BACKGROUND:People living with HIV/AIDS with progressive immune dysfunction have an augmented risk of Urinary tract infection, both symptomatic and asymptomatic, in comparison to non-infected individuals. AIMS: This prospective study was planned to know the frequency of asymptomatic bacteruria (ASB) in HIV sero-positives and its correlation to their immune status. Conventional culture method was compared with screening test using SD Urocolor TM 10 test strips for the presence of infection. Antibiogram of isolated uropathogens were analysed to understand the trends of drug resistance. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Prospective Cohort Study. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Clean catch midstream urine samples collected from 270 HIV seropositive patients and 100 seronegative controls were screened for ASB by Urostrip urinalysis, Gram stain and culture. Antibiogram of significant growth isolates was done by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Their immune status was evaluated by CD4 + cell counting. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Sensitivity, Specificity, Odds ratio, Fisher extract test. RESULTS: ASB was detected in 5.6% (15/270) of HIV sero-positives and 1% (1/100) of seronegatives controls.13/15 HIV seropositive ASB cases had CD4 cell counts < 350 cells/ μL. The gram stain and urostrips had sensitivity of 93.33% & 80% and a specificity of 95.68% & 60.39% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Occurrence of ASB was significantly high among the HIV sero-positives with CD4 cell counts < 350 cells/ μL. Conventional culture and gram staining continue to be the proficient methods for detecting ASB. Cotrimaxazole prophylaxis hardly influenced the presence of ASB in HIV sero-positives.

BACKGROUND: Dengue is an important arthropod-borne viral disease of public health significance affecting tropical and subtropical regions of the world including Indian subcontinent. As there is no immunoprophylactic or specific antiviral therapy available, an epidemiological surveillance that provides reliable estimate of the disease is essential to implement effective vector control measures. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to understand the serological markers distribution, change in platelet count of probable dengue infection in view of its seasonal variation and demographic variables. METHODS: Blood samples were collected from 4015 patients with dengue fever-like febrile illnesses from January 2012 to December 2012.These samples were tested for dengue specific Ns1 Antigen, IgM and IgG antibodies using rapid immunochromatographic assay from SD diagnostics. Platelet counts were determined by using automated SysmexXT1800icellcounter analyser. The seropositivity results were correlated with 2010 and 2011 year's data. RESULTS: Of the 4015 samples, 1385 (34.5%) were positive for dengue fever with peak incidence from June to October. Dengue seropositivity was 34.3% and 14.8% in 2010 and 2011 respectively. Male-to-female ratio was 1.7:1 among positives. Younger age group with age < 18 Years (42%) had higher seropositivity compared to adults with age > 18 years (33%) with p value of 0.00003. NS1 antigen was positive in 59% of cases. IgM and IgG antibodies were detected in 47.87% & 53.71 % cases respectively. Platelet counts of 822 positive patients were analysed. 590 (72.77%) patients had platelet counts < 1 lakh/ml and 232(28.22%) had platelet counts > 1lakh/ml. CONCLUSION: The probable dengue infection was higher in 2012 than in previous years. The observation of the present study emphasizes the need for continuous seroepidemiological surveillance for the timely formulation and implementation of effective dengue control programme during monsoon and post monsoon seasons.

No abstract