Indian Journal of Microbiology Research

76-82

Authors: Said Mohamed Daboor, Farheen Syed Syed Masood, Marwa Salm Al-Azab, Elbagir Elhassan Nori

Microorganisms present in our oral cavity which are called the human micro flora attach to our tooth surfaces and develop biofilms. In maximum organic habitats microorganisms generally prevail as multispecies biolfilms with the help of intercellular interactions and communications among them which are the main keys for their endurance. These biofilms are formed by initial attachment of bacteria to a surface, development of a multi –dimensional complex structure and detachment to progress other site. The best example of biofilm formation is dental plaque. Plaque formation can lead to dental caries and other associated diseases causing tooth loss. Many different bacteria are involved in these processes and one among them is Streptococcus mutans which is the principle and the most important agent. When these infections become severe, during the treatment the bacterium can enter the bloodstream from the oral cavity and cause endocarditis. The oral bacterium S. mutans is greatly skilled in its mechanical modes of carbohydrate absorption. It also synthesizes polysaccharides that are present in dental plaque causing caries. As dental caries is a preventable disease major distinct approaches for its prevention are: carbohydrate diet, sugar substitutes, mechanical cleaning techniques, use of fluorides, antimicrobial agents, fissure sealants, vaccines, probiotics, replacement theory and dairy products and at the same time for tooth remineralization fluorides and casein phosphopeptides are extensively employed. The aim of this review article is to put forth the general features of the bacterium S.mutans and how it is involved in certain diseases like: dental plaque, dental caries and endocarditis.

89-94

Authors: Chetana Indrapal Wahane, Vanita Ashok Kulkarni

Background: Discharging ears and deafness are the major otolaryngological problems faced in India. Chronic suppurative otitis medis (CSOM) is well known for its recurrence, bacterial resistance, ototoxicity, fatal complications and chronic hearing loss which has negative impact on development of speech, language and social interaction. The present study was carried out to find out an association between aerobic bacteria and nature of discharge as well as type of CSOM. Material Methods: Active discharge over 2 weeks through the perforated tympanic membrane from 113 patients with history regarding nature of discharge and type of perforation was collected using sterile cotton swab with all aseptic precautions followed by immediate direct examination of ear discharge with Gram stain and aerobic culture. Identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of isolates was done by standard protocol. Results: Of 113 patients of CSOM, safe CSOM was found in 116(84.6%) and unsafe CSOM in 21(15.4%) ears. P. aeruginosa 41(23.8%) and S. aureus 41 (23.8%) were observed as most common aerobic bacteria. Mucopurulent 16(33.3%) and foetid 6(54.5%) discharge was mainly associated with P. aeruginosa and purulent 24(40.6%) and mucoid 8(26.6%) discharge with S. aureus. Highest percentage sensitivity against Gram positive organisms and Gram negative organisms (P. aeruginosa & Enterobacteriaceae) was observed for Ciprofloxacin. Conclusion: Most common aerobic bacteria associated with safe CSOM were S.aureus, while P.aeruginosa was found mostly associated with mucopurulent discharge and S.aureus was with purulent discharge. S.aureus was found to be mostly associated with purulent discharge and P.aeruginosa with mucopurulent discharge in safe CSOM. P.aeruginosa was found to be mostly associated with foetid discharge and S.aureus with purulent discharge in unsafe CSOM.

106-110

Authors: Manish K Singh, R Krishnan.

Background: Consumption of bottled water is increasing rapidly in developing countries especially among the middle and high income earners as it is generally perceived to be pure, clean and of good quality. This has led to the sale of different brands of bottled water on the market. Although disease outbreaks due to contaminated bottled water are rare, any contamination may pose a unique hazard because of the widespread distribution. Objective: The study is designed to evaluate the bacteriological quality of the bulk packaged drinking water marketed in Mangalore at Kasturba Medical College. Material and Methods: One hundred ten samples of bulk packaged drinking water of 7 different brands were selected for the present study. Two hundred ml of water sample was collected from each container with sterile precautions. The water samples were subjected to bacteriological study using total viable count, presence absence test, presumptive coliform count and differential coliform count at Department of Microbiology Kasturba Medical College Mangalore. Result: Thirty out of 110 samples had viable count much higher than specified by Bureau of Indian Standard. Twenty eight samples were found to be positive in presence absence test. Further all the 28 samples showed the presence of coliforms and 26 samples confirmed the presence of Escherichia coli. Conclusion: Packaged drinking water marketed as bulk quantity need not to be safe always. It is advisable to go for the packaged drinking water sold in smaller quantity and with ISI certified brands.

115-119

Authors: Prerna Aggarwal, Sonam Kumari, Maninder Kaur, Ashwini Manhas, Manju Bala, Satish Gupte

Aim: To study the prevalence of HBsAg and HCV antibodies in patient population versus healthy blood donors (voluntary and replacement). Material & Methods: For both the parameter, rapid immunochromatographic kits were used followed by specific ELISA tests for patient population and ELISA screening in blood bank. Results: The HBsAg seropositivity was comparable in both groups and lower than the national prevalence. HCV antibodies seropositivity was significantly higher in patient population as compared to blood donors. Conclusion: Inclusion of immunization against hepatitis B virus in the national program will help to curb its spread but for control of HCV, measures like micro screening of blood donors and checking drug addiction needs to be undertaken.

126-127

Authors: Roshana A, Gopal R, Saleem m

Background: Tuberculosis is a major health problem in developing countries particularly with the advent of HIV which has increased the burden of tuberculosis in these countries. The aim of this work is to study the prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis and associated HIV infection among these patients attending our hospital. Methods: A retrospective study of patients diagnosed as sputum positive pulmonary tuberculosis and sero prevalence of HIV among these patients using NACO guidelines during the year 2014 is reported. Results: A total of 340 cases were diagnosed as sputum positive pulmonary tuberculosis among which 7 cases (2.6 %) were sero positive for HIV antibodies. Conclusion: The prevalence of pulmonary TB and co infection with HIV was 12.9% and 2.6% respectively.