Synthesis, biological evaluation, and molecular docking study of some new rohitukine analogs as protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B inhibitors

Rohitukine (RH) was extracted from the stem bark of Dysoxylum binectariferum Hook. It was derivatized to different arylsulphanmides by treating with the corresponding aryl sulphonyl chlorides. These derivatives were tested in-vitro on protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) inhibition. Among these the active compounds K2, K3, K5, and K8 significantly inhibited the PTP1B by 51.3%, 65.6%, 71.9%, and 55.9% respectively at 10 µg/ml, the results were also supported by in-silico docking experiments. The most potent compound K5 was analyzed for antidiabetic and antidyslipidemic activity in vivo. It showed a marked reduction in blood glucose level (random and fasting) and serum insulin level in db/db mice. It improved glucose intolerance as ascertained by the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). These NCEs (New Chemical Entities) also lowered cholesterol and triglyceride profiles while improved high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in db/db mice. The K5 was further evaluated for antiadipogenic activity on MDI (Methylisobutylxanthine, dexamethasone, and insulin)-induced adipogenesis. where it significantly inhibited MDI-induced adipogenesis in 3 T3-L1 preadipocytes, at 10 µM and 20 µM concentration. These results were compared with the parent compound RH which inhibited 35% and 45% lipid accumulation while the RH analog K5 inhibited the lipid accumulation by 41% and 51% at 10 and 20 µM concentration, respectively. These results well corroborated with in-silico studies.

Analysis of Prognostic Factors in Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia in Neonates

Aim:

The aim is to study the demographic characteristics of neonates with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and to analyze the prognostic factors determining mortality.

Settings and Design:

A retrospective cohort of CDH admitted at a tertiary level hospital during January 2005–December 2017.

Materials and Methods:

All cases of CDH admitted to our tertiary care neonatal intensive care unit before undergoing surgery were included in the study. Babies admitted after surgery and those with eventration of the diaphragm were excluded from the study.

Results:

Thirty cases (66.66% males, 53.33% inborn, and 63.3% >37 weeks) formed the study cohort. Mean birth weight was 2762 ± 579.67 g and mean gestational age was 37.12 ± 1.76 weeks. About 56.66% of the cases were detected antenatally. The survival rate was 60%. Predictors of poor survival included herniation of the liver or stomach (P < 0.05), low Apgar score at 5 min (<5), presence of moderate-to-severe persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) (P < 0.001), presence of shock (P < 0.003), low partial pressure of oxygen, high alveolar–arterial oxygen gradient, and high oxygenation index during first 24 h.

Conclusions:

Majority of the neonates with CDH at our center were >37 weeks and survival was 60%. The predictors of adverse outcome were low Apgar score, presence of moderate-to-severe PPHN, need for higher ventilatory settings, and shock. Antenatal detection of diaphragmatic hernia did not impact survival rates.

Risk Factors for Urinary Tract Infections in Renal Allograft Recipients: Experience of a Tertiary Care Center in Hyderabad, South India

Renal transplantation is an effective and commonly performed procedure for end-stage renal disease. Urinary tract infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in renal transplant patients. As data on postrenal transplant urinary tract infections from the Indian subcontinent are limited, the present study was conducted to estimate the burden of urinary tract infections in this vulnerable group of patients. This was a prospective study on patients undergoing renal transplantation in 2014 at our tertiary hospital in South India with a follow-up of 2 years to evaluate the risk factors for urinary tract infections. The prevalence of urinary tract infections was 41.9% with a male preponderance of 76.9%. Mean age of the 31 patients was 32.4 ± 10.2 years (range: 16-55 years). Gram-negative bacilli were the most common isolates with Escherichia coli being the predominant pathogen (53.3%). All the infections occurred within 1 year of transplantation with delayed graft function (P < 0.001; confidence interval [CI]: 29.0-96.3) and prolonged hospital stay (P = 0.0281; CI: 42.1-99.6) being the significant risk factors for acquiring urinary tract infections. Carbapenemase production was noted in 33.3% of isolates and all the Gram-negative organisms isolated in the 1st month of transplantation were carbapenem-resistant (CR) E. coli. The high rate of carbapenem-resistant organisms in the early posttransplant period is a point of concern, especially with cadaver transplants. Infection control practices and catheter care need to be strictly monitored to minimize the risk for UTI in the immediate posttransplant period.

Utility of Acridine Orange staining for detection of bacteria from positive blood cultures

The diagnostic performance of AO stain was evaluated for the detection of bacteria and or fungi from positive blood cultures. The sensitivity of Gram stain (GS) was 98.26% while Acridine Orange (AO) stain proved to be more sensitive (100%) with a Positive and Negative Predictive Value of 100% each. The specificity of both the stains was 100%. Overall agreement between the two stains was 98.23% (688/700). The organisms that were missed by GS and positive by AO were Candida species (Sutton, 2006) and Gram negative bacilli (GNB) (Sutton, 2006). Sensitivity of GS was 82.35% and AO was 100% among mixed cultures. Immediate reporting of the results of AO stain would have a significant impact on clinical management of patients with serious blood stream infections.

Nanocrystalline SnS2coated onto reduced graphene oxide: demonstrating the feasibility of a non-graphitic anode with sulfide chemistry for potassium-ion batteries

An anode material incorporating a high capacity sulfide compound is reported for potassium-ion batteries.

X-Ray Diffraction of different samples of Swarna Makshika Bhasma

INTRODUCTION

Shodhana and Marana are a series of complex procedures that identify the undesirable effects of heavy metals/minerals and convert them into absorbable and assimilable forms. Study on the analytical levels is essential to evaluate the structural and chemical changes that take place during and after following such procedures as described in major classical texts to understand the mystery behind these processes. X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) helps to identify and characterize minerals/metals and fix up the particular characteristics pattern of prepared Bhasma.

AIM

To evaluate the chemical changes in Swarna Makshika Bhasma prepared by using different media and methods.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, raw Swarna Makshika, purified Swarna Makshika and four types of Swarna Makshika Bhasma prepared by using different media and methods were analyzed by XRD study.

RESULTS

XRD study of different samples revealed strongest peaks of iron oxide in Bhasma. Other phases of Cu2O, FeS2, Cu2S, FeSO4, etc., were also identified in many of the samples.

CONCLUSION

XRD study revealed that Swarna Makshika Bhasma prepared by Kupipakwa method is better, convenient, and can save time.

Rapid detection and differentiation of dengue virus serotypes by NS1 specific reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) assay in patients presenting to a tertiary care hospital in Hyderabad, India

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This research article highlights the development of an improved, inexpensive, faster, sensitive and specific RT-LAMP assay for detection and serotyping of DENV, targeting NS1 region using Genie II fluorometer.

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RT-LAMP or CDC Real time assay when used in combination with NS1 antigen and anti Dengue IgG and IgM Elisa increased the diagnostic coverage of febrile patients to 96%.

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Tm values and anneal curves displayed at the end of the reaction eliminates the need for gel electrophoresis or turbidity detection and allows for a closed-tube system thus reducing the cost of the assay.

Early and rapid detection of dengue virus (DENV) infection during the acute phase of illness is crucial for proper patient management and prevention of the spread of the infection. In the present study, the standardization and validation of a one step, four tube reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay (RT-LAMP) for rapid detection and serotyping of the DENV targeting NS1 gene using the Genie® II flourometer was carried out. The performance of the RT-LAMP was compared to RT-PCR, CDC 1-4 Real time PCR and the NS1 antigen ELISA, IgM and IgG anti DENV antibodies. Acute DENV infection was confirmed in 250/300 patients suspected clinically of DENV infection. RT- LAMP and CDC 1-4 Real time PCR assay was positive in 148/250 patients, while 92/250 patients were positive for anti- Dengue IgM and IgG antibodies. The RT-LAMP assay and the CDC real-time RT-PCR assay showed high concordance (k = 1.0). The detection rate of acute DENV infection improved to 96% (240/250) when the results of RT-LAMP were combined with NS1 Ag, IgM and IgG ELISA. The RT-LAMP had a detection limit of 100 copies for DEN-1 and DEN-2, 10 copies for DEN-3 and DEN-4 compared to 1000 copies for DEN-1 and DEN-2, 100 copies for DEN-3 and DEN-4 by the conventional RT-PCR. The assay showed 100% specificity. The RT-LAMP assay developed in this study has potential use for early clinical diagnosis, serotyping and surveillance of DENV infection in endemic countries such as India.

Perceptions and preferences of medical students regarding teaching methods in a Medical College, Mangalore India

INTRODUCTION

In the complex setting of a medical school it becomes essential to utilize an approach to teaching and learning that is best suited to the needs of the students. In developing countries like India, where there is an exponential increase of institutions catering to medical students, it becomes a challenge to teach to large number of students per class. Hence, research is needed to identify the needs of students in relation to their day to day learning activities.

OBJECTIVES

To understand the preferences and perception of medical students about the current methods of teaching, aids used for teaching and also identify barriers in learning as perceived by the students.

METHOD

A Cross-sectional study was carried out at Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore during May 2012. Study participants included 2(nd) and 3(rd) year medical students. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect the information in relation to preferences and perceptions regarding teaching methods utilized for theory and clinical teaching. SPSS version 11.5 was used for analysis of data. The association between variables of interest was tested using Chi-square test.

RESULTS

A total of 286 students (56.6 % females and 43.4% males) participated with a dropout rate of 10.6%. The study revealed that 71.3% of the students had an attendance above 75%. The most preferred teaching method was Problem Based Learning (PBL) (71.4%) as students felt that it enhanced lateral thinking while Didactic Lectures was the least preferred (32.8%). The most preferred modality of teaching aid was found to be Black board preferred by 46.9% students. In learning rare signs and cases, students preferred video lectures (41%) and mannequins (75.9%) in learning clinical skills. The main barrier in theory learning identified was inappropriate teaching methods (15%) and being new to clinical posting (38.5%) in case of learning clinical skills.

CONCLUSION

The findings of the study suggest that a combination of traditional methods with other methods such as PBL, video lectures and mannequins could be an effective way of teaching theory and clinical skills.

Removal of caffeine from industrial wastewater using Trichosporon asahii

Caffeine (1,3,7-trimethylxanthine), a natural alkaloid present mainly in tea and coffee products has been suggested as an environmental pollutant. Decaffeination is an important process for the removal of caffeine from coffee industrial wastes. In the present study, caffeine removal (through degradation) by yeast isolate, Trichosporon asahii immobilized on various conventional matrices (sodium alginate, carboxymethyl cellulose, chitosan, agar and agarose) was investigated using the method of entrapment. The biofilm forming ability of T. asahii was monitored by atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Exopolysaccharide produced by T asahii biofilm was characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy and HPLC analysis. Caffeine removal from coffee processing industrial effluent was found to be 75 and 80 % by alginate immobilized yeast and yeast biofilm formed on gravels over a period of 48 hr in batch mode. Effectiveness of the process was also tested involving the continuous--flow column studies.

A rare concomitant tubercular and Fonsecaea pedrosoi fungal infection of the skull base

Tuberculosis of the skull base and middle ear cavity is very rare. Infection with neurotropic fungi Fonsecaea pedrosoi is rare, which usually presents as brain abscess. We herein present an unusual case of concomitant tuberculosis and fungal (Fonsecaea pedrosoi) infections involving the middle ear cleft extending and destroying the craniovertebral junction.

Microbiological spectrum of brain abscess at a tertiary care hospital in South India: 24-year data and review

Intracranial abscesses are life-threatening infections that pose a diagnostic challenge not only to the neurosurgeon but also to the microbiologists. Detailed studies documenting the spectrum of infecting agents involved in brain abscesses are limited from India. Materials and Methods. This is a retrospective analysis of 352 samples from 1987 to 2010 analyzed at a tertiary care hospital in South India from 1987 to 2010, to document the changing trends with time. Results. The age of the patients ranged from 2 to 80 years, a larger number of males being affected. Otogenic infections were the most common cause while cryptogenic abscesses were 20%. Gram stain and culture positivity were 78% each. Gram-positive and negative facultative aerobes and obligate anaerobes were also on the rise. Unusual organisms, like Burkholderia pseudomallei, Salmonella typhi, Nocardia species, Cladosporium bantiana, Fonsecaea pedrosoi, Entamoeba histolytica, and Acanthamoeba were also isolated and/or detected from the brain abscesses aspirate or resected tissue. Summary. New and emerging pathogens associated with brain abscess, especially in immunosuppressed individuals, have renewed the necessity of an early detection, and it will be of great value in appropriate management of patients with brain abscess.

Diversity of Apple mosaic virus Isolates in India Based on Coat Protein and Movement Protein Genes

Apple mosaic virus (ApMV), an Ilarvirus is one of the most common pathogens of apple worldwide. During field surveys in commercial plantations of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir, observations of bright chlorotic mosaic like symptoms on apple trees indicated probable infection by the virus, which was later detected by double antibody sandwich-enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (DAS-ELISA). An incidence of 24 and 28% (based on ELISA) was obtained as 6/25 and 15/53 samples from HP and J&K were positive, respectively. An amplification of approximately 700 and 850 bp was obtained for coat and movement protein genes (CP and MP), respectively. The CP was 223 amino acids in length and showed 87-99% identity when compared to 21 ApMV isolates. Whereas, MP (286 amino acids) showed 91-95% identity with other isolates. However, the gene sequences were quite conserved among Indian isolates and grouped together phylogenetically. CP of the Indian isolates showed maximum identity of 95% with Korean isolate (AY 125977) in apple and in other host these showed a maximum identity of 98% to Czech Republic pear isolate. MP showed maximum identity with Chinese isolate i.e., 95%. The diversity study will also help in analyzing variability among the isolates and also to formulate diagnostic and resistance strategies.

Gedunin and photogedunin of Xylocarpus granatum show significant anti-secretory effects and protect the gastric mucosa of peptic ulcer in rats

In the present study, the gastroprotective mechanism of Xylocarpus granatum fruit and its active constituents gedunin and photogedunin was investigated. Chloroform fraction (Fr-CHCl(3)) of X. granatum fruit was evaluated against cold restraint (CRU), aspirin (AS), alcohol (AL) and pyloric ligation (PL) induced gastric ulcer models in rats and histamine (HA) induced duodenal ulcer model in guinea pigs. Potential anti-ulcer activity of Fr-CHCl(3) was observed against CRU (58.28%), AS (67.81%), AL (84.38%), PL (65.66%) and HA (61.93%) induced ulcer models. The standard drug omeprazole (10mg/kg, p.o.) showed 68.25% protection against CRU, 57.08% against AS and 69.42% against PL model and 70.79% against HA induced duodenal ulcer. Sucralfate, another standard drug (500 mg/kg, p.o.) showed 62.72% protection in AL induced ulcer model. Fr-CHCl(3) significantly reduced free acidity (51.42%), total acidity (30.76%) and upregulated mucin secretion by 58.37% respectively. Phytochemical investigations of Fr-CHCl(3) yielded gedunin (36%), photogedunin (2%). Further, Fr-CHCl(3) and its compounds gedunin and photogedunin significantly inhibited H(+) K(+)-ATPase activity in vitro with IC(50) of 89.37, 56.86 and 66.54 microg/ml respectively as compared to the IC(50) value of omeprazole (30.24 microg/ml) confirming their anti-secretory activity. Conclusively, Fr-CHCl(3) of Xylocarpus granatum was found to possess anti-ulcerogenic activity which might be due to its anti-secretory activity and subsequent strengthening of the defensive mechanism. This study is the first of its kind to show significant anti-secretory effect of gedunin and photogedunin. Therefore it could act as a potent therapeutic agent against peptic ulcer disease.

Therapeutic uses of Swarnamakshika Bhasma (A Critical Review)

Mineral drugs play an important role in Ayurvedic therapeutics. Looking to the superiority of the metals and minerals to that of herbal and animal drugs, the Rasavaidyas went on experimenting clinical trials over lot of metals and minerals and systematically separated some of them which were exclusively active therapeutically. Swarnamakshika is one such mineral which after proper purification and incineration become highly potent and utilised for diseases like Jwara, Pandu, Prameha, Shwasa, Kasa, Kushtha, Anidra, Apasmar etc.

Cerebral phaeohyphomycosis due to Cladophialophora bantiana

Cladophialophora bantiana, a dematiaceous fungus and a member of the family Phaeohyphomycetes, is primarily a neurotropic fungus causing central nervous system (CNS) infection. We report a case of a well preserved, young adult male presenting with a capsuloganglionic abscess caused by C. bantiana, a rare entity. Diagnosis was made based on the mycology and histopathology findings of the aspirate from the abscess through a burr hole. The patient responded clinically to amphotericin B.

East Central South African genotype as the causative agent in reemergence of Chikungunya outbreak in India

Chikungunya fever is an important arboviral infection prevalent throughout Africa and Southeast Asia. Recently, in 2006, it has reemerged in many parts of India, affecting more than a million persons. A detail serological, virological, and molecular investigation of this unprecedented outbreak was carried out by collecting and studying 540 samples from all the affected regions of India during this epidemic. An in-depth investigation revealed the presence of anti-Chikungunya antibodies in 68% of the samples and genomic RNA in 49% of them. In addition 32 Chikungunya viruses were isolated from 45 representative polymerase chain reaction-positive samples. The nucleotide sequences of partial E1 gene of 25 representative Chikungunya viruses were deciphered. The sequence analysis indicated that all the isolates of this epidemic belonged to the new Indian Ocean island clade of East Central South (ECS) African genotype. This study conclusively proved the genotype shift from Asian to ECS African as the major factor in the reemergence of Chikungunya in an unprecedented outbreak in India after a gap of 32 years.

Wound healing in guinea pigs after topical application of starfish Pentaceraster regulus extract

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the healing efficacy of Pentaceraster regulus (starfish) aqueous-methanol extract on cutaneous wounds in guinea pigs.

METHOD

Freshly collected starfish were washed with distilled water and soaked in methanol for transportation. After filtering, soaking and concentration, the extract was fractionated into chloroform soluble (5g), 50% aqueous-methanol soluble (20g) and insoluble fractions (25g). Primary screening demonstrated moderate wound-healing activity in male Swiss-strain guinea pigs, so further fractionation into chloroform, 50% aqueous-methanol and insoluble fractions was undertaken.Wound-healing activity was concentrated only in the aqueous-methanol fraction, so this was used for the study. Animals received either 1% aqueous-methanol extract, the vehicle alone or 5% providone-iodine. The following were measured: wound area,wound tensile strength, DNA, total protein and hydroxyproline levels in excised granulation tissue. Histological changes were observed under microscope.

RESULTS

Extract-treated wounds healed faster, indicated by a significant contraction in wound area (42%). Cellular proliferation and collagen synthesis at the wound site increased, demonstrated by increase in DNA (33%), protein (29%) and hydroxyproline (37%) content when compared with the controls and povidone-iodine-treated animals (standard care). These findings were confirmed by histological examination. Proper folding of collagen was demonstrated by a significant increase in tensile strength (34%).

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that the aqueous-methanol extract of starfish P. regulus promotes wound-healing activity.

Emergency department based HIV screening: an opportunity for early diagnosis in high prevalent areas

The Emergency Medicine Department (EMD) is an ideal place for public health interventions and provides ready access to the health care system, offering a great opportunity for HIV testing and counselling. Between 2003 and 2005, rapid test was requested for 59.39% of 10,752 cases from EMD, where as ELISA was requested for 40.61%. Of the 317 HIV reactive cases, available medical records of 249 were reviewed for epidemiological and clinical information. Nearly 42% of total reactive cases detected in our Institute were from EMD. Three percent (317/10,752) were diagnosed as HIV reactive, 1.52% of the total samples were reactive by rapid test and the other 1.43% by ELISA. Two and half percent (163/6386) of those who had rapid testing and 3.53% (154/4366) who had ELISA testing, were identified as HIV reactive. All these cases were diagnosed within a mean EMD stay of 2.5 days. Eighty-five percent of HIV reactive individuals were unaware of their reactive status. Additional 53 cases of asymptomatic spouses were diagnosed as HIV reactive, thus making it possible to seek early treatment for HIV infection. The study emphasizes the importance of offering HIV testing to all patients who present to emergency department.

Development and evaluation of a 1-step duplex reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for differential diagnosis of chikungunya and dengue infection

Dengue (DEN) and chikungunya (CHIK) have emerged as the 2 most important arboviral infections of global significance. The similarities in clinical presentations, their circulation in the same geographic area, and the transmission through the same vector necessitate an urgent need for the differential diagnosis of these 2 infections. So far, no single assay is reported for differential diagnosis of these 2 infections. In this study, we report the development and evaluation of a 1-step single-tube duplex reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (D-RT-PCR) assay by targeting E1 gene of CHIK and C-prM gene junction of DEN virus (DENV), respectively. The sensitivity of this assay was found to be better than conventional virus isolation and could detect as low as 100 copies of genomic RNA, which is equivalent to respective virus-specific RT-PCR. The evaluation was carried out with 360 clinical samples from recent CHIK and DEN outbreaks in India. This assay could also be able to detect dual infection of CHIK and DEN in 3 patients. The phylogenetic analysis based on the nucleotide sequencing of D-RT-PCR amplicon could precisely identify the genotypes of all the serotypes of DENV and CHIK viruses (CHIKV). These findings demonstrate the potential clinical and epidemiologic application of D-RT-PCR for rapid sensitive detection, differentiation, and genotyping of DENV and CHIKV in clinical samples.

Ovarian pregnancy

Ovarian pregnancy is a rare form of extrauterine pregnancy contributing < 3% of ectopic pregnancies. We report an ovarian pregnancy in a 23-year female.

Evaluation of the Murex HIV Ag/Ab Combination assay when used with dried blood spots

This study evaluated the ability of the Murex HIV Ag/Ab Combination assay to detect human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibodies in 12 617 dried blood spots (DBSs) on filter paper. The assay had an overall sensitivity of 99.6% and a specificity of 99.9%. In view of its ability to detect p24 antigen and both HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibodies in samples collected in the form of DBSs, the Murex Ag/Ab Combination assay is suitable for use as a standard screening assay for seroprevalence studies, as well as for routine diagnostic use in clinical laboratories.

Sensitivity pattern of gram negative bacilli to three beta-lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitor combinations using the automated API system

PURPOSE

To evaluate the spectrum of activity of three beta-lactamase inhibitors such as amoxicillin/ clavulanic acid, ticarcillin/ clavulanic acid and piperacillin/ tazobactam in comparison to cephalosporins against gram negative bacilli.

METHODS

Gram-negative bacilli isolated from the clinical specimens received in the laboratory were included in the study. Using the API system (bioMiotarieux) during a one-year period, a total of 1,252 Enterobacteriaceae and 385 non-fermenters were evaluated.

RESULTS

The percentage resistance of the Enterobacteriaceae isolates was 82.92% to amoxicillin/ clavulanic acid, 58.22% to ticarcillin/clavulanic acid and 22.44% to piperacillin/tazobactam respectively. Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed resistance of 96% to ticarcillin/ clavulanic acid and 61% to piperacillin/ tazobactam and Acinetobacter baumannii showed 49% resistance to ticarcillin/ clavulanic acid and 77% resistance to piperacillin/ tazobactam respectively. The isolates exhibited high resistance to all the generations of cephalosporins and the other groups of antibiotics except carbapenems.

CONCLUSIONS

Piperacillin/tazobactam was found to be the most active combination of the three against Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas spp. and ticarcillin/clavulanic acid against Acinetobacter spp. and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia.

Evaluation of commercially available third-generation anti-hepatitis C virus enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in patients on haemodialysis

Restricted antibody reactivity to hepatitis C virus (HCV) synthetic peptides has been observed in HCV-infected patients on haemodialysis (HD). The aim of this study was to evaluate third-generation anti-HCV enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test systems containing either synthetic peptide HCV antigens or recombinant HCV antigens or a combination of synthetic and recombinant antigens in screening of 69 chronic renal failure patients on HD for HCV infection. Seven patients were detected to have antibodies to HCV by the 'recombinant HCV antigens'-containing kits, of which the recombinant immunoblot assay for HCV confirmed four cases. The recombinant kits had a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 66%. However, the ELISA kits with only synthetic HCV antigens failed to detect antibodies in any of the cases (zero sensitivity). Hence a recombinant protein containing ELISA test system is ideal for screening of HCV infection in patients on hemodialysis.

Serodiagnosis of dengue virus infection in patients presenting to a tertiary care hospital

Dengue is an acute infectious disease of viral etiology. It is probably one of the most important arthropod borne viral disease in terms of human morbidity and mortality. The spectrum of disease ranges from self-limited dengue fever to more severe forms of dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) or dengue shock syndrome (DSS). Laboratory diagnosis of dengue virus infection mainly depends on detection of virus specific antibodies. The aim of the study was to correlate the serological results with clinical presentation in patients with a diagnosis of dengue. Eleven out of 15 (73.3%) patients with DHF and DSS had secondary antibody response and mortality was 100% in these patients.