Publications by authors named "Nisha Bhandari"
Human cases of avian influenza virus (AIV) infections are associated with an age-specific disease burden. As the influenza virus N2 neuraminidase (NA) gene was introduced from avian sources during the 1957 pandemic, we investigate the reactivity of N2 antibodies against A(H9N2) AIVs. Serosurvey of healthy individuals reveal the highest rates of AIV N2 antibodies in individuals aged ≥65 years.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- Seasonal vaccination can enhance antibodies and Fc receptor (FcR) functions, potentially reducing the severity of pandemic influenza infections, even in the absence of neutralizing antibodies.
- In a study using serum from children vaccinated against seasonal influenza prior to the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, elevated FcR effector functions and specific antibody profiles were observed in unvaccinated children who did not get infected.
- The findings suggest that while seasonal vaccination plays a beneficial role, some children possess pre-existing broadly reactive antibodies with FcR capabilities, potentially classifying them as 'elite influenza controllers' capable of resisting infections effectively.
The current study aimed to develop broadly protective vaccines for avian influenza. In an earlier study, HA stalk (universal flu vaccine) was found to be broadly protective against different subtypes of influenza virus in mice. Hence, we were interested to know its breadth of protective efficacy either alone or combined with inactivated rgH5N2 (clade 2.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFOutcome Predictors in Scrub Typhus Requiring Ventilator and Vasopressor Support.
J Nepal Health Res Counc
January 2020
Background: Age and serum creatinine are known to be predictors of mortality in scrub typhus patients admitted in intensive care unit. This study aimed to explore the factors predicting mortality in patients with scrub typhus requiring both ventilator and vasopressor support in our set up.
Methods: A retrospective analysis of 43 patients with scrub typhus (ELISA IgM positive, optical density ?0.
Purpose: This study aimed to identify the factors associated with depressive symptoms among postpartum mothers in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Method: A hospital-based cross-sectional study that included 346 postpartum mothers at 4-14 weeks after delivery was carried out. Validated Nepalese version of Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale with cut-off value of ≥12 was used to screen depressive symptoms and structured questionnaires were used to identify the associated factors.
Biofilm and metallo beta-lactamase production among the strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter spp. at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Ann Clin Microbiol Antimicrob
November 2017
Introduction: Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter spp. are found to be associated with biofilm and metallo-β-lactamase production and are the common causes of serious infections mainly in hospitalized patients. So, the main aims of this study were to determine the rates of biofilm production and metallo beta-lactamase production (MBL) among the strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter spp.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is considered well accepted screening tool for postpartum depression (PPD). The objective of the study was to validate the EPDS as a screening tool for postpartum depression in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Methods: A hospital based cross sectional study using EPDS was conducted among 346 mothers between 4 and 14 weeks of postpartum period.