: ESBLs (Extended spectrum beta lactamases) are detected routinely in most laboratories but Amp c Beta lactamases are neglected to large extent. Pseudosusceptibility seen in Amp C producers leads to resistance to extended-spectrum cephalosporins resulting in inappropriate antimicrobial regimens and therapeutic failure. Thus, there is a need to know an appropriate phenotypic method for easy detection of Amp C β-lactamases as they have clinical relevance. : To detect and compare different phenotypic methods for Amp C β-lactamases in Gram-negative clinical isolates of Enterobacteriaceae family A prospective study was done at Mamata Medical college, Khammam for period of three months. Phenyl boronic acid method, Cefoxitin Cloxacillin-Double disc synergy test, TRIS EDTA method, Disc approximation test were done on isolates after screening by Cefoxitin disc.: Out of 140 isolates tested, 80(57%) were positive (resistant) for screening test by cefoxitin. Out of them 61(76.2%) were Escherichia coli, 16 (20.1%) isolates were Klebsiella pneumoniae and 3 (3.75%) were Enterobacter sp. Phenotypic confirmatory methods by Cefoxitin Cloxacillin Double disc Synergy (CC-DDS) test showed zone difference of >4mm in 38(47.5%) isolates , by Phenylboronic acid method (PBA) > 5mm zone difference was observed in 34(42.5%) isolates, by TRIS EDTA method 32 (40%) showed indentation near EDTA disc and by Disc approximation test 32(40%) were positive for Amp C production. E coli was the commonest isolate showing Amp c production by all four methods.: CC-DDS method has better detection rate compared to other phenotypic confirmatory methods. We suggest CC-DDS method as it is easy to perform.

Introduction: Transfusion of blood and blood products is lifesaving in clinical situations but sometimes it is also a potential source of infection to patients who receive it. Screening for TTIs (Transfusion Transmissible Infections) have a significant role in in preventing morbidity and mortality of patients receiving blood from blood banks. Aims and Objective: To determine seroprevalence of transfusion transmissible infections among blood group donors in Khammam district of Telangana. Materials and Methods: A Retrospective cross sectional study was carried out on all donors in blood bank of a tertiary care hospital at Mamata Medical college, Khammam for three years. Screening tests for HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), HBV (Hepatitis B Virus), HCV (Hepatitis C Virus), Malaria and Syphilis included Rapid and ELISA test kits. Results: Among 5757 donors, 5674 (98.5%) were male and 93(1.5%) were female donors. Overall seroprevalence in a 3 years study showed positivity of 0.42% in HBV, 0.01% in HCV, 0.07% in HIV. More of younger age group donors of 20-25 years were seropositive in HIV, whereas for HBV it was 26-30 years age group. O+ve was the commonest blood group observed showing seropositivity in all three. None of the patients were positive for syphilis or malaria in 3 years study period. Conclusion:We conclude that seroprevalence of HBV was significantly higher than other infections in our area. Seropositivity for Syphilis and Malaria was not seen in our area.

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Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) is the saline wash of the bronchial tree, which aids in diagnosing various pulmonary pathologies. The present study was contemplated with an aim to know the clinical, microbiological profile of BAL samples along with its sensitivity pattern and to assess its utility as a diagnostic tool. This was a prospective observational study, carried over 90 patients presenting with lower respiratory tract infections. The total microbial recovery rate from BAL was 39 (43.3%). The sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value of BAL were found to be 76.4%, 89.7% and 90.6% respectively. Maximum isolates were bacteria (25.5%) followed by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) (16.6%) and fungi (1.1%). Predominant bacterial isolates were Gram-negative (81.5%) compared to Gram-positive (18.5%). Multidrug resistance (MDR) in bacteria was seen in 59.2% of isolates. BAL is a valuable diagnostic tool to find not only bacterial but mycobacterial and fungal infections in patients with lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI). A trend towards LRTI with Gram-negative infections is on the rise and they tend to be multidrug-resistant. Hence checking susceptibility patterns is crucial to start evidence-based treatment.

Background: In January 2021, India’s drug regulator issued restricted emergency approval for COVISHIELD and COVAXIN, which were manufactured in India. In mid-January 2021, in India, there were 10.5 million confirmed cases and 0.15 million deaths. The objectives were to evaluate vaccine effectiveness (VE) of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines made in India against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus disease 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Materials and Methods: A test-negative case-control study was conducted from May 2021 to December 2021 for a duration of 8 months among people attending a reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) center at a medical college hospital for RT-PCR test for SARS-CoV-2. The baseline characteristics and RT-PCR report were collected from the RT-PCR center. The exposure to COVID-19 vaccines was enquired via phone call or was checked with data available with the health authorities. Results: After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria and case and control definitions, a total of 380 participants (95 cases and 285 controls) were included. The adjusted VE of two doses of COVISHIED vaccine against symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection was 52.2% (41.7 to 62.1), and that of a single dose was 40.88% (31.26 to 51.29). The adjusted VE of two doses of COVAXIN vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 infection was 39% (29.40 to 49.27). The overall VE was 48.20% (37.90 to 58.22) for two doses of any vaccines. Conclusions: Vaccines made in India were nearly 50% effective. Further new studies should be conducted as new variants of SARS-CoV-2 are emerging. We do not know the VE against the variants, and whether booster doses are required or not is not yet established.