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Introduction: The emergence and rapid spread of multidrug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa causing nosocomial infections is a great concern worldwide. Detection of MBL is also a challenge for routine microbiology laboratories, since there are no standardized methods for MBL detection. The present study was conducted at our hospital with an aim to know the prevalence of metallo beta lactamase producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa, to know MIC of various antibiotics, transfer of drug resistance and predisposing factors for infection with MBL strain. Material and Methods: A total of 608 clinical isolates were tested for the presence of metallo beta lactamase enzyme from Oct 2008 to Sept 2013. Imipenem resistant Ps. aeruginosa isolates were selected for the presence of MBL by Imipenem – EDTA combined disc test, Imipenem – EDTA double disc synergy test (DDST), EDTA disk potentiation test using Ceftazidime, Ceftizoxime, Cefepime, Cefotaxime and MBL E- Test. Result: Out of 608 clinical isolates 91 (14.96%) were resistant to imipenem and 81 (13.32%) were MBL positive by initial two tests. 76(83.51%) were positive by EDTA disk potentiation test using Ceftazidime, Ceftizoxime, Cefepime, Cefotaxime and 63 (69.23%) were positive by E- test. It is observed that 62/81(76.54%) of MBL producing Pseudomonas isolates could transfer the resistance of imipenem to the recipient E. coli J53 AZR strains at 370C. The prevalence of MBL producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa was 81/608 (13.32%). Conclusion: The early detection of MBL producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa may help in appropriate antimicrobial therapy and avoid the development and dissemination of these multidrug resistance strains. Hence all Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates resistant to imipenem should be screened for MBL production.

Bacteria of the genus Salmonella are highly adapted for the growth in both humans and animals and cause a wide spectrum of disease. The growth of Serotypes S. typhi and S. paratyphi is restricted to human hosts, in whom these organisms cause enteric (typhoid) fever. The remaining Serotypes (non typhoidal Salmonella or NTS) can colonize the gastrointestinal tracts of the broad range of animals, including mammals, reptiles, birds and insects. The usual clinical presentation of non-typhoidal salmonellae (NTS) infection is self limited gastroenteritis; however bacteremia and focal extra intestinal infection may occur. However salmonella localization to the skin presenting as cutaneous ulceration is regarded as a rare event. Rates of morbidity and mortality associated with NTS are highest among the elderly, infants, and immunocompromised individuals, including those with hemoglobinopathies, HIV infection, or infections that cause blockade of the reticuloendothelial system. We isolated S.infantis in 50 years old man with left leg cellulitis. The serotype was confirmed at Central Research Institute, Kasauli.

Bacteria of the genus Salmonella are highly adapted for the growth in both humans and animals and cause a wide spectrum of disease. The growth of Serotypes S. typhi and S. paratyphi is restricted to human hosts, in whom these organisms cause enteric (typhoid) fever. The remaining Serotypes (non typhoidal Salmonella or NTS) can colonize the gastrointestinal tracts of the broad range of animals, including mammals, reptiles, birds and insects. The usual clinical presentation of non-typhoidal salmonellae (NTS) infection is self limited gastroenteritis; however bacteremia and focal extra intestinal infection may occur. However salmonella localization to the skin presenting as cutaneous ulceration is regarded as a rare event. Rates of morbidity and mortality associated with NTS are highest among the elderly, infants, and immunocompromised individuals, including those with hemoglobinopathies, HIV infection, or infections that cause blockade of the reticuloendothelial system. We isolated S.infantis in 50 years old man with left leg cellulitis. The serotype was confirmed at Central Research Institute, Kasauli.

Brucella endocarditis is a rare condition which occurs as a focal complication in chronic brucellosis cases. We report a rare brucella endocarditis case in a RVHD patient. A 26 years old male was admitted with fever on off for almost one year. The blood culture yielded growth of Brucella melitensis after ten days of incubation. Isolated colonies were reconfirmed as Brucella species by PCR study. Patient’s serum tested positive for brucella slide agglutination test and STAT titer was 640IU. Echocardiography showed vegetation on mitral valve. Patient was treated with both medical and surgical intervention. After chemotherapy, patient’s blood culture was sterile, slide agglutination & STAT (40IU) were negative. Repeat echocardiography showed no fresh vegetation. Considering high mortality rate (80%) in Brucella endocarditis, it is very important for clinicians to suspect it. Prompt antibiotic therapy and surgical intervention is life saving in fatal cases.

Background and Objectives: Hepatitis C is global health problem affecting a significant portion of the world's population. Available data in Western Maharashtra on seroprevalence, risk factors and genotype distribution are very limited., Objectives: The present study was carried out to estimate the seroprevalence, factors influencing transmission and distribution of genotype of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in a hospital-based population., Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional, hospital-based study. A total of 25193 serum samples were tested for HCV and HBV infection. All samples from HCV antibody-positive patients were subjected for HCV RNA detection and genotype. Chi-square, unpaired t-test, logistic regression analysis was used for statistical analysis., Results: The seroprevalence for anti-HCV-Ab was 0.46%. Backward multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed increasing age; alcoholic, blood transfusion and dialysis were significant risk factors. Of 116 patients with HCV, 8 (6.89%) patients had HCV-HBV co-infection. The most common genotype (61.90%) was 3 followed by Genotype 1 (38.09%)., Conclusions: In the present study, significant risk factors were a history of blood transfusion, habit of alcohol, dialysis. The prevention of HCV infection can be achieved by screening of blood and blood products and creating awareness about risk factors. Since the efficacy of current and new therapies differ by genotype, genotype study is essential.

Purpose: The biofilm of organisms can be considered as a virulence factor because of the resistance towards antimicrobial agents. Formation of Candida biofilms are observed in blood, mucosal surface and most medical devices i.e. nonliving objects in patient's body. The study was undertaken to conclude the most sensitive and specific test for detection of biofilm formation., Materials and Methods: Quantitative measurement of biofilm formation was assessed by three methods- 1) XTT reductionassay, 2) Percentage Transmission (%T) and 3) Crystal Violet assay in microtitre plate for 425 Candida isolates., Results: Out of 425 Candida strains, XTT reduction assay gave 72 Biofilm positive strains accounting for 16.94 %. The percentage transmission (% T) method gave 56 strains Biofilm positive (13.17 %) and Crystal violet assay gave 50 positive strains (11.76 %). Compared to Percentage Transmission (% T) and Crystal violet method, XTT reduction assay gave maximum percentage of Biofilm positivity., Conclusion: In comparison of 3 methods used for detection of biofilm formation, XTT reduction assay was the most sensitive and specific method.