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Prevotella buccae (P. buccae) is a gram-negative obligate anaerobe mainly associated with infections of odontogenic origin. Non-oral monomicrobial infection by these obligate anaerobic bacteria is rare. Only a few cases of monomicrobial non-oral infections by P. buccae have been reported in the literature. We are reporting a case of unilateral complicated pleural empyema in a patient with bronchial asthma infected by P. buccae. Pleural fluid aerobic culture and blood culture reports were sterile. No acid-fast bacilli were detected by Acid Fast Bacilli (AFB) staining, and cartridge-based nucleic acid assay test (CBNAAT) reports were negative for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The isolate, P. buccae was found susceptible to Metronidazole (MIC = 3 μg/ml) and resistant to Clindamycin (MIC = 256 μg/ml). In view of rising trends of antimicrobial resistance among anaerobes, it is recommended to perform anaerobic culture and sensitivity testing in clinically suspected cases of pleuropulmonary infection for appropriate diagnosis and optimal patient management. Clindamycin should be used with caution for empiric treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The magnitude and pace of global affliction caused by Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) is unprecedented in the recent past. From starting in a busy seafood market in the Chinese city of Wuhan, the virus has spread across the globe in less than a year, infecting over 76 million people and causing death of close to 1.7 million individuals worldwide. As no specific antiviral treatment is currently available, the major strategy in containing the pandemic is focused on early diagnosis and prompt isolation of the infected individuals. Several diagnostic modalities have emerged within a relatively short period, which can be broadly classified into molecular and immunological assays. While the former category is centered around real-time PCR, which is currently considered the gold standard of diagnosis, the latter aims to detect viral antigens or antibodies specific to the viral antigens and is yet to be recommended as a stand-alone diagnostic tool. This review aims to provide an update on the different diagnostic modalities that are currently being used in diagnostic laboratories across the world as well as the upcoming methods and challenges associated with each of them. In a rapidly evolving diagnostic landscape with several testing platforms going through various phases of development and/or regulatory clearance, it is prudent that the clinical community familiarizes itself with the nuances of different testing modalities currently being employed for this condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The epidemiology of dengue has been demonstrating significant changes in recent years, with rising incidence of infection in countries with known endemicity and occurrence of fresh outbreaks in previously unaffected territories. India, which has been a traditional hotspot dengue virus (DENV) transmission in the endemic south-east Asian region, has also been affected by the sweeping changes in dengue epidemiology. Two remarkable developments characterize the alterations witnessed by India 2011-2017. Firstly, all parts of the country have witnessed abrupt replacement of existing DENV lineages with emerging novel strains. Secondly, co-circulation of multiple serotypes of DENV have been reported from all across the country 2011-2017; thereby hinting at the transition of the country towards hyper-endemicity. Considering the potential clinical implications of such epidemiological transformation in terms increasing involvement of pediatric patients and growing predisposition to serious complications, the present review provides an update on the serotypic and genotypic profile of dengue outbreaks that have been witnessed by different zones of India between 2011 and 2017. Dividing the country into northern, southern, eastern, western, central and north-eastern zones, we describe discrete zone-specific distribution patterns of DENV serotypes and genotypes and observe simultaneous circulation of different DENV strains in different parts of the country. Random shifts in the genetic characteristics of the circulating strains and the widespread co- circulation of all four serotypes underscore the need for undertaking continuous and representative molecular surveillance of the circulating DENV strains across the country for prompt identification of emerging strains and novel mutants; gain insights into the formulation of Dengue vaccines and develop a clearer understanding of the molecular basis of immune evasion, disease epidemiology and pathogenesis., (Copyright © 2024 Copyright: © 2024 Journal of Vector Borne Diseases.)