During the COVID-19 pandemic, several laboratories used different RNA extraction methods based on the resources available. Hence this study was done to compare the Ct values in qRT-PCR, time taken (sample processing-loading to PCR), manpower requirement, and cost of consumables between manual and automated methods. Materials and methodsA cross-sectional study was done on 120 nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal swabs received in VRDL for RT-PCR testing. Based on the results of automated RNA extraction (Genetix, HT 96 Purifier) and RT-PCR (Trivitron PCR Kit) detecting E gene (screening) and ORF gene (confirmatory), the division into Group-I (Ct 15-22), Group-II (Ct 23-29), Group-III (Ct 30-36) and Group-IV (Ct >36) was done. Manual RNA extraction was done using magnetic beads (Lab system, Trivitron). Statistical analysisData were analyzed by SPSS 19.0 version software. Ct values obtained in the two methods were compared by paired t-test, GroupWise. Z test was used to compare the other parameters. ResultsThe difference in Ct values for target genes was statistically significant (p<0.05) in Group-I to III; however, no variation in result interpretation. The difference in time, manpower, and cost were statistically significant (p<0.05). The manual method required twice more manpower; 40 minutes more time & automated method cost 3.5 times more for consumables. ConclusionThe study showed that RNA yield was better with automated extraction in comparison to manual extraction. The samples extracted by the automated method detected the virus at a lower Ct range by PCR than the manual method. Automated method processed samples in less time and with less manpower. Considering the cost factor, manual extraction can be preferred in resource-limited settings as there was no difference in the results of the test. The manual method requires more hands-on time with potential chances of crosscontamination and technical errors.

Objective: To determine the baseline Widal titre in apparently healthy adult population of Hubli-Dharwad (North Karnataka region), which is an endemic area for enteric fever. Methods

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Rapidly Growing Mycobacteria (RGM) are opportunistic pathogens found in the environment. , and are the important human pathogens of this group. They cause wound infections, disseminated cutaneous disease, pulmonary infection in patients with cystic fibrosis or bronchiectasis, bone and joint infections and keratitis. Infections due to these Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) are increasingly reported. Post laparoscopic wound infections, mesh site infections and other surgical site infections due to and have been reported. Usually wound infections due to atypical mycobacteria have delayed onset and do not respond to conventional antibiotics. Identification of RGM can be done by a set of cumbersome biochemical tests, High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), molecular methods using DNA probes or by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). We here report a case of post-herniorrhaphy wound infection due to which was identified by molecular method (HAIN mycobacterial species system). This case report underscores the importance of examining Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) stain of all exudates with sterile culture on day one for non fastidious bacteria. Timely identification can lead to prompt therapy of patients preventing further complications.

Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).SSIs are infections of the tissues, organs or spaces exposed by surgeons during performance of an invasive procedure. 1 SSIs accounts for about 38% of nosocomial infections, and are a significant source of post-operative morbidity. 2 They can occur anytime from zero to thirty days and affect either the incision or deep tissue at the operation site. 2 Data from the National Nosocomial Infection Surveillance [NNIS] system of CDC shows that of all SSIs, 47% are superficial, 23% are deep and 30% are organ/space. 3 The incidence of SSI in India ranges from 4.04 to 30%. 4 SSIs remain a significant clinical problem as they are associated with enhanced mortality and morbidity and impose socio economic burden on patients as well as health care resources. 5 SSI surveillance is integral to hospital infection control and quality improvement programs, with feedback of SSI rates being an important component of SSI reduction strategies. This study aimed at evaluating the incidence of SSI in our hospital and the preventive measures which are already practised for reducing the SSI rate in our hospital. The study was aimed to assess the patient related and procedure related risk factors i nfluencing development of SSI and pathogens associated with SSI and their drug resistance in a tertiary care centre. The SSI incidence rate and other information derived from this study can be used for further strengthening of the hospital infection control programmes and thus effectively reducing the morbidity and mortality caused by SSIs. 2. Materials & methods A descriptive study was conducted at a public tertiary care hospital in Puducherry after the approval of Institute Ethics Committe e. All Patients aged 18 years or above, who underwent either clean or clean-contaminated surgeries 1, 2, 3 in the departments of Surgery / Obstetrics & Gynecology / Orthopaedics, were enrolled for the study. Patients aged less than 18 years / patients with implants / patients who refused to give consent were excluded. Data from 242 patients was obtained using a structured proforma. Patients were followed up for 30 days after the surgery to identify any infection at the surgical site. Inpatient follow up was done in the ward & those who got discharged were followed up over the phone to identif y the presence of any infection. Diagnosis of infection was made according to the criteria established by the Centers for Disease Control (Atlanta) 6. Pus swabs or aspirate from incision wound discharge was sent to Microbiology department and samples were processed as per sta ndard guidelines in the microbiology laboratory. Antibiotic sensitivity testing was done according to CLSI guidelines 7. Microbiological investigations results were collected from the laboratory. A record of all samples received was maintained in the register that carries identi fication details and details of organism isolated along with its antibiotic sensitivity pattern for selected first line and seco...