Comparison of risk factors for dementia among rural and urban elderly adults-data from two cohort studies in India.

Introduction: Studies on risk factors for dementia in India, especially rural India, are sparse and therefore we aimed to assess risk factors in a rural cohort on aging and compare it with an urban cohort.

Methods: We are presenting baseline data on proportion of hypertension, diabetes, obesity, physical inactivity, and Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Aging, and Incidence of Dementia (CAIDE) scores in both cohorts.

Results: The rural cohort is younger and less educated than the urban cohort.

An algorithmic approach to identifying the aetiology of acute encephalitis syndrome in India: results of a 4-year enhanced surveillance study.

Background: Annual outbreaks of acute encephalitis syndrome pose a major health burden in India. Although Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) accounts for around 15% of reported cases, the aetiology of most cases remains unknown. We aimed to establish an enhanced surveillance network and to use a standardised diagnostic algorithm to conduct a systematic evaluation of acute encephalitis syndrome in India.

Identification and Genomic Characterization of Parvovirus B19V Genotype 3 Viruses from Cases of Meningoencephalitis in West Bengal, India.

Brain infections are a major public health problem in India and other parts of the world, causing both mortality and lifelong disability. Even after a thorough investigation, many cases remain without an etiological diagnosis. Primate erythroparvovirus 1 (B19V) has been identified as a pathogen associated with undiagnosed meningoencephalitis in other settings, including the United Kingdom, France, and Latvia.

Burden of Vitamin D, Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid Deficiencies in an Aging, Rural Indian Community.

The important role of micronutrient deficiencies in aging-related disorders including dementia is becoming increasingly evident. However, information on their burden in India is scarce, especially, among aging and rural communities. Prevalence of vitamin D, B12 and folic acid deficiency was measured in an ongoing, aging cohort, from rural India-Srinivaspura Aging Neurosenescence and COGnition (SANSCOG) study cohort.

Descriptive epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Karnataka state, South India: Transmission dynamics of symptomatic vs. asymptomatic infections.

Background: The huge surge in COVID-19 cases in Karnataka state, India, during early phase of the pandemic especially following return of residents from other states and countries required investigation with respect to transmission dynamics, clinical status, demographics, comorbidities and mortality. Knowledge on the role of symptomatic and asymptomatic cases in transmission of SARS-CoV-2 was not available.

Methods: The study included all the cases reported from March 8 - May 31, 2020.

Dengue virus is an under-recognised causative agent of acute encephalitis syndrome (AES): Results from a four year AES surveillance study of Japanese encephalitis in selected states of India.

Background: Acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) surveillance in India has indicated that Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) accounts for 5-35% of AES cases annually; the etiology remains unknown in the remaining cases. We implemented comprehensive AES surveillance to identify other etiological agents of AES, with emphasis on dengue virus.

Methods: Serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens were collected from patients enrolled prospectively in AES surveillance from 2014-2017 at selected sites of three high burden states of India.

Risk Factors for Acquiring Scrub Typhus among Children in Deoria and Gorakhpur Districts, Uttar Pradesh, India, 2017.

Scrub typhus is associated with outbreaks of acute encephalitis syndrome in Uttar Pradesh, India. A case-control study indicated that children residing, playing, or visiting fields; living with firewood stored indoors; handling cattle fodder; and practicing open defecation were at increased risk for scrub typhus. Communication messages should focus on changing these behaviors.