Sayyada Ghufrana Nadeem

Use of CHROMagar Candida for the presumptive identification of Candida species directly from clinical specimens in resource-limited settings

Introduction: Identification of yeast isolated from clinical specimens to the species level has become increasingly important. Ever-increasing numbers of immuno-suppressed patients, a widening range of recognized pathogens, and the discovery of resistance to antifungal drugs are contributing factors to this necessity. Material and methods: A total of 487 yeast strains were studied for the primary isolation and presumptive identification, directly from clinical specimen. Efficacy of CHROMagar Candida has been evaluated with conventional methods including morphology on Corn meal–tween 80 agar and biochemical methods by using API 20 C AUX. Results: The result of this study shows that CHROMagar Candida can easily identify three species of Candida on the basis of colonial color and morphology, and accurately differentiate between them i.e. Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, and Candida krusei. The specificity and sensitivity of CHROMagar Candida for C. albicans calculated as 99%, for C. tropicalis calculated as 98%, and C. krusei it is 100%. Conclusion: The data presented supports the use of CHROMagar Candida for the rapid identification of Candida species directly from clinical specimens in resource-limited settings, which could be very helpful in developing appropriate therapeutic strategy and management of patients.

An Experience with Dengue in Pakistan: An Expanding Problem

Introduction: Emerging infectious diseases pose threats to the general human population, including recipients of blood transfusions and health care workers. Dengue is an expanding problem in tropical and subtropical regions and is now the most frequent arboviral disease in the world, with an estimated annual 100 million cases of dengue fever, 250,000 cases of dengue hemorrhagic fever, and 25,000 deaths per year [ 1] . Materials & Methods: A total of 459 blood serum samples were collected from suspected patients of dengue fever, aged 10 to 65 years, came from different parts of the city, at two different Pathological Laboratories of the city and were subjected to Hematological, Biochemical and serological analysis using standard laboratory procedures including Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent assay (ELISA) for the determination of Dengue specific IgG and IgM antibodies. Results: Out of 459 blood samples 289 (63%) were confirmed having significant dengue IgM antibody titter and, dengue IgG antibody titer in 193 (42%) patients. Conclusion: This paper is basically a discussion of need of an appropriate framework for approaching the environmental control of Dengue virus/ Dengue Fever/ Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever with reference to current situation of flood and flood related disasters in a resource limited country like Pakistan. This is the time to evoke a sense of moral indignation at unnecessary suffering and for the leadership to mobilize human will power and resources to take on the task of controlling emerging infectious diseases like malaria and dengue.

Knowledge and Awareness of Routine Biosafety Measures and Proper Waste Disposal Practices among Healthcare Workers in Karachi, Pakistan

This study assessed the knowledge and awareness regarding routine biosafety measures and proper waste disposal practices among healthcare workers in Karachi, Pakistan, and also highlighted areas in which training was needed. To increase knowledge of biosafety and waste disposal requirements, the Virology & Tissue Culture Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Jinnah University for Women, Karachi, Pakistan in association with the Biosafety Association of Pakistan (BSAP) executed a collaborative project entitled “Training Workshop on Proper Waste Disposal from Hospitals & Pathological Laboratories in Karachi, Pakistan,” with financial support from the Biosecurity Engagement Program (BEP), the United States Department of State (DOS), and Civilian Research & Development Foundation (CRDF) for health-related issues in developing countries. A 50-question pre-workshop survey was administered to better understand the current biosafety and biosecurity measures in place at 250 state and private-sector clinical facilities (hospital and pathological laboratories) in the city. Participants from the 250 facilities were selected on the basis of first-come, first-served, but with preference for participants without prior knowledge of biosafety and biosecurity. After the training workshop, an evaluation survey was conducted with 28 participants. Results of that survey indicate that healthcare workers (HCWs) need to be offered training and refresher courses, in Urdu, to increase their level of knowledge and awareness of biosafety and waste disposal protocols to reduce both occupational exposures and the spread of infectious diseases in the community through improper disposal of infectious waste.

Determination and Elimination of Microbial Load from Pickle’s Brand in Karachi

The study is the elementary step to determine the causes of spoilage of fermented products and factors that could be remove to acquire the hygienic fermented products. Pickle is one of the mostly used fermented products especially as a side dish in Eastern countries, but it is developing a high rate of infectious diseases either due to its failing probiotic activity or due to increase harmful microbial flora in the pickle which are dominating the probiotics. The study is based on the determination of microbial load present in the pickle using MPN technique. The growth of fungi such as Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Rhizopus, and bacteria Escherichia coli, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bacillus were isolated from the pickles samples used in this study. By using MPN technique, It was observed that the pickle of Rizwan Company had 1100 colonies in 100 ml of sample which can be extremely dangerous for consumption and the pickle from another brand Sundip Company showed the lowest amount i.e. 28 colonies in 100 ml of sample. Other brands that were tested also showed higher amount of organisms in between 150 to 460 colonies in 100 ml of sample. Elimination of the microbial load of pickle also performed on the pickle of National Company that gave a marvelous result the amount of organisms is dropped from 150 colonies to 11 colonies in 100 ml of sample. This study provides preliminary work and open new doors in assessing and improving the quality of pickles available in the market.

Evaluation Antibacterial Activity of three Most Consumed Tea Extracts against Pathogenic Bacteria

Tea is the type of beverage which belongs to Camellia sinensisplant (Fuller and Thomas, 2008). Tea is an infusion of leaves that has been consumed for centuries as a beverage and is valued for its medicinal properties. Green tea is non fermented tea originated in China whereas black tea has been the traditionally consumed tea (Graham, 1999). The fermentation process is the key between green tea and black tea. In case of black tea, the leaves and buds are dried before fermentation. While in green tea the leaves are first steamed and then dried. The phytochemicals present in tea leaves are highly sensitive to oxidation process. Green tea contains 30 and 40 percent of water extractable polyphenols, while black tea contains between 3 to 10 percent. Black tea is also known to have potent antioxidant properties which are manifested by its ability to scavenge free radicals, that inhibit lipid, Epicperoxidation, and chelate metal ions. According to the previous studies, four polyphenolic compounds, Epigallocatechigallat (EGCG) natechingallate (ECG), Epigallocatechin International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 5 Number 11 (2016) pp. 824-827 Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas.com