Culture of pathogenic campylobacter species at Mymensingh Medical College

Childhood diarrhea represents a major public health problem in developing countries, where campylobacteriosis is widespread and causes significant morbidity and mortality in infants and children. Despite the increasing importance of campylobacteriosis, most developing countries and even many developed countries do not have surveillance systems to measure the health and economic burden of human campylobacteriosis, nor detect trends in outbreaks. The present study was carried out to diagnose etiology of diarrhea caused by Campylobacter species. A total of 150 clinically diagnosed diarrheal pediatric patients were included in this study, of which 98(65.3%) were male and 52(34.6%) female from the Department of Pediatrics, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh, Bangladesh from July 2011 to April 2012. Stool specimens were collected from each of the cases. The specimens were cultured in appropriate media and Campylobacters were isolated and identified by recommended tests. Among 150 cases, 17(11.3%) were culture positive for Campylobacter species, of which 15(88.2%) were C. jejuni and 02(11.7%) were C. coli. Of the cases, below 1 year of age group were 106(70.6%) cases showing 12(70.5%) positive for Campylobacters and 44(29.33%) cases were above 1 year of age group showing 05(29.41%) positive. The prevalence of Campylobacter infection found in the present study was higher below 1 year age group and was very much close to other countries of this subcontinent.

Prevalence of HBV and HCV among the multi-transfused beta thalassemic major patients in a day care centre of blood transfusion department of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital

Though regular blood transfusion improves the overall survival of patients with β-thalassemia which is one of the most common genetic diseases in the world, carries a definite risk of infection with blood-borne viruses. It is a major health problem, brings much morbidity, early mortality and a great deal of misery for a family both financially and emotionally. World Health Organization (WHO) reported that there is about 3% beta thalassemia carrier and more than two thousand thalassemic children are born every year in Bangladesh. We carried out this study to provide epidemiologic data on hepatitis B virus (HBV) & hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among β-thalassemic patients. Moreover, HBV & HCV infection-associated risk factors were investigated in this study. Two hundred patients with β-thalassemia major were enrolled in this study. Using Rapid Immuno-chromatographic Test and their sera were tested for HBsAg and HCVAb. The positive HBsAg & HCVAb results were confirmed by ELISA. The study sample 200 consisted of 165 males (82.5%) and 35 females (17.5%), with a mean±SD age of 5.9±9.0 years. Four (2%) patients were HCV-Ab positive; 13(6.5%) were HBsAg positive. Univariate analysis showed that (P=0.01), older age (P=0.001), longer transfusion duration (P=0.000), HBsAg seropositivity (P=0.03), and higher serum ferritin level (P=0.002) were significantly associated with a higher prevalence of HCV. Using multivariate analysis, age (P<0.001), serum ferritin level (P< 0.001) were independent factors associated with HCV infection. Improvement of the people's knowledge about TTI risk factors, blood screening strategies and HBV vaccination have led to a dramatically decrease in prevalence of TTIs particularly HBV during the last decades in Bangladesh.However, post-transfusion transmission of HCV has still remained a major health concern in multi-transfused patients. As the prevalence of HCV infection is much higher among β-thalassemic patients as compared with HBV infections routine screening of donated blood for HCV is highly recommended by ELISA.

Prevalence of sub-clinical mastitis in dairy farms

A total of 560 lactating cows belonging to Bangladesh Agricultural University dairy farm (n = 59): Local Zebu (L), Local × Friesian (L × F), Local × Jersey (L × J), Local × Red Chittagong Cattle (L × RCC), Local × Sahiwal (L × SL), Red Chittagong Cattle (RCC); and Central Cattle Breeding Station and Dairy Farm (n = 501): Local Zebu, L × F, SL × F, Sahiwal and Australian Friesian Sahiwal (AFS) were selected to measure prevalence of subclinical mastitis (SM). The California Mastitis Test was done and the prevalence of SM was 68% on cow basis and 57% on quarter basis. The prevalence rate was significantly higher in L × F (87%, P < 0.05), SL × F (88%, P < 0.05), L × J (100%, P < 0.01), AFS (89%, P< 0.05) and SL (100%, P < 0.01). The local Zebu (31%) and RCC (28%) were least susceptible to SM. SM was significantly higher in multiparous (P < 0.05) and older cows (P < 0.05). The front quarters were more prone to SM than the rear. Factors such as breed, age, parity and management may have been responsible for high prevalence of SM in both farms. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bvet.v30i2.18257 Bangl. vet. 2013. Vol. 30, No. 2, 70-77

Correlation between grades of intraventricular hemorrhage and severity of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy in perinatal asphyxia

This study was done to find out the correlation between various grades of Intraventricular Hemorrhage (IVH) and stages of HIE in perinatal asphyxia and to determine the short-term outcome of the affected baby. This observational study was conducted in Neonatal ward of Dhaka Shishu Hospital (DHS) and Dhaka Medical College Hospital for period of 37 months from January 2004 to January 2007. Total 189 perinatally asphyxiated babies were enrolled for HIE staging and cranial Ultrasonogram (USG) to find out grades of IVH. Finally 178 newborns were fulfilling all the necessary criteria for statistical analysis of the collected data on prescribed questionnaire. Among 178 perinatally asphyxiated newborns HIE stages - I, II, III were 50(28%), 10(56%) and 28(16%) respectively. Out of this 178 neonates total 50(28%) developed various grades IVH. Grades of IVH, I, II, III, IV were 15(30%), 18(36%), 10(20%) and 7(14%) respectively. There was significant correlation between the severity of HIE staging and grades of IVH. Short term outcome was poor in HIE-III, IVH grade III and IV. There is a direct relationship between different grades of IVH and stages of HIE. That is more the severe stages of HIE there is more chances to develop severe grades of IVH, Immediate morbidity and mortality is dependent on the grades of IVH and severity of stages of HIE.

Campylobacteriosis - an overview

Campylobacteriosis is a collective term, used for infectious, emerging foodborne disease caused by Campylobacter species comprising Gram negative, curved, and microaerophilic pathogens. The true incidence of human campylobacteriosis is unknown for most countries of the world including Bangladesh. But campylobacteriosis is not uncommon in our country. Due to its increasing incidence in many countries of the world, it is an important issue now a day. Animals such as birds are the main sources of infection. Farm animals such as cattle, poultry are commonly infected from such sources and raw milk, undercooked or poorly handled meat becomes contaminated. Transmission of campylobacteriosis to human occurs through consumption of infected, unpasteurized animal milk and milk products, undercooked poultry and through contaminated drinking water. Contact with contaminated poultry, livestock or household pets, especially puppies, can also cause disease. Due to variability of clinical features and limited availability of laboratory facilities, the disease remains largely under-reported. Early and specific diagnosis is important to ensure a favourable outcome regarding this food borne disease. Antibiotic treatment is controversial, and has only a benefit on the duration of symptoms. Campylobacter infections can be prevented by some simple hygienic food handling practices.

Regional metastasis in supraglottic and glottic carcinoma of larynx

This cross sectional study was conducted in Sir Salimullah Medical College Hospital, Mitford and Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh from January 2009 to December 2009 by purposive sampling method. Among the 50 cases, involvement of supraglottic (72%) region is significantly higher than glottic (28%) region. Affected peoples are mainly male and mean age was 58.1±10.4 years. Frequency of regional metastasis of supraglottic carcinoma (47.22%) was higher than glottic carcinoma (7.14%). Most of the lymphnode involvement was at level-II to IV. Most of the patients presented at stage-I & stage-II.

Evaluation of TH agglutinin titres of Widal test in the diagnosis of typhoid fever

This prospective study was evaluated the role of TH agglutinins and reevaluate the diagnostic value of Widal test in the diagnosis of typhoid fever by identifying the S. typhi specific antibody. The study was carried out in the department of Microbiology, Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh between July 2010 and June 2011, including 200 individuals of different ages and sexes. Widal test and blood culture were performed for each of the cases and controls. Among 150 blood samples from the suspected cases, 23(15.3%) were culture positive for S. typhi and 67(44.7%) had high titres of ≥1:160 for 'O' or 'H' or both agglutinins. Out of 23 culture positive cases, 3(13%) had TO ≥:160, 5(21.7%) had significant TH ≥1:160. Based on the above findings, it was concluded that judicious interpretation of Widal test play an essential role in diagnosis of typhoid fever, especially in the resource poor countries like Bangladesh.

Role of adenosine deaminase in diagnosis of tubercular pleural effusion

The diagnosis of pleural tuberculosis (TB) continues to be a challenge in clinical practice. Traditional diagnostic methods are very useful for the diagnosis of pulmonary TB but have a low yield when applied to pleural fluid. It is produced during the inflammatory process triggered by the M. tuberculosis. Usefulness of adenosine deaminase (ADA) estimation in pleural fluid has been shown as a reliable chemical bio-marker specially when there is suspicion of tuberculosis in endemic areas. ADA level was determined in the pleural fluid of 100 patients present with pleural effusion admitted at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital during the period of March 2012 to September 2012. ADA level was >40IU/L among the 52 tubercular pleural effusion patients with sensitivity & specificity is 100% and 66% respectively. Thus is evident that ADA level can be used along with conventional methods for diagnosis of pleural TB.

Instrumented posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) with interbody fusion device (Cage) in degenerative disc disease (DDD): 3 years outcome

This prospective interventional study carried out at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University and a private hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh during the period from October 2003 to September 2011. Surgical treatment of degenerative disc disease (DDD) should aim to re-expand the interbody space and stabilize until fusion is complete. The present study conducted to find out the efficacy of using interbody fusion device (Cage) to achieve interbody space re-expansion and fusion in surgical management of DDD. We have performed the interventional study on 53 patients, 42 female and 11 male, with age between 40 to 67 years. All the patients were followed up for 36 to 60 months (average 48 months). Forty seven patients were with spondylolisthesis and 06 with desiccated disc. All subjects were evaluated with regard to immediate and long term complications, radiological fusion and interbody space re-expansion and maintenance. The clinical outcome (pain and disability) was scored by standard pre and postoperative questionnaires. Intrusion, extrusion and migration of the interbody fusion cage were also assessed. Forty seven patients were considered to have satisfactory outcome in at least 36 months follow up. Pseudoarthrosis developed in 04 cases and 06 patients developed complications. In this series posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) with interbody cage and instrumentation in DDD showed significant fusion rate and maintenance of interbody space. Satisfactory outcome observed in 88.68% cases.

Effectiveness of radioiodine therapy in treatment of hyperthyroidism

The present non randomized clinical trial was conducted in the Center for Nuclear Medicine and Ultrasound, Mymensingh, Bangladesh for duration of one year. Total 30 patients with hyperthyroidism diagnosed by clinical and biochemical profile were included in the study. All patients received radioiodine treatment and regular follow up at 1st month, 3rd month, 6th month & 9th month were done to evaluate clinical and biochemical status and complications. Data were analyzed by computer with SPSS programme using 't' test and chi-square test. In the present study, out of 30 respondents more than three fourth of the respondents (76.6%) were in the age group of 31-50 years followed by less than 30 years are group (16.7%) and rest of respondents were in the age group of more than 50 years (06.7%). Mean±SD and range of age of the respondents were 39.80±10.02 years and 17-65 years respectively. Among the 30 respondents 11(36.7%) were male and 19(63.3%) were female. Male to female ratio was 1:1.73. Out of 30 patients 26(86.7%) presented with goiter and among them 21(80.8%) has diffused goiter and five (19.2%) had nodular goiter. Baseline mean±SD, median, range of serum T₃ level were 5.24±3.62, 4.34, 1.48-14.65nmol/L respectively. Base line mean±SD, median range of serum T₄ level were 192.25±99.17, 201.77, 1.75-336.25nmol/L respectively. Baseline mean±SD, median range of serum TSH level were 6.33±23.93, 0.15-0.07, 130.46nmol/L respectively. In the present study serum T₃, T₄ level among the respondents sharply decrease from baseline to 2nd follow up then gradually decrease from 2nd to 4th follow up. Serum TSH level gradually increases from baseline to 3rd follow up and then gradually decreases from 3rd to 4th follow up. The result showed radioiodine is an effective option for the treatment of thyrotoxicosis.

Grading of perinatal asphyxia by clinical parameters and agreement between this grading and Sarnat & Sarnat stages without measures

A cross sectional study was done in Neonatal unit of Dhaka Shishu Hospital (DSH) to develop a grading system of perinatal asphyxia by clinical parameters, to show an agreement between this grading and Sarnat & Sarnat stages and to assess the outcome. Consecutive 60 cases of asphyxiated term newborn, aged between 0-48 hours were enrolled in this study who were classified according to new proposed scoring and Sarnat & Sarnat staging system simultaneously on same set up. All asphyxiated cases were managed as per protocol of neonatal unit of this hospital and followed up accordingly till 3 months of age. Out of 60 cases, sarnat stage-I cases were 16 of which all were mild according to proposed scoring system. Sarnat stage-II cases were 20 and among them 2 were mild, 16 were moderate and 2 were severe according to proposed scoring system. Sarnat stage-III cases were 24, among them 24 were severe according to proposed scoring system. The level of agreement between proposed scoring & Sarnat staging was 93.3% where kappa value was 0.899. Overall mortality of asphyxiated cases was 33.3%. About 42.9% of Sarnat stage-II and 80%(8) of Sarnat stage-III cases had neurological deficit whereas 50%(3) of moderate and 80%(4) of severely asphyxiated cases had neurological deficit on follow up at 3 months of age. Brief clinical grading system is more convenient & easier than that of Sarnat & Sarnat staging. But it is also equally as effective as Sarnat staging in classifying asphyxiated babies into different grades & to assess the outcome of perinatal asphyxia.

Prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of ESBL producing isolates

Extended spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) are produced by Gram negative bacteria showing resistance to new generations of antimicrobial agents. This study was undertaken to characterize ESBL producing bacteria from 222 urinary isolates. Antimicrobial resistance was screened by disc diffusion test. The ESBL status was confirmed by double disc diffusion test (DDDT) and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) by agar dilution method by standard procedure. The study revealed the following distribution of ESBL producing isolates: Klebsiella spp (81.6%), Proteus spp (78.1%) E. coli (72.3%) and Pseudomonas spp (66.7%). All the isolates were sensitive to imipenem and nitrofurantoin followed by amikacin 92.9%. A relatively higher rate of resistance to gentamicin, co-trimoxazole, azithromycin and quinolones were also observed for ESBL producers. The study suggested routine detection of ESBL and avoidance of irrational use of third generation cephalosporins to reduce the emergence of multidrug resistance bacteria following an antibiotic policy.

Speed limit of the insulator-metal transition in magnetite

As the oldest known magnetic material, magnetite (Fe3O4) has fascinated mankind for millennia. As the first oxide in which a relationship between electrical conductivity and fluctuating/localized electronic order was shown, magnetite represents a model system for understanding correlated oxides in general. Nevertheless, the exact mechanism of the insulator-metal, or Verwey, transition has long remained inaccessible. Recently, three-Fe-site lattice distortions called trimerons were identified as the characteristic building blocks of the low-temperature insulating electronically ordered phase. Here we investigate the Verwey transition with pump-probe X-ray diffraction and optical reflectivity techniques, and show how trimerons become mobile across the insulator-metal transition. We find this to be a two-step process. After an initial 300 fs destruction of individual trimerons, phase separation occurs on a 1.5±0.2 ps timescale to yield residual insulating and metallic regions. This work establishes the speed limit for switching in future oxide electronics.

Physico-Chemical Characterization Of Silt Prepared From Bijoypur Soil

Silt obtained from fractionated Bijoypur soil based on particle size (53~140?m) was characterized by SEM (Scanning electron microscopy), LIBS (Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy), XRD (X-Ray diffraction) and FT-IR (Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy). pHzpc (Zero point charge pH) of silt was also determined by titrimetric method. The scanning electron micrograph of silt was taken in two different magnifications. Micrographs show that the surface of silt is slightly homogenic in nature and the particle size varied between 50 and 100 ?m. Elemental analysis of silt was performed by LIBS. According to this Fe, Si, Ti, Cu, Zn and Na are present in silt. XRD analysis indicates that silt fraction of Bijoypur soil is closely similar to kaolinite but it contains significant proportion of quartz. FT-IR analysis shows the presence of Zn=O, OH, Al-O-Si, Fe-O, Al-OH and Si-O bonds. The pHzpc value of silt was obtained as 6.39 ± 0.02 indicating neutrality of the surface. J. Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 39(1): 53-60, June 2013 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jasbs.v39i1.16033

Correlation between Intracerebral Hemorrhage Score and surgical outcome of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage

Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) comprises 10-15% of all strokes and has a higher risk of morbidity and mortality (40-45%). A simple and widely valid clinical grading scale, the Intracerebral Hemorrhage Score (ICH score) was developed to predict to outcome of spontaneous ICH. The aim of the present study was to assess the relation between the ICH score and the surgical outcome of ICH by Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) at the 30th post ictus day in our perspective. This prospective study was done during the period of April 2009 to October 2010 in Department of Neurosurgery, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka. Forty three cases were enrolled by set inclusion and exclusion criteria. Intracerebral Hemorrhage Score was calculated during admission and the surgical outcome of ICH was determined by GOS by face to face or telephone interview using structured questionnaire on their 30th post ictus day. Correlation between the ICH score and the surgical outcome of ICH was done by Pearson’s correlation coefficient test. Value of r was found to be -0.635 which was statistically highly significant (p=.001) and the relation was found to be negative. Higher ICH score had unfavorable outcome. As correlation between the ICH score and the surgical outcome of ICH was found statistically highly significant, it can be used widely as a grading scale in preoperative counseling. The use of ICH score could improve standardization of clinical treatment protocols and clinical research studies in ICH. Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull 2013; 39: 1-5

Evaluation of Antifungal Efficacy in an Optimized Animal Model ofTrichophytonmentagrophytes-Dermatophytosis

Dermatophytoses are known to cause considerable discomfort, cosmetic problems and financial loss that have been recognized as a significant health concern worldwide. Since currently available antifungal agents have limitations in their efficacy, new agents are being developed. This study was undertaken to optimize an in vivo model of experimental dermatophytosis for evaluation of the efficacy of antifungal compounds. Guinea pigs were infected with different inocula of T. mentagrophytes to establish dermatophytosis. The optimal conditions for dermatophytosis in guinea pigs were found to be an inoculum size of 1 x 10(7) fungal cells applied on abraded skin. After optimization, animals were treated with oral or topical formulations of terbinafine. The optimized guinea pig model was found to be highly reproducible, and useful in the primary screening and evaluation of the anti-dermatophytic efficacy of topical and oral formulations of antifungal agents.

Peak expiratory flow rate of normal school going children in Mymensingh municipality

This cross sectional study was conducted to measure the PEFR values of normal school going children of Mymensingh, Bangladesh. Peak expiatory flow rate (PEFR) is a lung function test which is easily measurable and reproducible but the base line values of PEFR have not been studied in large scale among Bangladeshi children. In Mymensingh municipality out of 79 schools 4 schools were selected purposively. A total of 984 (499 boys and 485 girls, nearly equal in ratio) normal children (6-15 years), were selected randomly by using lottery technic in classroom. To obtain peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) mini Wright peak flow meter was used. The highest of three readings was taken as the correct value. Anthropometric parameters including body weight and height were recorded by bathroom scale and stadiometer respectively and body surface area was calculated. According to age interval (10 months) in boys and girls the mean difference of PEFR values showed that among age categories of 6, 7 & 8 years had no significant (p were <0.18, <0.73 and <0.70 accordingly) and all other age categories the mean difference of PEFR between boys and girls had significant (p<0.01). The correlation coefficient (r values) and the level of significance between different anthropometric parameters and PEFR in case of boys and girls were significant (p<0.001). Correlation of height (boys r=0.961 & girls r=0.954) with PEFR was the highest in comparison to other anthropometric parameters (age, sex and body weight). Boys had significantly higher values of PEFR than the girls at any height.

Detection of TEM, SHV and CTX-M in Mymensingh region in Bangladesh

The development of antibiotic resistance in bacteria following introduction of antimicrobial agents has emerged as an important medical problem everywhere in the world including Bangladesh. Extended spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) are rapidly evolving group of β-lactamase enzymes produced by the Gram negative bacteria. This study was undertaken to characterize ESBL producing gram negative bacilli from urine, skin wound (pus and wound infection). A total of 300 gram negative bacilli were screened for resistance to third generation Cephalosporins (3GCs) by disc diffusion test. The ESBL status was confirmed by double disc diffusion test (DDDT), minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) by agar dilution method as recommended by Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute 2010 (CLSI) and multiplex PCR for TEM, SHV and CTX-M, CTX-M-3, CTX-M-14 genes. The present study revealed a higher occurrence of multi drugs resistant ESBLs production among gram negative isolates where Klebsiella spp. were the leading bacteria 36/45 (80%), followed by Proteus spp. 40/55 (72.7%), Esch. coli 105/156 (67.3%) and others 25/35 (71.4 %). Rate of TEM, SHV and CTX-M genes present in study population were 50.46%, 18.69% and 46.72% respectively. Among the CTX-M positive genes CTX-M-3 and CTX-M-14 were 78.0% (39/50) and 80.0% (40/50) respectively. Results indicate that routine ESBL detection should be made mandatory and irrational use of third generation cephalosporins must be discouraged to reduce multi drugs resistance bacteria, to increase patients' compliance and to make an antibiotic policy.

Two guard cell-preferential MAPKs, MPK9 and MPK12, regulate YEL signalling in Arabidopsis guard cells

We report that two mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), MPK9 and MPK12, positively regulate abscisic acid (ABA)-induced stomatal closure in Arabidopsis thaliana. Yeast elicitor (YEL) induced stomatal closure accompanied by intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca(2+) ]cyt ) oscillation. In this study, we examined whether these two MAP kinases are involved in YEL-induced stomatal closure using MAPKK inhibitors, PD98059 and U0126, and MAPK mutants, mpk9, mpk12 and mpk9 mpk12. Both PD98059 and U0126 inhibited YEL-induced stomatal closure. YEL induced stomatal closure in the mpk9 and mpk12 mutants but not in the mpk9 mpk12 mutant, suggesting that a MAPK cascade involving MPK9 and MPK12 functions in guard cell YEL signalling. However, YEL induced extracellular ROS production, intracellular ROS accumulation and cytosolic alkalisation in the mpk9, mpk12 and mpk9 mpk12 mutants. YEL induced [Ca(2+) ]cyt oscillations in both wild type and mpk9 mpk12 mutant. These results suggest that MPK9 and MPK12 function redundantly downstream of extracellular ROS production, intracellular ROS accumulation, cytosolic alkalisation and [Ca(2+) ]cyt oscillation in YEL-induced stomatal closure in Arabidopsis guard cells and are shared with ABA signalling.

Heavy Metals and Major Ionic Pollution Assessment in Waters of Midstream of the River Karatoa in Bangladesh

In a quantitative assessment of water collected from the midstream of Karatoa river in Bangladesh, 31 water samples were analyzed to assess heavy metals, major ionic constituents and suitability parameters for irrigation usage. The electrical conductivity of all collected samples were within the range of 450 to 1653 ?S cm-1 indicating medium to high salinity. Total dissolved solids ranged from 247 to 789 mg L-1 and the samples were rated as fresh water (<1000 mg L-1). The anion chemistry in the Karatoa river water was dominated by HCO3- and Cl-, which contributed 66 and 31%, respectively of the total anionic mass balance. On the other hand, the cation chemistry indicated that 8 samples showed dominance sequence as Ca > Mg > Na > K, 8 samples as Ca > K > Na > Mg, 7 samples as Ca > Mg > K > Na, 6 samples as Ca > Na > K > Mg and only 2 samples as Ca > K > Mg > Na. Among the studied heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cr and Ni), the most dominant metal was Fe and Mn. The concentration of Mn in 13 water samples exceeded the surface water quality standard (0.10 mg L-1) indicating Mn toxicity. Considering hardness, 6 water samples were graded as moderately hard while the rest 25 samples were graded as hard. As regards to permeability index, 65% of the water samples collected from the midstream of Karatoa river belongs to the unsuitable category.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v5i2.14806 J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 5(2): 149-160 2012

Serotype and serovar distribution of Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolated from high-risk populations in Bangladesh

Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the causative agent of gonococcal infection, is known to frequently change their characteristics to evade host immune mechanism. Characterization of the clinical isolates of the organism can lead to identification of the circulating strains and often a sexual network in a community to help in designing the control strategy. Keeping in mind the above consideration, a total of 239 N. gonorrhoeae, isolated from high-risk populations, were characterized for serotypes and serovars by monoclonal antibodies against protein 1 of the organism. Majority of the serotypes were serotype B (142, 59.4%). Majority of the isolates showing resistance to at least one of the antibiotics tested were also serotype B (139, 59.2%), whereas, majority of the isolates showing resistance to any three of the antibiotics (multidrug resistant, MDR) (63%) was serotype A. A total of 41 different serovars were also identified and five of which (Arst, Bropt, Bopt, Arost, and Brop) included the highest percent (49.3%) of the isolates. Many serovars (23/41, 56.1%) were new emergent and included 58 (24.3%) of the isolates investigated. All of the new serovars were resistant to at least one of the antibiotics tested and the highest rate (40/102, 39.2%) was MDR. Serotyping and serovar determination was found contributory to understand the microepidemics of the N. gonorrhoeae isolates. Further studies including antibiogram and contact tracing can efficiently help in control of the disease.

Methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci (MRCoNS) by disk diffusion method

The antimicrobial susceptibility of 80 coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) isolates from surgical wound, pus from infected skin lesions, burn exudates and diabetic ulcer exudates of patients in Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh, was evaluated in order to see their pattern of antimicrobial resistance. The study was carried out in the department of Microbiology, Mymensingh Medical College during the period from July 2009 to May 2011. The 80 CoNS isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility to relevant antibiotics including oxacillin by disk diffusion method. Out of 80 CoNS isolates, the highest number were resistant to oxacillin 36(45%), followed by gentamicin 32(40%), cefuroxime 25(31%), ceftriaxone 24(30%) and ciprofloxacin 18(22%). All isolates of CoNS were sensitive to imipenem and vancomycin. As MRCoNS were found multidrug resistant, therefore, antibiotic sensitivity must be done prior to treatment in infections caused by these species.

Iron status in children with febrile seizure

This hospital based cross sectional analytic study was carried out in department of Pediatrics Dhaka Medical College Hospital and Combined Military Hospital from July 2009 to June 2010 to find out the relationship of iron status with febrile seizure in children. Sixty children aged 6 months to 5 years having febrile seizure were enrolled as cases after taking proper consent by purposive sampling. Sixty age matched children with fever but no seizures were taken as control after taking proper consent. Children having a febrile seizure, developmental delay, hemorrhagic disorder, severe malnutrition or micronutrient deficiency and abnormal CSF findings were excluded from the study. In cases after control of seizure 2 ml of CSF was taken for cytology, biochemistry, Gram & AFB staining. Two milliliter of blood from cases as well as control was collected, released to EDTA bottle for Hb, MCV and MCHC. Again 2 ml of blood was taken in plain test tube for testing serum iron, TIBC and for serum ferritin. Serum iron, TIBC, serum ferritin was estimated by automated analyzer (PENTRA for serum iron, DADE BEHRING for TIBC, IMMULITE 1000 for serum ferritin). There was no significant difference between two groups regarding age (p>0.05), sex (p>0.05). High fever (p<0.001) and continuous fever (p<0.001) was significantly associated with febrile seizure. Seizure was generalized in all with positive family history in 83.3% cases. The Mean±SD of blood Hb (Case 9.8±1.6; Control 10.7±0.9), MCH (Case 22.1±2.3; Control 24.3±3.6) & serum ferritin (Case 55.1±29.3; Control 99.6±81.9) level were significantly low associated with febrile seizure (p<0.05). No significant difference was found between cases and control regarding MCV, serum iron and serum TIBC.