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The p - p-chain reaction 3He(α, γ)7Be can sensitively influence the prediction of the 7Be and 8B neutrino fluxes. Despite its importance, the knowledge of its reaction cross section at energies of the core of the Sun (15 keV 30 keV) is limited and the accuracy far from the desired 3% level. In the present paper the indirect measurement of the external capture contribution using the asymptotic normalization coefficient (ANC) technique is reported. The angular distributions of deuterons emitted in the 6Li(3He,d)7Be α-transfer reactions were measured and the ANCs extracted from the scaling of distorted-wave Born approximation (DWBA) and coupled-channel (CC) calculations. Then, the astrophysical S-factor for the 3He(α, γ)7Be reaction was calculated assuming E1 direct capture and the zero energy value turned out to be 0.534 0.025 keVb. Both our experimental and theoretical approaches were benchmarked through the analysis of the 6Li(p,γ)7Be astrophysical factor, with interesting astrophysical applications to the understanding of the primordial lithium problem. In particular, the present work disfavors the occurrence of a claimed 200 keV resonance in the astrophysical factor.

Reactions on certain proton-rich, radioactive nuclei have been shown to have a significant influence on X-ray bursts. We provide an overview of two recent measurements of important X-ray burst reactions using in-flight radioactive ion beams from the RESOLUT facility at the J. D. Fox Superconducting Accelerator Laboratory at Florida State University. The 17F(d,n)18Ne reaction was measured, and Asymptotic Normalization Coefficients were extracted for bound states in 18Ne that determine the direct-capture cross section dominating the 17F(p,γ)18Ne reaction rate for T≲ 0.45 GK. Unbound resonant states were also studied, and the single-particle strength for the 4.523-MeV (3+) state was found to be consistent with previous results. The 19Ne(d,n)20Na proton transfer reaction was used to study resonances in the 19Ne(p,γ)20Na reaction. The most important 2.65-MeV state in 20Na was observed to decay by proton emission to both the ground and first-excited states in 19Ne, providing strong evidence for a 3+ spin assignment and indicating that proton capture on the thermally-populated first-excited state in 19Ne is an important contributor to the 19Ne(p,γ)20Na reaction rate.

The cross sections of nuclear reactions between the radioisotope 7Be and deuterium, a possible mechanism of reducing the production of mass-7 nuclides in big-bang nucleosynthesis, were measured at center-of-mass energies between 0.2 and 1.5 MeV. The measured cross sections are dominated by the (d,α) reaction channel, towards which prior experiments were mostly insensitive. A new resonance at 0.36(5) MeV with a strength of ωγ=1.7(5) keV was observed inside the relevant Gamow window. Calculations of nucleosynthesis outcomes based on the experimental cross section show that the resonance reduces the predicted abundance of primordial 7Li, but not sufficiently to solve the primordial lithium problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the results of a study of rotational bands in 219Ra via the 208Pb(14C,3n) reaction to look for evidence that this nucleus is statically octupole deformed. We add 19 γ rays not previously observed to the level scheme and extend the two most strongly populated alternating parity bands to J=51/2 and 45/2. The magnitude of the energy splitting between the spin-parity doublets in the two bands appears to exclude the possibility that 219Ra has a static octupole deformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the results of a γ-ray spectroscopic study of 211Po via the 208Pb(α,n) reaction at 24-MeV incident energy using a thick target. We observe 26 new γ rays, allowing us to identify 18 states that were not observed in previous γ-ray studies. In total, we observe 45 states below 2.0 MeV. A shell model calculation using the modified Kuo-Herling interaction developed by Warburton and Brown predicts 46 states below 2.0 MeV having spins of 21/2 and below, demonstrating the power of this calculation to provide detailed nuclear structure information on nuclei in the vicinity of 208Pb. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The need to address antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through a One Health (OH) approach is now well recognized. There is, however, limited guidance on how AMR surveillance should be implemented across sectors to generate meaningful AMR and AMU data for decision-making. Using a sympatric approach to cross-sector sample collection, Nepal adopted the WHO extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) Tricycle Project as a step toward OH surveillance for assessing the prevalence of ESBL-producing E. coli across human, veterinary, and environment sectors. This involved a three-stage approach: identification of human hotspots (Stage 1) and sample collection sites for poultry (Stage 2) and wastewater (Stage 3). A total of 53 blood cultures from patients with bloodstream infections (BSIs), 100 stool samples from healthy pregnant women, 220 poultry ceca from slaughterhouses and live markets, and 48 wastewater samples were processed for bacterial culture and analyzed for the presence of ESBL-producing E. coli . The prevalence of ESBL-producing E. coli among isolated E. coli was the highest in wastewater samples (91%) followed by human BSIs (49%), poultry (38.6%), and fecal carriage isolates from healthy pregnant females (15%). A statistically significant association was seen in the prevalence of multidrug resistance among ESBL producers (52%) and nonproducers (26%). ESBL-producing E. coli was detected in all wastewater samples tested except for the upstream river. The findings of the study showed a high prevalence of ESBL-producing E. coli in samples from all three sectors and provided baseline data based upon which strategies for the safe disposal of communal and hospital waste, integrated AMR surveillance, and control strategies could be planned and implemented., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Jyoti Acharya et al.)

Background: The use of rehabilitative knee braces after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) has been controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the early functional outcome associated with post-ACLR brace use., Methods: This prospective observational case-control study was conducted at AKB Center for Arthroscopy, Sports Injury, and Regenerative Medicine, B&B Hospital, Lalitpur, Nepal. A total of 132 patients undergoing arthroscopic ACLR with or without a meniscal procedure were enrolled in this study, with the final analysis consisting of 66 patients in the control group (brace group) and 66 patients in the case group (no brace group). Braces were applied to the affected lower limb in the control group in the operating room immediately after surgery and were continued for 4 weeks post-operatively. The rehabilitation protocol was the same for both groups. The patients were evaluated on the 3rd post-operative day, 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks post-operatively in terms of Lysholm knee scores, clinical tests (Lachman and pivot shift test), range of motion (flexion and extension), VAS scores for pain, thigh girth differences, and the 12-item short-form health survey (SF-12) scores., Results: There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding outcome measures, except the mental component summary of SF-12 which was significantly better in the non-braced group ( P  = 0.006)., Conclusion: There was no significant difference in early functional outcome between the braced and non-braced groups following ACLR with or without a meniscal procedure. Better SF-12 mental component summary scores were seen in the nonbraced group, which indicated possible mental discomfort in patients with brace use., Competing Interests: Conflict of InterestThe authors declare that they have no conflict of interest., (© Indian Orthopaedics Association 2024. Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.)

Introduction: Job satisfaction is an attitudinal variable representing the extent to which people like or dislike their jobs. It is a critical factor influencing healthcare quality, patient outcomes, and overall well-being in medical professionals. This study aimed to determine Job Satisfaction among medical doctors in Nepal., Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among medical doctors of Nepal between June 2023 and August 2023 after obtaining ethical approval from the Ethical Review Board of Nepal Health Research Council. A convenience sampling method was used. The point estimate was calculated at a 95% Confidence Interval., Results: Among 380 participants, 63 (16.58%) (12.84-20.32 at 95% Confidence Interval) expressed satisfaction. The number of satisfied participants above 40 years were 10 (16%) and less than 40 years were 53 (84%). Out of 63, 46 (73.02%) were male and 17 (26.98%) were females., Conclusions: Job satisfaction among doctors practicing in Nepal was found to be lower than the studies conducted in similar settings.

Background: Although rare, deep vein thrombosis is a potentially life-threatening complication of knee arthroscopy. There are scanty literature analysing deep vein thrombosis after arthroscopy in Nepal. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of deep vein thrombosis in patients undergoing knee arthroscopy without chemoprophylaxis postoperatively at 2 weeks and 6 weeks, respectively. The study also aimed to estimate the risk of deep vein thrombosis in these patients by using Caprini Risk Assessment Model., Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted at AKB center, B and B Hospital, Gwarko, Lalitpur, over a period of 16 months. All patients who underwent arthroscopy knee surgeries fulfilling the inclusion criteria were included in the study. The primary outcome measure was the prevalence of deep vein thrombosis as diagnosed by compression color-coded ultrasonography of the popliteal vein and calf vein at 2 weeks and 6 weeks postoperatively. The secondary outcome measure was the prevalence of deep vein thrombosis in the risk groups according to Caprini Risk Assessment Model., Results: Out of 612 patients who underwent arthroscopic knee surgeries during the study period, 2 patients (0.33%) developed deep vein thrombosis at 6 weeks follow-up as diagnosed with ultrasonography of the popliteal and calf veins. The prevalence rate in high-risk group was 0.33% (1 in 307) and in very high-risk group was 5.88% (1 in 17)., Conclusions: There was a low prevalence of deep vein thrombosis without chemoprophylaxis following knee arthroscopy in our study. There was higher prevalence of deep vein thrombosis in very high-risk group patients, so close monitoring of such patients during follow-up is recommended.

Supplementary fixation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction may be necessary in some situations. There are several methods described for supplementary fixation with their advantages and disadvantages. Anchor fixation is preferred by many because it does not require a second surgery for removal. However, anchors are costly. We described the "make and use" all-suture anchor, which can be made instantly whenever required. We modified "make and use" all-suture anchors for supplementary fixation after ACL reconstruction. This technical note aims to describe the method of supplementary fixation using the "make and use" all-suture anchor., (© 2023 The Authors.)

Early diagnosis of cryptococcal meningitis among people living with HIV (PLHIV) is crucial for its therapeutic success. The objective of this study was to diagnose cryptococcal meningitis in PLHIV cases using the available laboratory techniques for its confirmation in resource limited setting. This cross-sectional prospective study was conducted among 72 PLHIV with clinical suspicion of meningitis. Each cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sample received at the National Public Health Laboratory, Kathmandu was processed for India ink staining, cryptococcal antigen lateral flow assay, and fungal culture following standard protocols. The laboratory-confirmed cryptococcal meningitis cases were between 24 and 69 years of age (median age 39 years) with 87.5% (12/14) of cases being male. Cryptococcus was detected in 22.22% (16/72) by any of the three tests, 19.44% (14/72) by cryptococcal antigen lateral flow assay, 16.66% (12/72) by India ink staining, and 8.33% (6/72) by culture. High percentage of cryptococcal meningitis among PLHIV warrants early microbiological diagnosis for better case management. Cryptococcal antigen detection immunoassay should be the priority test for laboratory diagnosis of cryptococcal meningitis in PLHIV. Alternatively, very simple and economic India ink staining of CSF specimens could be used in resource limited settings., (© 2022 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Background: Bacterial resistance to antibiotics has increased in recent years. Resistance to β -lactams in Gram-negative bacteria has been reported to be associated with extended spectrum beta-lactamases and metallo-beta-lactamases. This study was aimed at determining the distribution and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of Gram-negative pathogens producing extended spectrum beta lactamases and metallo-beta lactamases. Method and Methodology . This cross-sectional study was conducted at the National Public Health Laboratory during a period of six months. All clinical specimens were obtained and processed for the identification of Gram-negative pathogens by culture, morphological, and biochemical tests. Antibiotic susceptibility testing of the isolates was performed by the Kirby Bauer disc diffusion and the isolates were tested for ESBL and MBL by the combined disk method., Results: Out of 4266 clinical specimens, 197 (4.6%) were found to be Gram-negative bacterial isolates. 47 (23.9%) isolates were ESBL producers. The most predominant organisms were Escherichia coli (53%), Klebsiella pneumonia (23%), and Pseudomonas spp. (13%). 16 (8.2%) were positive for MBL producers, and 6(3.1%) were both ESBL and MBL producers. The MBL activity was seen in E. coli (38%), followed by Pseudomonas spp. (31%), and K. pneumoniae (19%). The ESBL producers showed a higher degree of sensitivity towards imipenem and amikacin, followed by piperacillin tazobactam. MBL producers showed sensitivity towards amikacin only., Conclusion: The prevalence of ESBL and MBL producing Gram-negative bacteria was found to be high in bacterial infections in Nepal. Routine laboratory testing for ESBL and MBL is needed in order to optimize antibiotic management and reduce the risk of spread of infections caused by ESBL and MBL producers., Competing Interests: The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest regarding the publication of this article., (Copyright © 2022 Anjana Shrestha et al.)

A narrow near-threshold proton-emitting resonance (E_{x}=11.4  MeV, J^{π}=1/2^{+}, and Γ_{p}=4.4  keV) was directly observed in ^{11}B via proton resonance scattering. This resonance was previously inferred in the β-delayed proton emission of the neutron halo nucleus ^{11}Be. The good agreement between both experimental results serves as a ground to confirm the existence of such exotic decay and the particular behavior of weakly bound nuclei coupled to the continuum. R-matrix analysis shows a sizable partial decay width for both, proton and α (Γ_{α}=11  keV) emission channels.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global problem, and Nepal is no exception. Countries are expected to report annually to the World Health Organization on their AMR surveillance progress through a Global Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System, in which Nepal enrolled in 2017. We assessed the quality of AMR surveillance data during 2019-2020 at nine surveillance sites in Province 3 of Nepal for completeness, consistency, and timeliness and examined barriers for non-reporting sites. Here, we present the results of this cross-sectional descriptive study of secondary AMR data from five reporting sites and barriers identified through a structured questionnaire completed by representatives at the five reporting and four non-reporting sites. Among the 1584 records from the reporting sites assessed for consistency and completeness, 77-92% were consistent and 88-100% were complete, with inter-site variation. Data from two sites were received by the 15th day of the following month, whereas receipt was delayed by a mean of 175 days at three other sites. All four non-reporting sites lacked dedicated data personnel, and two lacked computers. The AMR surveillance data collection process needs improvement in completeness, consistency, and timeliness. Non-reporting sites need support to meet the specific requirements for data compilation and sharing.

Magnesium (Mg) metal is of great interest in biomedical applications, especially in tissue engineering. Mg exhibits excellent in vivo biocompatibility, biodegradability and, during degradation, releases Mg ions (Mg 2+ ) with the potential to improve tissue repair. We used electrospinning technology to incorporate Mg particles into nanofibers. Various ratios of Mg metal microparticles (<44 µm diameter) were incorporated into nanofiber polycaprolactone (PCL) meshes. Physicochemical properties of the meshes were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), mechanical tensile testing, X-ray diffractometry and UV-VIS spectrophotometry. Biological properties of meshes were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Under mammalian cell culture conditions, Mg-containing meshes released hydrogen gas and relative amounts of free Mg 2+ that reflected the Mg/PCL ratios. All meshes were non-cytotoxic for 3T3 fibroblasts and PC-12 pheochromocytoma cells. In vivo implantation under the skin of mice for 3, 8 and 28 days showed that Mg-containing meshes were well vascularized, with improved measures of inflammation and healing compared to meshes without Mg. Evidence included an earlier appearance and infiltration of tissue repairing macrophages and, after 28 days, evidence of more mature tissue remodeling. Thus, these new composite nanofiber meshes have promising material properties that mitigated inflammatory tissue responses to PCL alone and improved tissue healing, thus providing a suitable matrix for use in clinically relevant tissue engineering applications. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The biodegradable metal, magnesium, safely biodegrades in the body, releasing beneficial byproducts. To improve tissue delivery, magnesium metal particles were incorporated into electrospun nanofiber meshes composed of a biodegradable, biocompatible polymer, polycaprolactone (PCL). Magnesium addition, at several concentrations, did not alter PCL chemistry, but did alter physical properties. Under cell culture conditions, meshes released magnesium ions and hydrogen gas and were not cytotoxic for two cell types. After implantation in mice, the mesh with magnesium resulted in earlier appearance of M2-like, reparative macrophages and improved tissue healing versus mesh alone. This is in agreement with other studies showing beneficial effects of magnesium metal and provides a new type of scaffold material that will be useful in clinically relevant tissue engineering applications., (Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Background: In Nepal, cases of Cholera occur annually either as sporadic or as outbreaks claiming the lives of many in rural areas. The present study is a laboratory based surveillance which aims to analyze the changing epidemiology and antimicrobial susceptibility trend of V. cholerae strains isolated or referred to National Public Health Laboratory (NPHL) over a period of 11 years (2006-2016)., Methods: Specimens of fresh stool /rectal swab either received at sentinel sites or NPHL were processed following standard microbiological techniques. Suspected colonies on selective medium were identified using routine biochemical tests and confirmed by serotyping. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed following Kirby Baeur disc diffusion method., Results: Of the 836 confirmed isolates, 87% (728/836) were V.cholerae O1 Ogawa,12% (103/836) were V.cholerae O1 Inaba and only 6 isolates were V.cholerae O1 Hikojima. In 2006 all the Vibrio isolates were of Inaba serotype, followed by all 3 serotypes during 2007.During 2008-2014 only Ogawa serotype was isolated while few cases of Inaba again surfaced in 2015. Resistance to ampicillin decreased from 93% in 2006 to 18% by 2010 and again raised to 100% by 2016.Cotrimoxazole resistance remained at constant range (77-100%).Nalidixic acid resistance was 100% since 2006.Ciprofloxacin and tetracycline resistance emerged in 2007, reached a peak during 2010-2012 and declined to 0 by 2016.Susceptibility to Furazolidone has re-emerged.63.6% of the isolates were Multi drug resistant., Conclusion: With changing epidemiology and antibiogram of V.cholerae in Nepal, the present study reflects the importance of continuous monitoring, which could be used by policy makers and health professionals for better management of outbreaks. Decline in tetracycline and ciprofloxacin resistance along with emerging sensitivity to furazolidone shows that these drugs could make an effective comeback in future.

The cross sections of nuclear reactions between the radioisotope ^{7}Be and deuterium, a possible mechanism of reducing the production of mass-7 nuclides in big-bang nucleosynthesis, were measured at center-of-mass energies between 0.2 and 1.5 MeV. The measured cross sections are dominated by the (d,α) reaction channel, towards which prior experiments were mostly insensitive. A new resonance at 0.36(5) MeV with a strength of ωγ=1.7(5)  keV was observed inside the relevant Gamow window. Calculations of nucleosynthesis outcomes based on the experimental cross section show that the resonance reduces the predicted abundance of primordial ^{7}Li, but not sufficiently to solve the primordial lithium problem.

Background: Staphylococcus aureus is a cardinal source of community- and hospital-acquired infection. HIV infection is a well-recognized risk factor for methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) carriage and infection. Intrinsically developed antibiotic resistance has sharply increased the burden of MRSA which is often associated with morbidity and mortality of the patients. Moreover, nasal carriage of S. aureus plays a significant role in spread of community-associated (CA) S. aureus infections., Methods: This study was conducted from June 2016 to December 2016 at National Public Health Laboratory (NPHL), Kathmandu, with an aim to assess the rate of S. aureus nasal carriage and MRSA carriage among HIV-infected and non-HIV patients. A total of 600 nonrepeated nasal swabs were analyzed following standard microbiological procedures, where 300 swabs were from HIV-infected patients while remaining 300 were from non-HIV patients. The isolates were identified on the basis of colony characteristics and a series of biochemical tests. The antibiotic susceptibility test (AST) was performed by the modified Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Inducible clindamycin resistance in isolates was confirmed by the D-test method., Results: Overall, out of 600 nasal swabs of patients tested, 125 (20.8%) were S. aureus nasal carriers which included 80 out of 300 (26.66%) among HIV-infected patients and 45 (15%) out of 300 among non-HIV patients, and the result was statistically significant ( p =0.0043). Among the isolated S. aureus , 11 (13.8%) MRSA were confirmed in HIV-infected while 3 (6.7%) MRSA were detected from non-HIV patients. A higher number of S. aureus carriers was detected among HIV-infected males 40 (26.49%), whereas MRSA carriage was more prevalent among HIV-infected females 7 (5.1%). Among the HIV-infected, patients of age group 31-40 years were the ones with highest carriage rate 36 (45%), while in non-HIV patients, the highest rate 13 (28.9%) of carriage was detected among the patients of age group 21-30 years. Statistically significant difference was found between S. aureus carriage and HIV infection in patients ( p < 0.05). Higher rate 2/3 (66.7%) of inducible clindamycin resistance in MRSA was detected from non-HIV patients in comparison to HIV-infected patients 7/11 (63.63%) while the result was statistically insignificant ( p > 0.05). All the MRSA isolates (100%) were resistant against co-trimoxazole while ciprofloxacin showed high rate of sensitivity towards both MSSA and MRSA. None of the isolates were detected as VRSA. The major factors associated with nasal colonization of S. aureus were close personal contact, current smoking habit, and working or living in a farm ( p < 0.05)., Conclusion: Regular surveillance and monitoring of MRSA nasal carriage and antibiotic susceptibility pattern are of prime importance in controlling S. aureus infections especially in high risk groups like HIV-infected patients.

Background: Shigella is a major cause of gastroenteritis especially in children. In developing countries, the incidence is frequent and results are often life threatening. Changing epidemiology and emerging antibiotic resistance warrants continuous monitoring of susceptibility. The present study highlights the changing epidemiology and drug resistance patterns of Shigella isolated at different hospitals of Nepal over a period of 13 years (Jan. 2003-Dec. 2015)., Methods: This study was carried out in 12 participating laboratories. Stool specimens received at respective laboratories were processed for isolation and identification of Shigella species and confirmed by serotyping at National Public Health Laboratory. Antimicrobial resistance patterns were determined by Kirby Baeur disc diffusion test., Results: A total of 332 isolates were identified as Shigella species of which Shigella flexneri (50 %) was the predominant serotype. Shigella dysenteriae, Shigella sonnei, Shigella boydii, and untypable Shigella spp. respectively, accounted for 28.6, 27.54, 10.2, 4.5, and 6.6 % of the total number. Change in prevalent serotype is noted over the years. S. dysenteriae was the prevalent species in Nepal in 2003 and 2004, but since 2005, S. flexneri remained prevalent. Majority of the isolates were recovered from children aged 1-10 years and was statistically significant (p = 0.023) compared to the other age groups. High resistance among all Shigella species to the first-line drugs like ampicillin (88 %), cotrimoxazole (76 %), ciprofloxacin (39 %,) and nalidixic acid (80 %) was observed; 46.1 % of total isolates were multidrug resistant (MDR), and the most common MDR profile was ampicillin, nalidixic acid, and co-trimoxazole. Prevalence of MDR increased significantly in 2010 as compared to 2003. Only few Shigella isolates were resistant to ceftriaxone., Conclusions: The study revealed S. flexneri as the predominant serogroup in Nepal. Children below 10 years were more prone to the disease. Nalidixic acid, ampicillin, co-trimoxazole, and ciprofloxacin should not be used empirically as the first-line drugs in treatment of shigellosis. Since the distribution of different species of Shigella and their antibiotic susceptibility profile may vary from one geographical location to another and may also change with time, continuous local monitoring of resistance patterns is necessary for appropriate antimicrobial therapy.

Background: Scrub typhus is a neglected tropical disease and is under reported from Nepal. The objective of this study was to investigate the sero-epidemiology of scrub typhus in patients suffering from acute febrile illness., Methods: A total of 434 specimens collected from July to November 2015 at National Public Health Laboratory (NPHL) were investigated for detection of immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibody to Orientiatsutsugamushi.The Scrub Typhus Detect TM kit (InBios, USA) was used to detect the antibodies to O.tsutsugamushi in human serum. Randomly selected 10% positive specimens were used for confirmation by dot- enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and indirect immunofluorescence assay., Results: Of the total, 175 (40.3%) were positive for IgM antibodies to O. tsutsugamushi. Positive results of scrub typhus were highest among female in 11-20 year followed by males in 41-50 years age group. The IgM antibodies to O. tsutusugamushi were positive in specimens of various geographical regions including 30 districts of Nepal. Positive cases were found in various ecological regions of Nepal., Conclusions: Scrub typhus is one of the neglected tropical diseases in Nepal. Patients with acute febrile illness should be investigated for scrub typhus with high priority. There is an urgent need of reliable and affordable diagnostic tests at all level of health facilities of Nepal. Surveillance and public health awareness about the disease transmission and preventive measures needs to be initiated.

Cholera occurs in sporadic cases and outbreaks in Nepal each year. Vibrio cholerae O1 (n = 522) isolated during 2007-2010 from diarrheal patients at 10 different hospital laboratories in Nepal were characterized. Biochemical and serologic identifications showed that all the isolates belonged to serogroup O1, El Tor biotype. Except 72 isolates of Inaba serotype isolated in the year 2007, all the remaining isolates were of Ogawa serotype. All isolates were resistant to nalidixic acid and furazolidone. Resistance to tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, erythromycin and co-trimoxazole were 21, 4, 16 and 90 % respectively. Seventy-seven of these isolates were selected for further characterization for ctxB gene and MLVA typing. Two different variants of classical type cholera toxin were observed. Ogawa strains from 2007 and 2010-Western Nepal outbreak harbored CTX-3 type cholera toxin, whereas Inaba serotypes in 2007 and the remaining Ogawa serotypes in 2008-2010 harbored CTX 3b-type toxin. MLVA analysis showed circulation of four different groups of altered V. cholerae O1 El Tor strains. Two different profiles were seen among 2007 Inaba (9, 3, 6, x, x) and Ogawa (10, 7, 6, x, x) isolates. The MLVA profile of 2008 and 2009 Ogawa isolates were similar to those of Inaba strains of 2007. Isolates from 2010 also showed three different MLVA profiles; profile 9, 3, 6, x, x in 3 isolates, 11, 7, 6, x, x among 2010 Western Nepal outbreak strains and profile 8, 3, 6, x, x among isolates from Butwal and Kathmandu.