RFP Indian Journal of Hospital Infection

A nosocomial or hospital acquired infection is an infection which a patient develops during hospitalization. Contaminated textiles in hospitals might be an important source of microbes contributing to endogenous, indirectcontact, and aerosol transmission of nosocomialrelated pathogens. Textiles are an excellent substrate for bacterial and fungal growth under appropriate moisture and temperature conditions. The use of antimicrobial textiles, especially in those that are in close contact with the patients, may appreciably reduce bio burden in clinical settings and consequently reduce the risk of nosocomial infection. In view of increasing resistance to existing antimicrobial agents, herbal drugs are being looked as very important source for the discovery of new agents for treating various ailments related to bacterial infections. Nanotechnology has real commercial potential for the textile industry. This is mainly due to the fact that conventional methods used to impart different properties to fabrics often do not lead to permanent effects, and will lose their functions after laundering or wearing. Nanotechnology can provide high durability for fabrics, because nanoparticles have a large surface areatovolume ratio and high surface energy, thus presenting better affinity for fabrics and leading to an increase in durability of the function. The study dealt with imparting antimicrobial property to polyester / cotton blend fabrics using nanoparticles loaded withcombinatorial herbal extracts and its efficacywas evaluated in a hospital environment. The results proved that the load of microorganisms was comparatively lesser than the control fabrics, this shows that these fabrics could control the transmission of nosocomial infection through fomites.

Streptococcus mutans is a major pathogen implicated in dental caries. Its virulence is enhanced by its ability to produce bacteriocins, called mutacins, which inhibit the growth of other Grampositive bacteria. Sucrosedependent adherence is mediated by glucans, polymers of glucose synthesized from sucrose by glucosyltransferase (Gtf) enzymes. S. mutans makes several proteins that have the property of binding glucans. We hypothesized that three of these glucanbinding proteins (Gbps), Gbps A, C and D, contribute to the carcinogenicity of S. mutans. The availability of suitable in vitro and in vivo systems and a thorough understanding of the genetics, biochemistry and physiology of the dental pathogen Streptococcus mutans have greatly advanced in understanding of important areas in the field of bacteriology such as interspecies biofilms, competence development and stress responses. S. mutans, as an organism had evolved in close association with the human host, as a novel Grampositive model organism. The role of mutacins in vivo is unclear, however the antimicrobial activity of these substances may confer an ecological advantage for the producing strain in bacterial communities such as dental biofilm (56), and they may also be important for the establishment of S. mutans in vivo . Mutacins are peptide or protein antibiotics that are mainly bactericidal for other bacteria of the same or closely related species, as well as for other Grampositive microorganisms, and are likely to confer an ecological advantage in diverse bacterial communities such as dental biofilm. The relationship between caries activity and the higher synthesis of some virulence factors by different genotypes of S. mutans has been related. In this study, of 17 isolates, 10 isolates from cariesactive and 7 isolates from cariesfree were randomly selected for the molecular analysis for the mutacin I and II and for the (GTF) genes studies. It is concluded in the study that Mutacin I and II and (GTF) enzymes detected contribute to the carcinogenicity of S. mutans through a mechanism that may involve. alteration of biofilm architecture. In addition, reports of higher numbers of S. mutans genotypes with increased virulence in cariesactive Subjects suggest the importance of microenvironmental factors in increasing the risk of caries active individuals.

Background: Rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM) have become very important organisms responsible for surgical site infections (SSIs). Aim: We retrospectively studied the occurrence of SSIs due to RGM seen in the western part of India, over a period of 3 years. Methods: This retrospective study was done at six centers from January 2014 to December 2016, which included 73 patients aged 22–78 years, who had undergone open surgeries (coronary artery bypass grafting [CABG], caesarean section, hernioplasty, open cholecystectomy, breast surgery) and scope related surgeries (diagnostic laparoscopy, percutaneous nephrolithotomy, lap cholecystectomy), and had non-healing ulcers of >30 days. Gram stain and modified Ziehl–Neelsen staining methods were used for microbial examination. Culture media included sheep blood agar, chocolate agar, MacConkey agar and Sabourad dextrose agar. Isolates were identified using biochemical tests or molecular methods and the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern was studied by standard microbiologic procedures. Findings: Mycobacterium fortuitum (42.5%), Mycobacterium chelonae (30.1%) and Mycobacterium abscessus (27.4%) were isolated by routine microbiological techniques. Amikacin, moxifloxacin and clarithromycin were given to all the patients. Overall, cure rate was achieved in 70 (95.9%) out of 73 patients; 3 were not cured - one with CABG having M. fortuitum, one with hernioplasty having M. chelonae and one lost to follow-up. Conclusion: This study confirms the association of RGM with nonhealing SSIs. Treatment with combination of antibiotics such as clarithromycin, amikacin and moxifloxacin may be an ideal choice, and require at least six months of treatment for complete cure.

Introduction: Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) have a high rate of nosocomial infections. Invasive fungal infections are increasingly being reported from ICUs. Trichosporon asahii is an uncommon emerging cause of sepsis and life-threatening opportunistic pathogen. The present study was to investigate the epidemiological factors related to invasive infection by Trichosporon asahii among neonates in a tertiary care hospital in Delhi. Methods: Seven isolates of Trichosporon asahii were reported from routine blood cultures (BacT/ALERT) during a period of two and a half months. Identification and Antifungal Susceptibility testing was done by Vitek 2 Compact System. Outbreak investigations and infection control measures were initiated after the detection of 3rd case. Forty five samples from environment and health care workers were collected and processed to find out the source and infection control measures were strictly implemented. Results: A total of 7 cases of fungemia by Trichosporon asahii occurred in neonates that were mostly preterm and low birth weight. All of them were on broad spectrum antibacterial agents. Environmental samples were positive for this fungus from I.V. cannulae of 4 neonates out of which one developed infection. Strict implementation of Infection control practices resulted in cessation of the outbreak. Conclusion: The exact source of infection could not be identified. However, the epidemiology of the disease was pointing towards an exogenous source and spread through hands of HCWs. Use of broad spectrum antibacterial agents, preterm and low birth weight were predisposing factors. The strict and prompt actions taken to control the outbreak were fruitful showing that breach in infection control practices resulted in the outbreak.

Background: An estimated 4 million patients in India are affected by chronic nonhealing wounds with countless hours spent annually for all aspects of wound care. The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy and safety of Oxum [Superoxidised water] verses Neosporin [Topical triple antibiotic] ointment for Chronic nonhealing wounds which was conducted at Era’s Medical College, Lucknow during the period from 15th November 2017 till 30th March 2018 on 30 patients. Nonhealing chronic wounds form a major health burden contributing to substantial morbidity and cost burden on patients and their families as well as on the health sector. Though several new dressing options are currently available which has revolutionized the management of chronic wounds, Oxum is cost effective to middle class patients. Oxum dressing is safe having soothing effect on wounds without causing irritation, pain and allergy to patients. Methods: Total 30 patients of chronic nonhealing wounds were studied. They were divided in to 2 groups, Group A for Oxum dressings and Group B for Neosporin ointment dressings. Results: The mean age group of patients was 50 years [40 to 60 years]. Male to Female ratio was 1.5:1. The patients were followed up in the surgical outpatient department [OPD] up to 20 days minimum and assessed for wound healing, epitheliazation, reduction in the pus discharge, frequency of dressings, and cosmetic healing. The usage of Oxum dressings was more successful in the treatment of chronic wounds than Neosporin. Therefore Oxum can be concluded as gold standard treatment for chronic nonhealing wounds and it is a novel technological innovation in the therapy of chronic wounds.

Dental personnel are constantly exposed to many of specific occupational hazards. These leads to various disorders, specific to the profession, which develop and intensify with years. The present paper discusses selected occupational biohazards as well as baseline precautionarymeasures. When dentist deal with the potential carriers of these biohazard they become infected either directly or indirectly. So it is essential for every practitioner of dentistry to know about biohazards.

Nanoparticles are promising area of research in the area of drug delivery system. Immunostimulation or Immunosuppression properties are imporatnt to taking into consideration during the preparation of nanoparticles. Nanoparticles drug delivery system mediated immunostimulation and immunosuppression is crucial to make effective delivery systems. Nanomedicine is promising to use for diagnosis and relatively new therapeutics of infectious diseases.