated as previous experience of same illness 165 (77.1%), doctor's advice not deemed necessary 21 (9.8%) and save time 14 (6.6%). Large number of students agreed that antibiotics self-medication was not an acceptable practice 308(76.1%) and can lead to antimicrobial resistance 363(89.6%).More than half of the respondent medical students had practiced antibiotics self-medication. Sore throat was the commonest cause for it while the most commonly self-medicated antibiotic was azithromycin. Self-medication with antibiotics in medical students is concerning because they are future prescribers of antibiotics; who are supposed to promote rational use of antibiotics.

Introduction Acinetobacter calcoaceticus-Acinetobacter baumanni (ACB) complex is one of the commonest cause of hospital acquired and ventilator associated pneumonia. Multidrug resistant Acinetobacter species have become a matter of huge concern. This study was done to find out the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of Acinetobacter calcoaceticus-Acinetobacter baumanii complex from sputum samples. MethodsThis descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in Clinical Microbiology laboratory from July 2018 to Jan 2019 after ethical approval. Acinetobacter calcoaceticus-Acinetobacter baumannii complex was identified on the basis of its microscopy and morphological characteristics followed by biochemical tests. Antibiotic sensitivity test of isolated pathogens was done using Muller Hinton Agar by Kirby-Bauer method. ResultsOf the 384 culture positive sputum specimen, 76 (19.80%) were Acinetobacter calcoaceticus-Acinetobacter baumannii complex. Most of the isolates were resistant to commonly used antibiotics, 72.36% of the isolates were multidrug resistance and 3.95% isolates were resistant to tigecycline. ConclusionThis study provides valuable information regarding prevalence of Acinetobacter calcoaceticus-Acinetobacter baumannii complex from sputum specimen. The alarming number of Multidrug resistance isolates is worrisome finding. Antibiotics like Tigecycline and Colistin which is still sensitive to isolates should be cautiously used only in MDR cases.

Introduction: Intestinal parasitic infestation is one of the major health problems in developingcountries like Nepal. This study was done to determine the prevalence rate of intestinal parasiticinfestation among school children in Duwakot VDC, Bhaktapur, Nepal. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was done in 194 public school children of Duwakotvillage development committee from August to October, 2019. Ethical clearance was obtained fromthe Institutional Review Committee (reference no. 1207201915). Simple random sampling was done.One hundred and ninety-four public school children individuals of 6 to 14 years of age were enrolled.Collected stools were examined for the presence of parasites macroscopically and microscopically.Microscopic examination was carried out by direct wet mount using normal saline (0.9%) and Lugol’siodine (0.5%) mount. The data obtained were computed and analyzed using Statistical Package forthe Social Sciences version 16.0. Results: A total of 194 stool samples were collected from school children and examined. Theprevalence of intestinal parasitosis was 26 (13.40%). The commonest organism was Giardia lambliain 22 (11.34%) cases. Among helminthic infection, 2 (1.03%) cases each were infected by Hymenolepisnana and Hookworm respectively. Conclusions: The prevalence rate of intestinal parasite infestation in Nepal shows considerabledecline in recent years. However, more effort is required by public health resources to minimize theproblem further.

Background: Dermatophytosis are the most common types of cutaneous fungal infection seen in human and animals affecting skin, hair and nails caused by dermatophytes. The diagnosis of dermatophytes is based on the clinical observation and laboratory diagnosis by direct microscopic examination and fungal cultures. The present study is undertaken to isolate different type of dermatophytes causing fungal infection.Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study design was used in a total of 90 clinically suspected cases of dermatophytic infection attending the out patient department of Kathmandu Medical College and Teaching hospital (KMCTH). Skin scraping, hair and nail samples were collected from the patients and were processed by direct microscopy and culture using standard protocol. Dermatophytes were identified based on the microscopic arrangement of microconidia and macroconidia.Results: Dermatophytosis was more common in the age group of 21-40 years and was more predominant among male with male to female ratio of 1.7: 1. Among the total clinically suspected cases of dermatophytosis, 53 were positive in direct microscopy and only a total of 20 were positive by culture. Most common clinical type observed in our study was Tinea corporis(25%) followed by Tinea cruris. Trichophyton rubrum(50%) was the commonest aetiological agent in majority of clinical types followed by Trychophyton mentagrophytes(35%). Conclusions: The study highlighted T. corporis followed by T. cruris and T. unguim as the most common clinical pattern of dermatophytosis with a male predominance and 21-40 years being the most affected age group. T. rubram was the most common aetiological agent causing dermatophytosis.Keywords: Dermatophytes; dermatophytosis; epidermophyton; tinea; trychophyton.

Background: The presence of Staphylococcus aureus in anterior nares of health care workers may serve as a major source of infection in hospital environment and act as a reservoir for the spread of Methicillin Resistant S. aureus between patients.Objective: The present study was conducted to determine the frequency of nasal carriage of S. aureus among the health care workers of Kathmandu Medical College Teaching Hospital and to assess the antibioticsusceptibility patterns of the Methicillin Resistant S. aureus isolates.Methodology: A total of 200 health care workers involved in the management of patients from the intensive care unit, Operation Theatre, postoperative wards, different wards and emergency department were screened for S. aureus by collecting their nasal swabs.Results: Out of 200 health care workers, only 10(5%) were S. aureus nasal carriers. Out of 10 S. aureus strains isolated six (60%) were methicillin sensitive S. aureuswhereas four (40%) were methicillin resistant S. aureus. The isolates were 100% sensitive to Linezolid, Vancomycin and Amikacin but showed highest resistant to Azithromycin (100%), followed by Cefixime (60%).Conclusion: This study concluded that 5% of health care workers were S. aureus carriers and proportion of Methicillin Resistant S. aureus and Methicillin sensitive S. aureus was 60% and 40% respectively.Journal of Kathmandu Medical CollegeVol. 7, No. 2, Issue 24, Apr.-Jun., 2018, page: 64-67

Introduction: Staphylococcus aureus is one of the commonest cause of nosocomial infections. Resistant Staphylococcus aureus strain has become a matter of concern. This study was done to find out the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus from different clinical samples. Methods: The descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in the Clinical Microbiology laboratory from January 2019 to June 2019. Ethical approval was received from the Institutional Review Committee (Ref: 28122018010). Six hundred sixty-six sample size was calculated. Convenient sampling was done. Staphylococcus aureus was identified on the basis of its microscopy and morphological characteristics followed by catalase and coagulase test. Antibiotic sensitivity test of misolated pathogens was done using Muller Hinton Agar by Kirby-Bauer method. Statistical analysis was done by Excel 2018, point estimate at 95% confidence interval was calculated along with frequency and proportion for binary data. Results: Out of the 666 bacteria isolated from clinical specimens, 133 (19.96%) were Staphylococcus aureus at 95% confidence interval (129.91-136.01%). Seventy nine (78.95%) of which is isolated from pus and wound infections. Out of 133 Staphylococcus aureus, 70.64% were Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Conclusions: This study provides valuable information regarding the high prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus from pus and wound infections. The alarming number of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus is worrisome finding. Antibiotics like Vancomycin and Linezolid which has not developed resistance should be cautiously used only in Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus cases.

Introduction: Acinetobacter species are short, stout, gram-negative coccobacilli, generally considered to be a relatively low-grade pathogen. However, its resistance towards multiple classes of antibiotics through an array of resistance mechanisms including its ability to form biofilm has led to its emergence as an important pathogen in hospital settings. This study was done to determine the prevalence of biofilm former and Extended-spectrum Beta-Lactamase producer among Acinetobacter species. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was done in the clinical microbiology laboratory, Kathmandu Medical College from January to June 2019. Convenient sampling method was used. Ethical approval was taken from the Institutional Review Committee, Ref no. 2812201805. Preliminary identification followed by characterization of Acinetobacter species was done. Antibiotic susceptibility test was done using the Kirby-Bauer method following Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. Extended-spectrum Beta-Lactamase was detected by combined disc method and Biofilm detection was done using congo red agar method. Statistical Package for Social Sciences 16.0 version statistical software package was used for statistical analysis. Point estimate at 95% Confidence Interval was calculated along with frequencyand proportion for binarydata. Results: Among 108 Acinetobacter species, 86 (79.7%) Acinetobacter calcoaceticus-A. baumannii complex was seen. Seventy-eight (72%) of the isolates were multidrug-resistant, 34 (31%) of the isolates were Extended-spectrum Beta-Lactamase producer and only 10 (9.3%) of the isolates, were biofilm producers. Conclusions: Multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter spp. with the ability to produce Extended-spectrum Beta-Lactamase is prevalent in our hospital settings. Strict compliance with infection control practices is necessary to curb its spread.

Introduction: The deficiency of vitamin D is major public health problem worldwide. It is deficiency of vitamin D level when blood serum which is below 30ng/ml. The deficiency is associated with various musculoskeletal diseases and autoimmune diseases. The early detection of deficiency plays important role to prevent those diseases. The aim of the study is to find the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among adult population in a tertiary care hospital. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in tertiary care hospital, from 1st August 2017 to 31st December 2018 after ethical clearance from institutional review committee with registration number 02082017. Simple random sampling was done. Data was collected and entered in statistical package for social sciences. Point estimate at 95% Confidence Interval was calculated along with frequency and proportion for binary data. Results: Out of total patients, vitamin D deficiency was found among 283 (73.6%) patients at 95% of CI (68.6-78.6). Out of total female patients, 202 (52.61%) were deficient and out of total male patients, 81 (21.08%) were deficient. The mean age±SD of patients was 41.45±16.016 years. Conclusions: The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was high compared to previous studies. Vitamin D deficiency was found to be higher in females than males.

Background: Bacterial colonization of central venous catheter (CVC) carries risk of developing catheter-related blood stream infections (CRBSI). The purpose of this study is to find out the frequency of colonization of CVC by different bacterial pathogens and their antibiotic sensitivity pattern.Materials and Methods: A total of 53 CVC tip were received in one-year duration for culture and antibiotic sensitivity pattern. The isolated organisms were identified by standard microbiological procedure and subjected to antimicrobial sensitivity.Results: out of 53 CVC tip sent for culture and sensitivity, 21 (39.6%) showed significant growth. Out of 21 culture positive 52.3% were gram negative bacilli, 33.3% were gram positive cocci, 4.8% were Candida spp. Acenitobacter baumannii and Staphylococcus aureus were frequent pathogens isolated. Gram negative bacteria were less sensitive to antibiotics whereas gram positive bacteria were sensitive to Vancomycin.Conclusion: Though various organisms were isolated as colonizer of CVC, Acenitobacter baumannii is the most common colonizer. Antibiotic resistance has already emerged and represents a major problem.