Enhancing Phenotypic Detection of ESBL in AmpC co-producers by using Cefepime and Tazobactam.

Introduction: Routine phenotypic methods employing clavulanate and third generation cephalosporins to detect ESBL are not promising for isolates that co-produce an inhibitor-resistant beta lactamase like AmpC.

Aim: Enhancing phenotypic detection of ESBL in AmpC co-producers by using cefepime and tazobactam.

Materials And Methods: A total of 245 isolates of Escherichia coli (123), Klebsiella spp.

Modified Double Disc Synergy Test to Detect ESBL Production in Urinary Isolates of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Background And Objectives: Various phenotypic methods are recommended in the routine practice to detect the ESBL production in gram negative bacilli. Among them, the Double Disc Synergy Test (DDST) which uses the third generation cephalosporins (3GC), is a simple and a reliable method. But the coexistence of AmpC may give false negative results.

Skin and Mucocutaneous Manifestations: Useful Clinical Predictors of HIV/AIDS.

Background And Aims: The HIV infection is associated with several dermatological conditions which may be the first pointer towards the existence of HIV. These may present with unusual and atypical manifestations in the course of the HIV infection. Keeping this in mind, the seroprevalence of HIV in these persons and the spectrum of the skin and the mucocutaneous lesions in the HIV positive patients was studied.

Comparison of HIV antibody detection by conventional method and dried tube specimen: stability and validation study for HIV serology.

This study was carried out to compare HIV antibody detection by conventional method and serum dried in test tube and to check the stability of dried tube specimen (DTS) at ambient temperature. A total of 50 serum samples were tested for HIV antibodies, which were sent for testing in the state reference laboratory, by conventional method according to NACO guidelines. The same serum samples were dried in test tubes and then after elution with PBS again tested for HIV antibodies by same method and kits at 0 day and after 30 days.

Carbapenem resistance and phenotypic detection of carbapenemases in clinical isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii.

Background And Objectives: Multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (MDR-Ab) reported worldwide has become one of the most difficult nosocomially acquired Gram-negative pathogens to control and treat. The clinical utility of carbapenems is under threat with the emergence of acquired carbapenemases, particularly Ambler class B metallo-lactamases (MBL). Because of the global increase in the occurrence and dissemination of MBLs, early detection is critical.

Seroprevalence of human immunodeficiency virus-2 in and around Amritsar.

A total of 14555 serum samples collected between January, 2001 to April, 2006 were screened for HIV infection. Antibodies to HIV-1/ HIV-2 were present in 985 (6.76%) of which 964 (97.