Shazia Tabassum Hakim

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B and C Genotypes Among Young Apparently Healthy Females of Karachi-Pakistan

Introduction Although the prevalence of hepatitis virus infections in Pakistan is still unknown, limited data indicate that the exposure rate to HBV is 35-38% with 4% being carriers and 32% having anti-HBV surface antibodies through natural conversion [1, 2, 3]. Studies in Pakistan have shown that the prevalence rate of HCV is 4.8-14% for, and that it is continuously increasing. Hence there is an urgent need to create awareness about the prevalence of both hepatitis B and C, and to develop preventive measures aimed at minimizing the prevalence of these diseases in the country. Study Design Prospective, descriptive study. The study took place from March 2002 till October 2006 at two university campuses in Karachi. Materials and methods A total of 4000 healthy female students were screened for HBs Ag, anti-HBs antibodies and anti-HCV antibodies by rapid immunochromatography, ELISA and PCR. Results A total of 3820 volunteers (95.5%) were negative by all three methods, 181 (4.5%) tested positive for HB surface antigen and 20 (0.5%) were positive for anti HB surface antibodies; 208 volunteers (5.2%) were positive for HCV. Double infection with HBV and HCV was found in only one patient (0.025%). Out of 180 HBs antigen positive samples 151 (83.89%) were genotype D, 28 (15.56%) showed mixed infection with genotypes B and D, and one patient (0.56%) showed mixed infection with genotypes C and D. Out of 208 samples positive for HCV antibodies, 107 (51.44%) were genotype 3a, 50 (24.04%) were mix of genotype 3a and 3b, 33 (15.87%) were genotype 3b, 10 (4.81%) were genotype 1b while, 8 (3.84%) samples could not be typed. Conclusion Although the presence of these pathogenic viruses was not very high in our young healthy female population, it is still a matter of concern to control the unregulated spread of these deadly infections by promoting increased awareness and regular immunization programs in the community. Local manufacturing of vaccines and related products may reduce these infections.

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.

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.

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