Recently there have been reports of gram-positive cocci which are morphologically similar to both Staphylococci and the Micrococci. These bacteria have been identified as Kocuria species with the help of automated identification system and other molecular methods including 16S rRNA (ribosomal ribonucleic acid) evaluation. Kocuria belongs to the family Micrococcaceae which also includes Staphylococcus species and Micrococcus species. Isolation and clinical significance of these bacteria from human specimens warrant great caution as it does not necessarily confirm infection due to their ubiquitous presence, and as a normal flora of skin and mucous membranes in human and animals. Most clinical microbiology laboratories ignore such bacteria as laboratory and specimen contaminants. With increasing reports of infections associated with these bacteria, it is now important for clinical microbiologists to identify and enumerate the virulence and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of such bacteria and assist clinicians in improving the patient care and management. We review the occurrence and clinical significance of Kocuria species.

Introduction Identification of virulence determinants among the clinically isolated microorganisms assumes greater significance in the patient management perspective. Among the hospitalized patients, extremes of age groups (neonatal and geriatric age patients), patients who are debilitated due to other associated medical conditions, patients taking immunosuppressive therapy, and patients undergoing major surgeries are prone to infections with previously nonpathogenic or opportunistic pathogens. Screening of the pathogenic potential of such bacteria and identifying their virulence factors and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns could be instrumental in better patient care and management.Materials & methods In this study, we evaluated the virulence determinants and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of 100 clinical isolates of E. coli collected from extraintestinal infections and 50 control strains of E. coli. Hemolysin production, serum resistance, cell surface hydrophobicity, and gelatinase production were tested using standard laboratory procedures.Results Results showed that E. colistrains have a variable pattern of virulence markers that included hemolysin production (9%), cell surface hydrophobicity (9%), serum resistance (93%), and gelatinase production (2%). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed a higher rate of resistance against cephalothin (84%) and ampicillin (98%). Susceptibility to amikacin (80%) and co-trimoxazole (47%) was variable and none of the test strains revealed resistance to imipenem. The control strains in contrast exhibited fewer virulence factors and the least resistance to antibiotics.Conclusion In conclusion, the study results revealed that E. coli isolated from extraintestinal infections had demonstrated greater virulence and higher resistance to antibiotics as compared to the E. coli strains isolated from healthy individuals.

Diphtheria is an acute, highly infectious, toxigenic, and vaccine-preventable disease that commonly affects children under 12 years of age. The incidences of diphtheria have significantly dropped due to vaccination with diphtheria, pertussis, tetani (DPT). Recently, there is an increasing trend in reports of diphtheria throughout the world and specifically from developing countries. According to a World Health Organization (WHO) report, more than 80% of the global diphtheria cases in the post-vaccination era were from India and Indonesia. This could probably be signaling its re-emergence, which may be attributed to several factors that include incomplete immunization. Pharyngitis caused by group A Streptococcus is most frequently seen in children and can be clinically similar in presentation to diphtheria. We share our experience of managing a case of an eight-year-old child, who was clinically suspected to be suffering from diphtheria.

Fungi are a versatile group of microorganisms that exist in three morphological forms, which include the yeasts (oval/spherical budding cells), true fungi (produce long filamentous, branching structures called as hyphae/mycelia), and dimorphic fungi (show both yeast at 37 0 C and hyphal forms at room temperature). Most fungi are present in the environment and live as saprophytes. Some fungal species like the Candida are present in the human respiratory, intestinal, and genitourinary tract as commensals. Some fungi cause infections in humans and animals (dermatophytes). Few other fungal species are responsible for opportunistic infections, mostly in debilitated and immunosuppressed individuals. Geotrichum is one such fungus, which is present in the soil, dead, and decomposing organic matter, and may contaminate food, fruits, and vegetables. Geotrichosis is the infection caused by Geotrichum species. Due to its similarity in morphology, clinical features, and the pathogenicity with common fungi like the Candida species, and others, its clinical significance is undermined. This report presents a case of funguria and asymptomatic urinary tract infection caused by Geotrichum species in a patient with a renal cyst.

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Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) are one of the commonest health problems demanding frequent consultation and hospitalization. Unnecessary and inappropriate initial antibiotic therapy is a potentially modifiable factor that is associated with increased mortality in patients with serious infections. To study bacterial profile and susceptibility pattern of lower respiratory tract infections in a teaching hospital.Prospective study done in the department of Microbiology at Prathima Institute of Medical Sciences, Nagunuru, Karimnagar, Telangana., Tover a period of 18 months ie from January 2019 to July 2020. A total of 120 samples from respiratory tract were studied for bacterial isolates and antibiotic susceptibility. A total of 120 cases were studied. The male to female ratio was 2:1. Among the bacterial isolates, 76.6% were Gram negative bacilli and 23.3% were gram positive cocci. Among Gram negative bacteria, the predominant bacterial isolate was Klebisella. pneumoniae (45.8%) followed by Pseudomonas. aeruginosa (28.3%.)Present study, was based on the pattern of resistance to commonly used antibiotics by organisms causing lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) in our institute. This may help us to study the more susceptible group of drugs in our institute which would help prepare an antibiogram and develop a policy for rational antibiotic prescription.

Background: Several factors influence the pre-university students to choose healthcare profession as their career. This in turn will have effect on their theoretical, clinical knowledge, and academic performance. It also influences the psycho-motor and problem-solving skills, which are crucial in providing better care to patients. The aim of the study was to assess the healthcare perspectives of first year B.Sc. nursing students and the factors influencing their choice for healthcare profession. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among the B.Sc. nursing first year students at the nursing college associated with Prathima Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), affiliated to Kaloji Narayana Rao University of Health Sciences (KNRUHS), in north Telangana during April 2017. A self administered semi structured questionnaire was used for data collection after obtaining an informed verbal consent. 91 students participated in the study. Data was analysed by calculating the percentages and applying the chi square test. Results: Out of 91 students, nursing profession to serve the community was noted to be the first choice 66 (72.5%). Only 17(18.7%) students joined nursing profession by their interest. Majority of the students wanted to pursue post-graduation (54 (59.3%)). 23 (42.6%) students decided to pursue different clinical subjects whereas 31 (57.4%) students had not yet decided post-graduation subject. 59 (64.8%) students were interested to go abroad for a job. Majority of the students 52 (57.1%) opted to work in urban areas whereas 39 (42.9%) preferred to work in rural setup. 74(81.3%) students wish to continue nursing profession and 17 (18.7%) students still had the desire to pursue career in other fields. Conclusion: Serving the community, caring for others, and better earning remains the most common reasons to choose nursing as a profession. Majority of the students wanted to pursue higher education and continue nursing profession in urban areas.

BACKGROUND Diabetic foot is one of the most significant complications of diabetes. Chronic infections are caused by Enterococci, various Enterobacteriaceae obligate anaerobes, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We wanted to study bacteriological profile and antibiotic susceptibility in diabetic foot infection. METHODS A cross sectional study was done in 110 diabetic foot infection cases in the Department of Microbiology, Prathima Institute of Medical Sciences, Nagunuru, Karimnagar, Telangana. The grading of diabetic foot ulcers was done according to Wagner’s Classification system. The samples were collected from the exudates and ulcers. Gram staining was done and standard protocol for culture and sensitivity was followed for all the cases. RESULTS A total of 110 cases were studied. The patient age ranged from 35 to 75 years and the male to female ratio was 2:1. Out of 110 isolates, 72.7 % isolates were Gram negative bacilli with P. aeruginosa 31.8 % being the predominant followed by E. coli 27.2 %, K. pneumoniae 10 %, P. mirabilis 4.5 %, S. aureus 12.7 % was the predominant isolate followed by Enterococci spp 4.5 % and Coagulase negative staphylococci (CONS) 4.5 % and S. pyogenes were 5.4 %. CONCLUSIONS Both Gram positive cocci and Gram negative bacilli can cause diabetic foot infections and this study showed a preponderance of Gram negative bacilli. Early culture and sensitivity test of the bacterial isolates helps in guiding the treatment plan. KEYWORDS Bacteriological Profile, Diabetic Foot Infection