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Background: Emergence of resistance among Escherichia coli (E.coli) isolates against therapeutic options for UTIs (Urinary tract infections) has led to renewed interest in older antibiotics like Fosfomycin. In this study we evaluated diagnostic accuracy of Rapid Fosfomycin NP test based on glucose metabolism for rapid Fosfomycin susceptibility testing among urinary E.coli isolates. Methods: In a cross-sectional validation study conducted in the Microbiology Department, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Rawalpindi, Pakistan from 15th March to 15th September 2020, 149 consecutive urine specimens were included as per selection criteria. Rapid Fosfomycin NP test was performed as per protocol of Nordmann P et al on urinary E.coli isolates for detection of Fosfomycin resistance and results were compared with reference modified Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Results: Out of total 149 E.coli isolates from 149 urine specimens, 80 were classified as Fosfomycin susceptible and 69 as Fosfomycin resistant by reference disk diffusion method. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and diagnostic accuracy of rapid Fosfomycin NP test was found to be 94.2%, 98.75%, 98.48%, 95.2% and 96.64%, respectively. In our study reliable results were achieved after 2.5 hours of incubation. Conclusion: The rapid Fosfomycin NP test is valid and user-friendly technique which can be performed with minimal technical expertise. It is less time consuming than disk diffusion and E- test strips and easy to perform as compared to agar dilution method. It can be useful as alternative to agar dilution in urinary E.coli isolates which would help in selecting appropriate therapeutic option for UTIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acute respiratory illness caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) involved the whole globe within no time. Various studies published globally have shown variable severity of disease and mortality. The objective of our study was to describe clinical and epidemiological characteristics of the disease in our setup. Methods: in this descriptive case series, individuals with signs and symptoms of Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) and asymptomatic patients with history of close contact to confirmed COVID-19 patients were considered for SARS-CoV-2 Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Epidemiological and clinical features of only PCR positive cases were recorded. Data regarding hospitalization status, exposure to known COVID-19 patients, clinical feature and clinical outcome of patients was collected and interpreted. Results: A total of 266 patients were found to be SARS-CoV 2 PCR positive which were included in the study. Mean age of patients was 39.45±31.9 years and majority of the patients in our study were male, i.e., 238 (89.5%). Most common clinical features among COVID- 19 symptomatic patients were fever and dry cough followed by myalgias and sore throat. Eighteen (7%) out of 266 died in our setup. Time duration of viral shedding after initial positive PCR varied between 11 days to up to more than 55 days. Conclusions: Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) can present with wide range of clinical spectrum and disease can be life threatening. Severity of disease, requirement of ICU care and mortality were directly related to age of the patient and underlying comorbidities. Rigorous precautionary measures are of utmost importance particularly in this high-risk population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diarrhoea is a serious threat all over the world with great economic implications especially evident in the developing world. This study was aimed at determining in vitro efficacy of Zinc (Zn) against common enteric bacterial pathogens., Method: A total of 100 bacterial enteric pathogens: Salmonellae (n = 16), enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) (n = 26). Shigellae (n = 28) and Vibrio cholerae (n = 30) were isolated from diarrhoeal stool specimens at Department of Microbiology, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology Rawalpindi during Aapril 2009 to Jan 2010. These isolates were tested against various concentrations of Zn supplemented in Mueller Hinton (MH) agar using a multipoint inoculator. A minimum inhibitory concentration of active Zn in ZnSO4.7H2O ranging from 0.03 mg/ml to 1 mg/ml was used., Results: Zn completely inhibited the growth of all the tested pathogens and most of them were inhibited at a concentration of 0.06 mg/ml to 0.5 mg/ml of Zn., Conclusions: Zinc has an excellent antibacterial activity against enteric bacterial pathogens common in our setup which may provide basis for treatment of diarrhoea. Clinical study based on these findings is recommended.