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Background: HIV/AIDS poses a significant and one of the most genuine general well-being challenges. For HIV anticipation in the Indian scenario, the main plausible and financially savvy approach that can be adapted is proper training about HIV/AIDS and its various aspects. The present study was embraced to survey the degree of information and awareness about HIV/AIDS among clients attending ICTC facility in our hospital. Materials and Methods: A total of 200 clients, of age >18yrs, attending the ICTC for HIV testing were studied over a period of 3 months. A questionnaire was prepared in regards to the methods of transmission, preventive techniques, mentality towards patient living with HIV/ AIDS and the source of HIV/ AIDS. The response of clients to the questionnaire was recorded. Results: Among 200 participants, 97% were aware that unprotected sex is a mode of HIV transmission and 64% were aware that infected blood transfusion, use of unsterile needles and syringes contribute to other modes of HIV transmission. It was also noted that uneducated clients had a false perception that HIV can be transmitted by drinking water from same glass and by mosquito bite and this was statistically significant compared to educated individuals. The main source of acquiring positive information among the clients regarding HIV was observed to be television (32.5%). Conclusion: Stigma among the general public was mostly due to fear of contracting the illness. There is a requirement for more noteworthy endeavours toward making data with respect to HIV/AIDS accessible to all. The level of awareness regarding HIV/AIDS needs to be elevated among the public. Keywords : HIV, AIDS, Awareness, Education.

Introduction: Dermatophytosis is a mycotic infection of the hair, skin or nails. Although dermatophytic infection doesn’t cause mortality, it can lead to morbidity and result in a major public health issue usually in tropical countries like India, because of the supporting climatic conditions like high temperature and air moisture. The present study was undertaken to know the clinical status of dermatophytic infection and to isolate and identify the species commonly seen in our area. Materials and Methods: A total of 166 clinically suspected cases of dermatophytosis sent for department of Microbiology were studied over a period of one year. KOH for microscopy and culture on Sabouraud's dextrose agar slopes was done. Species identification was done by studying growth morphology, slide culture and biochemical tests like urease test. Results: Among 166 patients, the dermatophytosis was more common among the age group of 21-30 years. Males (55.5%) were more affected than females (44.5%). The most common clinical type was tinea corporis (36.2%) followed by tinea incognito (10.3%). Out of 166 patients, 125 cases (75.3%) were positive for fungi by KOH and 118 cases (71.1%) showed growth in culture. Trichophyton spp are predominantly isolated (88%). Conclusion: The prevalence of dermatophytosis usually differ with respect to various geographical locations. India due to high humidity and temperature acts as a rich ground for the heavy growth of dermatophytes. Idea regarding the fungal infections prevalent in the particular region is important to know the burden of infection and its course of infection. This helps to plan for the proper infrastructure required for various epidemiological and laboratory studies, and further to evaluate interventions required for treatment. Keywords: Dermatophytosis, Trichophyton, Tinea.

Introduction: Carriage of Staphylococcus aureus in the web spaces and anterior nares among the health care workers is a substantial source of human infections. Screening, detection and treatment of such carriers is an important modality in prevention of infections. Colonized health workers especially in teaching hospitals may subsequently develop clinical infections and act as reservoirs for infection among vulnerable individuals. Objectives: Screening of the nursing staff from various departments including critical and non critical areas, identification and speciation of staphylococcus and determining its resistance to cefoxitin and Mupirocin. Materials and Methods: The study was done in the department of Microbiology, Rajarajeswari medical college and hospital, Bangalore, Karnataka. Two swabs were collected from each health care personnel, one swab from anterior nares and other from the web spaces. Swabs were streaked on to blood agar and MacConkey agar plate and incubated at 37?C for 48hours. Identification done by standard protocols. Susceptibility to cefoxitin and mupirocin was done by Kirby- baeur disc diffusion method. MIC of mupirocin was done E-test method. Results: A total of 200 nursing staff was screened during the study period. Majority of the cultures yielded Coagulase negative staphylococcus followed by no growth from the anterior nares. From the web spaces majority yielded no growth. Out of 78 CONS that were isolated 72 were sensitive to cefoxitin and 8 were resistant. Out of 24 isolated Staphylococcus aureus isolates 20 isolates were sensitive and 4 were resistant to cefoxitin. The MIC values of the four methicillin resistant Staphylococc us aureus were 0.38, 0.25, 0.25, 0.19 which were reported as sensitive strains. Keywords: MRSA, Staphylococcus aureus, Mupirocin, Nasal carriers, Webspaces, Screening nursing staff.

HIV is a retrovirus that primarily infects CD4 presenting cells of the human immune system, such as macrophages and dendritic cells. People die of AIDS because the disease remains undetected for long periods of time. HIV diagnostic testing has come a long way since it was introduced in the early 1980s. Early diagnosis is key to successful treatment of HIV. Assay selection is based on initial screening results and clinical information provided by the physician, both of which are essential for the laboratory’s ability to make accurate diagnoses. Detecting HIV with high specificity and sensitivity in the early stages of infection requires simple, accurate and economical methods. In this chapter we have described the indications & criteria’s for HIV testing, HIV diagnosis by utilizing variety of immunological and molecular methods, like ELISA, rapid diagnostics, Western blotting, indirect immunoassays, and nucleic acid-based tests. Diagnostic laboratories must use testing algorithms to ensure the accuracy of results and the optimal use of lab resources. Participation in laboratory quality assurance programs are also essential to ensure that diagnostic laboratories provide accurate, timely and clinically relevant test results. HIV testing is the first step in maintaining a healthy life and preventing HIV transmission.