Two separate studies (study I and study II) were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of ELISA serological test for the detection of IgG antibodies against specific glycolipid antigen (PGLTb1) and ESAT 6 antigen of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, respectively. These results were compared with bacteriological tests [Ziehl Neelson (ZN) staining for acid-fast bacilli and culture on Lowenstein Jensen (LJ) medium] and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting IS6110 sequence. Both studies were carried out on children with pulmonary, central nervous system, lymph node, and gastrointestinal tuberculosis along with matching controls (65 cases and 27 controls for study I and 83 cases and 22 controls for study II). Informed consents of their parents or guardians were taken. They were subjected to clinical examination, relevant laboratory investigations, tuberculin test and chest radiograph. Relevant body fluids were subjected to bacteriological tests and PCR. Sera samples were analyzed for antibodies against PGLTbl and ESAT 6 antigen in study I and study II, respectively. ELISA tests showed a significantly higher sensitivity (49% study I; 53%, study II) as compared with LJ medium culture method (15.4%, study I; 28.9% study II) and ZN staining (27.7%, study I; 20.5%, study II) in all patients (p < 0.05). The results were comparable with PCR (40%, study I; 42.2% study II). Specificity of ELISA test was 100% in all the patients except in those with pulmonary disease (92.8%, study I; 84.8%, study II). In view of the convenience, low cost and comparable sensitivity with PCR, these ELISA tests have a promising future in the diagnosis of childhood tuberculosis.
Introduction: Thalassemias are inherited blood disorders characterized by abnormal hemoglobin production. There are two main types, alpha thalassemia, and beta-thalassemia. Beta Thalassemia Major (also called Cooley's Anemia) is a serious illness. Symptoms appear in the first two years of life and include paleness of the skin, poor appetite, irritability, and failure to grow. There is absent or decreased production of normal hemoglobin, resulting in microcytic anemia of varying degrees. The thalassemias have a distribution concomitant with areas where P. falciparum malaria is common. The alpha thalassemias are concentrated in Southeast Asia, Malaysia, and southern China. The beta thalassemias are seen primarily in the areas surrounding the Mediterranean Sea, Africa, and Southeast Asia. Proper treatment includes routine blood transfusions and other therapies which can lead to iron overload and contraction of infections such as HIV, HCV, and HBV shortening the life span of patients. On the other hand, inadequate transfusions may lead to severe anemia and debility. Material and Methods: This retrospective record-based cross-sectional study was conducted in S.N. Medical College, Agra. Results: In our tertiary center, we have 103 registered patients of thalassemia, in which 44 are females and 59 are males. Out of the 103 thalassemia cases, 95 (92.2%) belonged to beta-thalassemia major, 4(3.8%) of betathalassemia intermediate, and 1 (0.9%) of beta-thalassemia minor category. Fever was the most common presenting symptom. Pallor and hepatomegaly were the most common signs among cases. Conclusion: Hemoglobinopathies are the commonest hereditary disorders in India and pose a major health problem. The data on the prevalence of β-thalassemias and other hemoglobinopathies in different caste/ethnic groups of India is scarce.
Background: Leprosy is among the world's oldest and most dreaded diseases and it has been synonymous with stigma and discrimination due to the hideous deformities it produced, mystery around its aetiology and transmission and lack of any effective remedy till recently. Leprosy is characterized by a long and variable incubation period and a chronic clinical course. Diagnosis of leprosy is essentially based on clinical features. Although the majority of cases can be diagnosed clinically yet alternative methods for diagnosis are required especially for early cases. The present study is aimed to assess the diagnostic value of anti PGL-1 antibody and Interferon Gamma Inducible Protein (IP-10) and to compare these techniques with skin smear. Materials and Methods: A prospective study was done on 30 patients below 16 years of age between March 2014 to March 2015. Results: In this study 13 / 30 (43.33%) cases were positive by Anti PGL-1 antibody based ELISA and 12/30 (40%) by IP-10 based ELISA against 9/ 30 (30.00%) cases by skin smears for AFB. Hence Anti PGL-1 and IP-10 based ELISA has more diagnostic value than slit skin smear for AFB in confirmation of leprosy cases. Conclusion: This study supports that Anti PGL-1 antibody and Interferon Gamma induced protein (IP-10) enhance the diagnostic yield of leprosy when compared to routine skin smears stained by Z.N staining. They are important diagnostic tools for definitive diagnosis in early cases of leprosy.
Introduction:In India, Dengue epidemics are becoming more frequent. The majority of dengue virus infection are self limiting, but complications may cause substantial morbidity and mortality. Methods: In this retrospective study, medical records were reviewed and analyzed. Patients were classified into dengue with and without warning sign and severe dengue (DHF/DSS). Objectives: To assess clinical profile of dengue infection in children less than 18 years of age and to evaluate outcome of dengue fever admitted from June to December 2018, in Department of Pediatrics, Sarojini Naidu Medical College, Agra. Results: A total of 50 dengue positive patients were classified into dengue with or without warning signs 42(84%) and 8 (16%) severe dengue cases. The most commonly involved children were male between 5-10 yr (36%) of age group followed by 1-5 yr (34%). Most common clinical manifestation was fever observed in 96% cases followed by rash (66%), pain abdomen (52%) and vomiting in 26% cases.46% cases of dengue had warning signs. Most common clinical and radiological findings were ascites seen in 24% cases followed by pleural effusion. Elevation of Aspartate Transaminase (SGOT) in 82% and thrombocytopenia was seen in 60% cases. Conclusion: High grade fever, vomiting, abdominal pain and skin rash with normal or low platelet count were varying clinical presentation. Early clinical suspicion and diagnosis with prompt management accompanied by preventive measures can prevent morbidity and the mortality associated with dengue.
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