Indian Journal of Communicable Diseases

  Pulmonary aspergillosis is a life-threatening fungal infection, particularly in immunocompromised patients. We report here a case of a 62-year-old male patient with a history of diabetes and human immunode ciency virus, who developed Aspergillus nidulans fungal infection in the lungs identi ed by fungal culture and con rmed by MALDI TOF. The patient’s Aspergillus nidulans fungal infection in the lungs was successfully managed with voriconazole (6mg/kg twice a day on day 1 and 4mg/kg  twice a day from day 2 onwards) based treatment. 

Keywords: Aspergillus Nidulans; Fungal Infection; Immunocompromised; HIV; Voriconazole. 

The constantly evolving microbial world has the potential for introduction of agents with unique epidemiological characteristics, that pose a great threat and challenge to mankind. Nipah virus (NiV) infection is a striking example of these threats in the recent times. It is a zoonotic virus, transmitted to humans, mainly from tissues and secretions of infected animals or humans. The illness varies from sub-clinical infections to even fatal encephalitis, and the mortality is also varying, with up to 100% mortality being reported in some outbreaks. Many outbreaks have been reported since the discovery of the NiV in 1999, with high concentrations of them being in the Asian continent. No speci c treatment is available, and the vaccine development is also under process/undergoing animal trials. Personal protective measures currently hold the key in the prevention of NiV infection. The recent outbreak in Kerala in India highlights the need for operationalization of an effective surveillance and response system at all time. At the same time, it also calls for greater focus on research and development of novel and effective diagnostic, vaccination and treatment strategies against Nipah virus.  

Keywords: Nipah; Emerging; Virus; India.
 

  Communicable diseases are on an increase and technical solutions alone cannot ensure the effective control and prevention of communicable diseases. Hence, strategies to mobilize all levels of society are also essential. Healthcare is shifting towards person-centered care and patient empowerment. Along with patient empowerment, medical education is shifting towards professional roles for students in patient care. Hence, Medical students can play a vital role in prevention of dengue. It basically focuses on IEC i.e. Information, Education and Communication to spread awareness and raise the knowledge levels in the community and involve the community in the elimination of mosquito breeding sites. 

Keywords: Role and Responsibilities; Medical students; Prevention of Dengue; Health Education