A total of 23 clinical isolates (15 Escherichia coli and 8 Klebsiella pneumoniae), resistant to cefotaxime and ceftazidime recovered during 2002 and 2003, were investigated for production of CTX-M extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) by phenotypic and molecular methods. The presence of ESBL was tested by NCCLS phenotypic conÞ rmatory test using cephalosporin/clavulanate combination discs and E-test ESBL strips. Determination of MIC of cefotaxime and ceftazidime was done with and without the presence of clavulanic acid by agar dilution technique. Polymerase chain reaction revealed the presence of CTX-M type ESBLs in 19 isolates. Further sequencing resulted in identiÞ cation of CTX-M-15 ESBLs. This is the Þ rst report identifying CTX-M type ESBL from clinical isolates of E. coli and K. pneumoniae from a tertiary care hospital in south India.

In this study, 187 consecutive neonates suspected of having septicaemia were investigated for isolation of micro organisms. Two samples of blood were collected for isolation of aerobes and anaerobes. Cultures were positive in 75 (40%) cases. Aerobic bacteria were the major etiological agent, accounting for 93% of positives including the 8% cases showing polymicrobial etiology. Anaerobic bacteria and Candida species were isolated in 6.6% and 8% of positive cases respectively. Bacteroides fragilis (amongst anaerobic) and Staphylococcus aureus (amongst aerobic) were the predominant organisms isolated. Clinical presentations were not specifically different to distinguish aerobic from anaerobic bacteria. In the present study, 6.6% of bacteremias were due to anaerobes, hence possibility of some of the bactermias being due to anaerobes should be kept in mind while treating cases of neonatal septicaemia. For a complete microbial profile both aerobic and anaerobic cultures should be done.

Nowadays, most lecture classes are conducted using PowerPoint presentations, assuming that incorporation of computer technologies would enhance student learning and sustain interest in the topic. But is it fulfilling its purpose? Therefore, to understand the student perspective on this issue, 72 students of II MBBS were given a questionnaire, wherein they were asked to choose as to which method of presentation is the preferred one for the various given attributes. Chalk board (CB) and Power Point (PP) were the two methods that were compared. According to the students, clarity of words, illustrations, real pictures and summarizations were some of the attributes best dealt with on PP, whereas, explanations, clarity of concepts and learning to draw diagrams are better done on a CB. Majority of students feel that both CB and PP should be used simultaneously in all classes. An appropriate and discrete mix of both PP and CB would be beneficial for enhancing student learning and achievement.

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