Abstract. In the present paper similarity solutions for the convective flow induced by buoyancy in a saturated porous medium adjacent to horizontal impermeable surfaces are obtained. The analysis incorporates the variation of permeability from the wall and expressions for boundary layer thickness, local and overall surface heat-flux are obtained. Applications of the results to convective flows in a geothermal reservoir are discussed.

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Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are continuing to be a major risk in health care settings. World Health Organization (WHO) describes surgical site infections (SSIs) as one among the major health issue, causing enormous burden to both patients as well as doctors. Multidrug-resistant pathogens that cause SSIs continue to be an ongoing and increasing challenge to health care settings. The objective of the present study was to know the prevalence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing gram-negative bacilli causing SSIs at a tertiary healthcare facility. The present cross-sectional observational study was done for a period of one year. Pus samples from clinically suspected cases of SSIs were collected and subjected to bacterial culture and sensitivity testing. From the total of 140 samples collected, a total of 138 bacterial isolates were isolated. Out of 138 isolates, 85 isolates (61.6%) were identified as gram-negative bacilli of which 33 isolates (38.8%) were identified to be ESBL phenotypes. The majority of the ESBL phenotypes were Escherichia coli (25.9%) followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (7%), Acinetobacter species (2.4%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (2.4%) and Proteus species (1.2%). Regular surveillance of antibiotic sensitivity pattern and screening for beta-lactamase production should be done which helps to know the trends of pathogenic bacteria causing SSI and guides in planning antibiotic therapy.

Introduction: Blood transfusion is a lifesaving essential therapeutic procedure in many medical and surgical instances, as there is no genuine substitution. Even though it can save many human lives, in some instances it can transmit infectious diseases which are fatal. Amongst the undesirable complications due to blood transfu-sion, transmission of certain Transfusion Transmissible Infections (TTIs) like HIV, HBV, HCV and Syphilis are the most significant long term detrimental side effects. Hence meticulous pre transfusion testing and screening particularly for TTIs is the need of the hour. Objectives: To determine the prevalence and trend of HIV, HBV, HCV and Syphilis among the blood donors. Materials and Methods: The study was done at Blood bank, Chigateri District Hospital, attached to J J M Medical College, Davangere. Data was collected for a period of 5 years, from January 2010 to December 2014. All the blood samples were screened for HIV, HBV and HCV by ELISA and Syphilis by Rapid Plasma Reagin test (RPR). Results: A total of 27, 300 blood donors were screened during the study period, out of which 85.5% were voluntary donors and 14.5 % were replacement donors. Among the blood donors screened, seroprevalence of HIV, HBV, HCV and Syphilis was 0.25 %, 1.99 %, 0.02 % and 0.004 % respectively. Conclusion: Blood transfusion should be strictly done only during an absolute need. To give utmost importance to continue screening donated blood, with highly sensitive and specific tests and to counsel positive donors for any above infections. Keywords : Transfusion Transmitted infections , Human immunodeficiency virus , Hepatitis B virus , Hepatitis C virus , Syphilis , Blood donors

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is the most common type of hospital-acquired infection-causing public health problems. The study was undertaken to know the aerobic bacteriology of SSI with special reference to the detection of metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL) and AmpC beta-lactamases among Gram-negative bacilli. Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted in 140 patients clinically suspected to have SSIs. Samples were collected from patients after considering inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: Out of 85 Gram-negative bacilli, 9 isolates (10.6%) were Amp C producers. Out of a total of 85 Gram-negative bacilli, 3 isolates (3.5%) were MBL producers. Two isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and 1 isolate of Acinetobacter spp. were positive for MBL production. In the present study, MBL production was seen in 3.5%, of Gram-negative bacilli. Conclusions: Early identification of such resistant strains is important to plan the appropriate antibiotic therapy. Strict infection control practices and judicious use of available antibiotics are essential to prevent the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains.

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