Bartholin's glands are prone to obstruction at their opening into the vestibule, forming cysts which could be infected to become gland abscess. In our unit, treatment of Bartholin's abscess is usually surgical. In addition to surgical treatment, antimicrobial agents are often administered before microbial culture results are known. In this study, we aimed to determine the most common pathogens in Bartholin's glands abscess in our local population so that empiric antimicrobial therapy, if required, could be correctly directed. Among the 78 cases reviewed, there was positive microbial culture in 73.9%. Bartholin's abscess was commonly caused by opportunistic organisms, either as single agents or polymicrobial infections. Aerobic organisms were the commonest with coliforms being the most common bacteria. No cases of N. gonorrhoea or C. trachomatis were encountered. Flucloxacillin as a single agent was the most frequently prescribed antibiotic. Poly-pharmacy was common practice. It was concluded that whether adjuvant antibiotic therapy is necessary following surgical treatment of Bartholin's abscess is still controversial. Where antibiotics are required, the optimal initial therapy is not known. As poly-microbial infections are common, a broad spectrum agent like co-amoxiclav may be suitable for empirical treatment until culture results are known.

Background: Electrocardiogram (ECG) waveforms are influenced by physiological, pathological, and psychological factors. Acute mental stress affects the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis resulting in alterations in various physiological functions of the body particularly the cardiovascular system. Objective: To study the ECG changes during acute mental stress and also to understand the reasons for the changes in ECG caused by acute mental stress. Materials and Methods: ECG was recorded in relaxed state and in acute stress state in healthy male subjects in the age group of 18-24 years. ECG recordings in relaxed state were compared with those in acute stress state. Result: Increased heart rate, decreased PR interval, decreased QT interval, and prolonged QTc interval were observed in ECGs in acute stress state which were statistically significant. Also an increase in QRS duration and change in QRS axis were observed during acute stress which were statistically not significant. Conclusion: Increased sympathetic activity caused by acute mental stress may be the cause for this altered electrical activity of the heart.

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