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This study was carried out to evaluate the perceptions of surgical department interns towards antimicrobial resistance and pharmacovigilance. A questionnaire-based research was conducted during the months of June–September 2019. Surgical interns working in two teaching hospitals (Peshawar, Pakistan) were recruited on a daily basis using a convenient random selection method. Data collection was carried out through the self-administered and validated questionnaire (good internal consistency; α ≥ 0.7). Descriptive statistics and independent sample Kruskal–Wallis test analysis were used through SPSS version 21.0. Among 300 participants, 225 filled out the questionnaire (response rate ≥ 75%). Male participants (n = 134, 59.6%) were more than female. Statistically significant differences were found in gender, training on antimicrobial stewardship and pharmacovigilance (p

Background: Most postsurgical infections can be prevented through the effective use of antimicrobial. This study was conducted to investigate the antimicrobial prophylaxis practices and adherence to guidelines in gynecological surgeries. Methods: An audit based prospective study was carried out between February and April 2019 in the gynecological ward in a teaching hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan. This study included women who had two common surgical procedures (caesarean surgery and hysterectomy), did not undergo any previous surgery and having no infection at the time of surgery. The indication, choice/selection, timing and pattern of antimicrobials were the main evaluated parameters. The required information was collected from medical records through standardized data collection proforma. Observed prescribing practices were compared with antimicrobial prophylaxis guideline. Results: A total of 264 patients (caesarean surgery n = 173 and hysterectomy n = 91) with mean age: 32.6 ± 6.3 years were recruited in the analysis. Antimicrobial was prescribed to 241 patients (91.3%). The selection and timing of antimicrobial were adhered to guidelines in 40.7% and 56.4% cases, respectively (optimal value 100%). There was a statistically significant difference between guideline recommendations and antimicrobial practice in surgical procedures (P = 0.000).The commonly prescribed antimicrobials were ceftriaxone (22.4%) and cefazolin (22%).The combination usage of antimicrobial was also observed. Conclusion: Inappropriate use of antimicrobial prophylaxis and low adherence to standard guidelines was observed. Periodic audit and awareness about standard guidelines are required for the judicial use of antimicrobials in surgery.

Background The contaminated contact lens provides Pseudomonas aeruginosa an ideal site for attachment and biofilm production. Continuous contact of the eye to the biofilm-infested lens can lead to serious ocular diseases, such as keratitis (corneal ulcers). The biofilms also prevent effective penetration of the antibiotics, which increase the chances of antibiotic resistance. Methods For this study, 22 Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates were obtained from 36 contact lenses and 14 contact lens protective fluid samples. These isolates were tested against eight commonly used antibiotics using Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. The biofilm forming potential of these isolates was also evaluated using various qualitative and quantitative techniques. Finally, a relationship between biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance was also examined. Results The isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa tested were found resistant to most of the antibiotics tested. Qualitative and quantitative biofilm analysis revealed that most of the isolates exhibited strong biofilm production. The biofilm production was significantly higher in isolates that were multi-drug resistant (p

Cryptosporidiosis is an infection caused by Cryptosporidium, a protozoan parasite of clinically importance. It is transmitted by contaminated water and in individuals with proper immune systems it usually causes diarrhea, but in case of immunocompromised people, like those suffering of AIDS, the disease is usually severe and it can be fatal. It is known to be zoonotic in nature. In other words, Cryptosporidiosis can be spread naturally directly from cats to their keepers. Oocyst is a critical stage and mainly responsible for causing infection with typical gastrointestinal manifestations in humans. Medically important ones are C. parvum and C. hominis, causing infections. The classic symptoms include watery diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and Fever etc. The infection is self-limiting so oral o as well as intravenous rehydration and replacement of electrolytes are usually suggested. Moreover, the best of avoiding is to promote the practices of hand washing and hygienic standards in the mass.