Journal of Communicable Diseases (E-ISSN: 2581-351X & P-ISSN: 0019-5138)

Investigate the Antimicrobial Activity of Methanolic Extract of Cladophora glomerata

Zainulabdeen H. A. Al-Khafaji, Younis Saadi Saeed — Sat, 30 Mar 2024 11:39:50 +0000

Background: Macroalgae have a wide range of natural compounds which have natural antioxidants.
Method: In this study, four concentrations of the methanolic extract of the Chlorophyta-related macroalgae-isolate Cladophora glomerata were tested (concentrations of 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 mg/ml) in vitro to evaluate their effect on the growth inhibition of pathogenic fungal isolate (Candida albicans) and pathogenic bacterial isolates (Bacillus cereus, Micrococcus spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Proteus mirabilis).
Result: Methanolic extracts had an inhibitory effect on Candida albicans and all bacterial isolates tested. Microbiological fungal and pathogenic bacterial isolates are inhibited by a diameter of the inhibition zone (in millimeters). The maximum biological inhibitory action was observed at dosages of 100 mg/ml. Micrococcus spp. exhibited the highest susceptibility to the treatment. While the smallest diameter of inhibition zones was observed at a concentration of 12.5 mg/ml against microorganisms, the observed diameters ranged between 0
mm (Proteus mirabilis) and 7 mm (Micrococcus spp). Alkaloids, tannins, flavones, resins, saponins, terpenes, and steroids were among the active chemicals found in the methanol extract of Cladophora glomerata. To tentatively identify the compounds responsible for these activities, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry GC–MS was used to chemically characterise the methanol extract. There were six main components in the extract: tridecyne, hexadecanoic acid, octadecadienoic acid, octadecadienoic acid, octadecadien-1-ol, and tetradecenal.
Conclusion: The methanolic extract of C. glomerata showed significant antimicrobial activity, which implies that it might be useful as a source of bioactive compounds and could be potentially used as an antimicrobial agent.

Status of Common Communicable Diseases in Children Tested Using ELISA Methods in Wasit Province, Iraq: A Retrospective Study

Akmam Ali Habeeb — Sat, 30 Mar 2024 11:45:50 +0000

Introduction: An infectious or communicable disease (CD) is a condition triggered by an infectious agent or its byproducts that can be transmitted from one individual to another. A critical condition refers to a state of disorder that arises either during or following a regional conflict or a natural disaster, such as a flood or earthquake. Throughout emergency situations, the mortality rate due to infectious diseases can be 60 times higher than other causes, such as trauma. Over 40% of fatalities in emergency situations are caused by diarrhoeal illness, with children under the age of 2 years old accounting for 80% of these fatalities.
Method: The present study was conducted to understand the status of the common communicable diseases in children in Wasit Province, Iraq, during the years; 2018, 2019, and 2020. The study relied on retrospective data collected from the Department of Statistics at the General Teaching Hospital, Al-Kut City, Iraq. The study included thousands of children, who attended the hospital to seek medical attention due to suffering a CD. These subjects were tested using different types of ELISA methods.
Results: The results revealed a significant (p < 0.05) high spread of many CDs among children, such as mumps, chickenpox, cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis, hepatitis B, bacillary dysentery, and cutaneous anthrax. Some other CDs showed significant (p < 0.05) lower spread among children, such as acute flaccid paralysis, pertussis, and brucellosis.
Conclusion: The current study indicates important information about the status of the common communicable diseases in children in Wasit Province, Iraq, during the years 2018, 2019, and 2020.

How to cite this article:
Habeeb A A. Status of Common Communicable
Diseases in Children Tested Using ELISA Methods
in Wasit Province, Iraq: A Retrospective Study. J
Commun Dis. 2024;56(1):16-20.

Horizontal Distribution and Larval Habitat Potential of Invasive Aedes Mosquitoes in South Delhi, India During 2023

Amar Nath Pandey, Arun Chauhan, Ved Parkash, Sukhvir Singh — Sat, 30 Mar 2024 12:12:48 +0000

Introduction: Aedes mosquitoes, notorious for transmitting diseases like dengue, chikungunya, Zika and Yellow fever thrive in urban environmental setups. It is crucial to understand the breeding habitats in the South Delhi area for effective mosquito control and preventive measures.
Method: The objective of the study was to conduct surveys to determine the abundance, distribution, and type of containers at South Zone, Municipal Corporation of Delhi. The study sites were selected on the basis of the maximum number of dengue cases reported by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and a door-to-door entomological survey was carried out from January to December 2023. All kinds of breeding habitats were searched for the presence of immature stages of Aedes mosquitoes.
Results: Aedes mosquitoes prefer laying their eggs in stagnant water storage containers like plastic containers, overhead tanks, desert coolers, discarded tyres, bird pots, metallic waste containers, flower pots etc. Breading indices were found low in January, February, and March and they peaked in the months of July, August, and September and decreased continually in September, October and December during 2023.
Conclusion: Regular water supply should be provided to the people and all containers should be covered properly, which will help in the prevention of breeding of Aedes mosquitoes.

How to cite this article:
Pandey A N, Chauhan A, Parkash V, Singh S.
Horizontal Distribution and Larval Habitat
Potential of Invasive Aedes Mosquitoes in
South Delhi, India During 2023. J Commun Dis.
2024;56(1):21-24.

A Clinico Epidemiological Study with Assessment of Impact on Quality of Life and Financial Burden in Patients with Dermatophytosis

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 11:08:49 +0000

Introduction: Chronic and recalcitrant dermatophytosis is an emerging disease burden in India that has a profound psychosocial impact in affected individuals . Tinea incognito, modified by steroid usage has a greater impact on quality of life (QoL).

Objectives: to assess the clinicoepidemiological profile, risk factors, QoL and financial burden among patients with dermatophytosis at a tertiary care centre in rural South India.

Methods: This was a prospective hospital based cross-sectional study conducted at the Dermatology outpatient Department between January 2022 and January 2023. Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), 5D pruritus and financial burden scores were calculated to assess various parameters.

Results: Among 150 patients, females (95,63%) were more affected than males (55,37%). The mean age was 37.79±13.8 years. Chronic dermatophytosis was seen in 95(63.3%) patients. Tinea incognito 93(62%) was the most common clinical type followed by tinea corporis 49(32.6%). The mean DLQI score was 18.78±6.78 (Range 3-30) with very large impact seen in 79(52.7%) patients followed by an extremely large impact in 58(38.7%) patients. QoL was significantly more affected in tinea incognito (20.68 ± 6.73) compared to tinea corporis (14.90 ± 4.72). Mean 5D Pruritus score was 15.53± 2.52 (Range 9 to 23). Patients with huge financial burdens had a greater impact on QoL with a mean DLQI value of 6.67±3.06.

Conclusion: Patients with tinea incognito had higher DLQI, 5D pruritus score, and a greater financial burden compared to tinea corporis. Psychological counseling should be given along with antifungal treatment to address the QoL and for a better treatment compliance.

How to cite this article:
Manickam N, Manimaran P T, Gopalan K,

Somasundaram K, Vellaisamy S G. A Clinico-
Epidemiological Study to Assess the Impact

on Quality of Life and Financial Burden in
Patients with Dermatophytosis. J Commun Dis.
2024;56(1):36-42.

Sustaining Medical Education During COVID-19 Pandemic: Student’s Perspective on Online Teaching and Learning in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital of Odisha, India

Tapas Ranjan Behera, Smaraki Mohanty, Swetaleena Ashe, S Suneeti Kanyari — Sat, 06 Apr 2024 05:51:19 +0000

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a paradigm shift in the medical education system from traditional teaching to distant online teaching. This transition dealt with a lot of infrastructural and technical difficulties at both the teacher’s and student’s end.
Aim: This study was conducted to analyse the perceptions of medical students on the role of online teaching in facilitating their education.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate medical students of Srirama Chandra Bhanja (SCB) Medical College, Cuttack, during July and August 2020. The study population comprised medical students from the 2nd, 4th, and 6th semesters. Data collection was done in Google form being circulated by Whatsapp or email to the students enquiring about the perceptions, benefits, and challenges of online classes. Data analysis was done using software IBM SPSS version 21.0. Odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was calculated for association and p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: Out of 637 students, 411 (64.5%) found online classes useful to satisfy their educational needs, but a large group of 389 (61.1%) students felt online classes do not help in better understanding. Nearly 60% of students belonging to the 4th and 6th semesters and aged more than 21 years were twice more attentive than students in the 2nd semester. Similarly, half of the students reported being attentive in online classes where they found the teacher to be cooperative with an Odds ratio of 5.04 (CI: 2.6–9.4).
Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced a new normal where online teaching cannot be avoided. Despite challenges faced during online teaching, 64.5% of students found it useful.

How to cite this article:
Sustaining Medical Education During COVID-19
Pandemic: Student’s Perspective on Online
Teaching and Learning in a Tertiary Care
Teaching Hospital of Odisha, India. J Commun
Dis. 2024;56(1):43-49.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/0019.5138.202408

Detection and Antibiotic Susceptibility Patterns of Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes and Streptococcus spp. Isolated from Sputum of Patients with Respiratory Tract Infections

Ehsan F Hussein — Sat, 06 Apr 2024 06:00:47 +0000

Objectives: Respiratory tract infections which are transmitted from patients to other patients or non-patients, and affect all ages, range from lower tract to upper tract infections. Sputum production represents one of the symptoms of these infections in some cases. These infections are associated with pathogenic gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes and Streptococcus spp.
Materials and Methods: Sputum specimens were collected at Imam Ali Hospital in Kotha District, Babylon Province for the detection of S. aureus, S. pyogenes and Streptococcus spp. using the bio-chemical and VITEK 2 system tests, as well as for identifying the antibiotic sensitivity patterns against these bacterial species using the standard disk diffusion procedure on the Mueller–Hinton agar.

Results: The percentage of positive growth of the pathogenic gram- positive bacteria was 46.0%, and for S. aureus, S. pyogenes and Streptococcus spp., the values were 29.166%, 37.500% and 33.334%,
respectively. Males were found to be more susceptible to the infection than females (87.5% and 12.5%, respectively). The antibiotic sensitivity patterns showed that ceftriaxone, azithromycin and amoxiclav were
effective against S. aureus, whereas ciprofloxacin, azithromycin, levofloxacin and amoxicillin were effective against S. pyogenes. Ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, meropenem and azithromycin were found
to be effective against Streptococcus spp.
Conclusions: The growth percentages for S. aureus, S. pyogenes and Streptococcus spp. were 29.166%, 37.5% and 33.334%, respectively. Males were more susceptible to infection than females and among
all the antibiotics used in this study, only azithromycin was effective against all S. aureus, S. pyogenes and Streptococcus spp. isolates.

How to cite this article:
Hussein E F. Detection and Antibiotic Susceptibility
Patterns of Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus
pyogenes and Streptococcus spp. Isolated from
Sputum of Patients with Respiratory Tract
Infections. J Commun Dis. 2024;56(1):50-56.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/0019.5138.202409

Mathematical Analysis of Malaria and Cholera Disease by Homotopy Perturbation Method

P N Vijaya Kumar, P Balaganesan, J Renuka — Wed, 10 Apr 2024 11:46:39 +0000

The mathematical model for co-infection with malaria and cholera was developed in this problem, and it was researched to see if there was a synergistic link between the two diseases in the presence of medicines.
The effects of malaria and its treatment on cholera dynamics were investigated in greater depth. Malaria infection raises the chances of cholera, while cholera infection doesn’t really enhance the risk of malaria infection. The model was numerically investigated using the fourth-order Runge-Kutta method and analytically using the Homotopy Perturbation Method. The impact of each parameter on the governing equation was investigated and the effective control strategy was determined using the exact solutions (analytical).

How to cite this article:
Kumar PNV, Balaganesan P, Renuka J.
Mathematical Analysis of Malaria and Cholera
Disease by Homotopy Perturbation Method. J
Commun Dis. 2024;56(1):57-69.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/0019.5138.202410

Otorhinolaryngological Manifestations Following COVID-19 Disease-A Cross-Sectional Observational Study

Prabakaran S, Namasivaya Navin R B, S Rajasekaran, Greeshma U Gopan — Fri, 12 Apr 2024 09:35:58 +0000

Introduction: COVID-19 infection is caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus. Clinical manifestations can range from patients being asymptomatic to flu- like symptoms like sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and fatigue. Theworld continues to deal with successive attacks of coronavirus with the emergence of new variants.
Aim: To study the ENT manifestations in patients who have recovered from COVID-19 infection for a period of 6 months, from October 2021 to March 2022 (3 months after the recovery).
Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional observational study involving a total of 80 patients who attended the Department of ENT, at Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu. All patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were assessed for any ENT manifestations based on history and clinical examination. Statistical analysis was done using Fischer’s exact test/ Chi-square test to test the association between general characteristics of the study population and the persistence of ENT manifestations following COVID-19 disease for which Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0 and Microsoft Excel software were used.
Results: This study included 36 male and 44 female patients with a mean age of 39.11 ± 9.9 years. The common ENT manifestations were smell and taste disturbances, hearing loss, nasal obstruction, hoarseness of voice and headache. It was concluded from the study that the most commonly presenting symptom was hyposmia/ anosmia constituting about 30% followed by hard of hearing (10%).
Conclusion: A significantly large number of patients show residual symptoms beyond acute infection. The findings in this study are similar to the findings in other studies in the literature which showed that the
most commonly involved is nose and paranasal sinuses. Further studies in collaboration with various specialities are recommended to study post-COVID manifestations in depth.

How to cite this article:
Prabakaran S, Navin N R B, Rajasekaran S, Gopan
G U. Otorhinolaryngological Manifestations

Following COVID-19 Disease -A Cross-
Sectional Observational Study. J Commun Dis.

2024;56(1):70-74.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/0019.5138.202411

Flow Cytometric Expression of CD4 and CD8 in COVID-19 Vaccinated People in Baghdad City

Yasir W Issa, Shehlaa M Salih, Saad S Alani — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 05:38:25 +0000

Introduction: Epidemic of severe acute respiratory illness due to coronavirus (COVID-19). SARS-CoV-2 poses the greatest threat to civilisation, and an efficient vaccine plan and worldwide immunisation schedule have been introduced. This study examines the differences between vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals and the available applied COVID-19 vaccine in Baghdad, Iraq.
Method: A case-control study on 360 Iraqi volunteers involved 90 healthy controls, 90 receiving Pfizer, 90 AstraZeneca, and 90 receiving Sinopharm vaccines. The study sub-grouped cases based on follow-up after immunisation or infection status into 1 month, 2 months, and 3 months (30 each), assembling samples from vaccinated volunteers.
Results: A significantly elevated WBC count was recorded in the Sinopharm vaccinates (p < 0.05). Lymphocytes were highly activated in the Pfizer then Sinopharm vaccinates after one month, compared to controls. No significant differences were recorded in the monocytes among the vaccinated groups (p > 0.05). The granulocytes were significantly elevated in AstraZeneca vaccinates, followed by Pfizer vaccinates. Flow cytometric expression of CD4 and CD8 also showed significant increases in the vaccinated groups, there were higher CD4 and CD8 expression observed in the Pfizer, Sinopharm, and AstraZeneca vaccinates, respectively.
Conclusion: The evaluated criteria showed massive cellular immune stimulation in the Pfizer vaccinates, followed by Sinopharm, and lastly in AstraZeneca vaccinates, suggesting higher vaccine efficacy represented in Pfizer and Sinopharm vaccinates as compared to AstraZeneca vaccinates.

How to cite this article:
Issa Y W, Salih M S, Alani S S. Flow Cytometric
Expression of CD4 and CD8 in COVID-19
Vaccinated People in Baghdad City. J Commun
Dis. 2024;56(1):75-82.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/0019.5138.202412

Multi-Agent-Based Ensemble Learning Model with Feature Selection for Enhanced COVID-19 Detection

Rupinder Kaur Walia, Harjot Kaur — Sat, 20 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Introduction: The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has driven the attention of researchers for advanced and adaptable methods in disease detection. This research paper proposes a novel multi-agent-based model for detecting COVID-19 among patients with high accuracy.
Methods: Initially, all the necessary information is attained from a COVID-19 dataset that is available on GitHub. This data is then subjected to pre-processing because it contains a lot of null, missing and redundant values. The processed dataset is then passed to the proposed Deep Learning (DL) architecture for selecting only important and effective features. In order to make the process of feature selection in DL more effective, we have implemented the Layer-wise Relevance Propagation (LRP) and the Extra Tree technique on each layer of the DL model. The LRP and Extra tree evaluate the importance of each feature at each
DL layer and finally, the output of two is combined to get the final feature set. After this, data is divided into training and testing sets in the proportion of 80:20. To introduce the concept of novelty, we have divided the training dataset into three agents (data subsets) which are then passed to three base models i.e., Support Vector Machine (SVM), Logistic Regression (LR) and K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) separately. This was not the case in traditional models wherein the entire training dataset was passed to classifiers for training purposes.
Results: The outputs generated by three base models are then combined by using an ensemble learning voting mechanism to make the final prediction which determines whether a patient is COVID-19 positive or not. The efficacy of the proposed approach is validated using Python software, wherein, it outperforms traditional LR, SVM and Bernoulli NB models by attaining an accuracy of 97.5%.
Conclusion: The proposed multi-agent-based model for COVID-19 detection shows promising results in terms of accuracy and efficiency. By employing advanced techniques such as deep learning, feature selection, and ensemble learning, this approach addresses key challenges in disease detection and offers a significant improvement over traditional methods.

How to cite this article:
Walia R K, Kaur H. Multi-Agent-Based Ensemble
Learning Model with Feature Selection for
Enhanced COVID-19 Detection. J Commun Dis.
2024;56(1):83-98.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/0019.5138.202413

Assessment of the Levels of TGF-beta1 and IL-18 in Gastritis Patients Infected with Helicobacter pylori

Ahoodabd Alhussen Habeeb, Halah Abdulkhaliq Awadh, Firas Fairs Rija — Sun, 31 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Gastritis is characterised as an inflammation of the gastric mucosa, the stomach’s protective lining, and is divided into two categories: acute and chronic, depending on the severity of the inflammation and the disease’s history. This study aims to estimate the levels of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-Beta1) and interleukin-18 (IL-18) in gastritis patients infected with Helicobacter pylori.

Material and Method: From September 2022 to June 2023, a cross- sectional study was conducted in the General Hospital and at various private clinics in Balad City, Iraq. Eighty-nine samples (50 patients and 39 healthy individuals as control) were collected from 42 males and 47 females aged 15–85 years from Balad General Hospital, and private upper surgical endoscopy clinic. Blood, stool, and biopsy samples were collected from individuals suffering from complaints such as loss of appetite, weight loss, diarrhoea, vomiting, and dyspepsia.

Conclusion: IL-18 and TGF-Beta1 levels were elevated in the serum of people with gastritis H. pylori infection in this study as compared to the healthy groups. A correlation was found between TGF-Beta1 and IL-18 serum levels in relation to H. pylori and bacterial infection.

Demographic Characteristics and Trends of Hydatid Disease in Kyrgyz Republic: A Comprehensive Analysis from 1986 to 2022

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 11:28:43 +0000

Background: Hydatid disease (HD), caused by Echinococcus granulosus larvae, is a significant public health problem worldwide. Kyrgyzstan has a high prevalence of hepatic HD, with a two to three-times increase in teenagers. Hospitalisation is often required during the critical phase. We aimed to assess the current demographic situation of patients with HD in the Kyrgyz Republic.
Methods: This study investigated the epidemiological characteristics of patients with HD in the Kyrgyz Republic using state statistics, annual infectious disease reports, epidemiological examination records, and Center for State Sanitary and Epidemiological Surveillance reports.
Results: The study found that the incidence of HD in the Kyrgyz Republic has been increasing, with a moderate increase and yearly growth rate (GR) of 3% over the long-term dynamics of the prevalence of HD in the population. The study also found that the prevalence of HD in children has a significant yearly rise, with a moderate GR from 1986 to 2004 and an estimated moderate trend with a yearly GR of 3.2%
from 2005 to 2022.
Conclusion: The prevalence of HD in the Kyrgyz Republic has increased significantly over the past three decades, particularly in the southern region, which includes Osh, Batken, and Jalal-Abad.

How to cite this article:
Raimkulov K, Aliev M, Toigombaeva V, Usubalieva
Z, Smailbekova Z, Kuttubaev O, Sharsheeva B,
Toktogazy T, Adambekova A, Goll N. Demographic
Characteristics and Trends of Hydatid Disease in
Kyrgyz Republic: A Comprehensive Analysis from
1986 to 2022. J Commun Dis. 2024;56(1):120-
126.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/0019.5138.202416

Molecular Analysis of Whole Genomic Sequencing for Acinetobacter Baumannii Isolates under Antibiotic Stress in a Hospital Outbreak

Esraa S Abed, Munim R Ali — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 12:23:01 +0000

Introduction: A study was conducted to identify specialised genes in two types of Acinetobacter baumannii, namely MDR, XDR, and PDR. These genes may play a crucial role in the ability of these species to coexist with the human host and show a wide range of diversity in genes that contribute to antibiotic resistance and lipopolysaccharide barrier.
Methodology: The identification of 70 A. baumannii isolates was carried out through morphology and culture on CHROM agar, followed by biochemical testing. Genotypic identification was performed using
16S rRNA and blaOxa-51 gene for A. baumannii species. Based on the antibiotic resistance categories, two isolates (AB32 and AB51) were selected for whole genome sequencing (WGS) using Illumina MiSeq technology. The analysis identified specialised genes in these isolates that contribute to antibiotic stress and lipopolysaccharide barrier, including complex sets of partial and complete integrons and
transposons.
Results: The recent findings showed that A. baumannii exhibits the highest resistance to gatifloxacin. The genome analysis revealed that AB3, AB32, and AB51 belong to unique STs (ST/1418, and ST/441), while AB R75 belongs to a known international clone of a high-risk strain (ST/195). The presence of efflux pump genes EmrAB-TolC, MacA, MacB, MdfA/ Cmr, TolC/ OpmH, and atG catalase gene encoding an
antibiotic activation enzyme was identified in the WGS results. In addition, antibiotic target protection and replacement proteins that confer resistance against gatifloxacin and colistin sulphates were encoded by BcrC, FabG, and HtdX genes.
Conclusions: Our study provided a detailed genomic picture of both innate and acquired plasmid-encoded AMR genes.

How to cite this article:
Abed ES, Ali MR. Molecular Analysis of Whole
Genomic Sequencing for Acinetobacter
Baumannii Isolates under Antibiotic Stress
in a Hospital Outbreak. J Commun Dis.
2024;56(1):106-119.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/0019.5138.202415

Detection of Pyocin S and the Effects of Lactobacillus Acidophilus Cell-Free Supernatants on Multi-Drug Resistant Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Isolated from Patients of Baghdad Hospitals

Aliaa Ghaffar Husain Bassi, Bahaa Abdullah Laftaah Al-Rubaii — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Background: The existence of resistance genes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa can be crucial to the pathogenicity of this organism and can cause the bacteria to become resistant to many antibiotic groups. Clinical isolates containing resistance genes must be identified to control the bacteria’s spread and reduce its pathogenicity.
Objectives: To identify the pyocin-producing MDR-Pseudomonas aeruginosa and to examine the expression of several resistance genes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa before and after treatment with a specific concentration of Lactobacillus Acidophilus Cell-Free Supernatants (CFS) by real-time PCR test.
Method: This investigation involved the collection of 350 clinical
specimens from various patients of Baghdad hospitals; 17.1% (60) of all isolates were successfully identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Additionally, the disk diffusion method was used to calculate the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The reverse transcription-PCR technique was then used to find the resistance genes. Finally, gene expression in Lactobacillus acidophilus Cell-Free Supernatants (CFS) was compared before and after treatment using the real-time PCR technique.
Results: Phenotypic testing revealed a high level of antibiotic resistance, whereas genotypic methods revealed the presence of resistance genes and there was a difference in the expression of resistance genes before
and after being treated with CSFs.
Conclusion: Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains exhibit significant levels of pathogenicity, therefore modifications to current antibiotic therapy methods are warranted. Additionally, L. acidophilus CSF showed a positive effect by reducing the expression of certain resistance genes. Consequently, it is possible that in the future, CSF may be used as a substitute treatment for infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

How to cite this article:
Bassi A G H, Al-Rubaii B A L. Detection of Pyocin S
in Multi-Drug Resistant Pseudomonas Aeruginosa
Isolated from Patients of Baghdad Hospitals and
the Effects of Cell-Free Supernatants against the
Bacteria. J Commun Dis. 2024;56(1):135-144.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/0019.5138.202418

Determination of Metalloprotease Gene in a Few Dermatophyte Species and Its Relationship with Antifungal Resistance

Qadisiyah Hilal Hashoosh, Alaa Mohsen.Yaseen. Al-Aaraji — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 08:56:16 +0000

Introduction: Keratinophilic fungi called dermatophytes exclusively infect the stratum corneum, human hair, and nails. To infect host tissues and cause disease, dermatophytes create virulence factors
such as keratinases and cellulase. Dermatophytes produce virulence factors such as keratinases and cellulase to infect host tissues and spread the disease.
Aim: To detect the metalloprotease gene (MEP1–5) by Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction analysis and its relationship with the esistance of dermatophytes against antifungals
Method: Eleven species of dermatophyte isolates obtained from Iraqi patients were diagnosed morphologically and molecularly [internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region], and were found to include the following
types: Keratinophyton indicum, Trichophyton interdigitale, Microsporum ferrugineum, Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Arthroderma otae, Trichophyton simii, Microsporum canis, Trichophyton quinckeanum, Epidermophyton floccosum, and Trichophyton verrucosum. All dermatophyte species were tested for antifungal susceptibility using the disk method. The Genomic DNA extraction kit was used to extract
the genomic DNA from the fungal growth.
Results: Trichophyton simii was highly resistant to all antifungals. The percentages of genes found in the species were as follows: MEP1 and MEP2 (70%), MEP3 (81%), MEP4 (54%), and MEP5 (36%). Trichophyton simii contained all five genes MEP1–5, while Microsporum canis and Arthroderma otae contained only one gene.
Conclusion: The study showed that higher the number of genes of a dermatophyte species, higher will be its resistance to antifungals. The presence of MEP5 was found to increase the antifungal resistance. This study was considered to be the first study in Iraq to detect these genes using the qPCR method depending on the DNA extraction and the relationship with antifungal resistance.

How to cite this article:
Hashoosh QH, Al-Aaraji AMY, Determination of
Metalloprotease Gene in a Few Dermatophyte
Species and Its Relationship with Antifungal
Resistance. J Commun Dis. 2024;56(1):127-134.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/0019.5138.202417

Prevalence and Determinants of Intestinal Parasitic Infections in Children from Four Cities in Kyrgyz Republic

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 09:15:01 +0000

Introduction: Parasitosis is a significant public health challenge affecting over 1.5 billion people globally. The incidence of parasitic infections has increased in Kyrgyzstan. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and determinants of intestinal parasitosis in children residing in four primary regions of the Kyrgyz Republic: Batken, Jalal-Abad, Naryn, and Osh.
Methods: This study was descriptive and analytical in nature. From 2015 to 2021, 39,398 faecal samples were collected from children aged 3–18 years and were analysed through sentinel epidemiological surveillance.
Results: In Batken, 1,434 children tested positive for parasitic infections, with an incidence rate of 130.24 per 1000 children screened; 260 children had mixed infections, accounting for 21.2% of the total cases. In Osh, 2,469 children were found to have infections, with a lesion index of 111.92 per 1000, and 260 children had mixed infections, accounting for 10.5% of the total cases. In Naryn, 354 children tested positive for
parasitic infections, with an incidence rate of 90.46 per 1000 individuals tested, and 24 children had mixed infections, accounting for 6.8% of the total cases.

Conclusion: The results showed that the highest detection rate of mixed- infection children was 26.40% in 2021, whereas parasitic infection peaked at 6.40% in 2020.

How to cite this article:
Kyzy G M, Raimkulov K, Toigombaeva V,
Kuttubaev O, Monolov N, Umetalieva M, Tagaev
T. Prevalence and Determinants of Intestinal
Parasitic Infections in Children from Four Cities in
Kyrgyz Republic. J Commun Dis. 2024;56(1):152-
158.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/0019.5138.202420

Influence of Respiratory and Gut Microbiome on the Outcome of Tuberculosis: A Comprehensive Review

Alice Peace Selvabai R, Priyadarshini Shanmugam — Sat, 30 Mar 2024 06:58:30 +0000

Tuberculosis (TB) which is caused by the acid-fast bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis remains a major health challenge, affecting millions of people globally. It also remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality specifically in countries with low and middle income. Recent research has shed light on the complex interplay between the human microbiome and TB, more particularly the respiratory and gut microbiota. Both respiratory and gut microbiome plays a regulatory role both in the incidence and progression of the disease. The intensive treatment protocols adopted for the treatment of tuberculosis also cause a greater impact on microbiome dysbiosis. Immunomodulatory properties of the microbiota play a major role in limiting the progression of the disease from latency and help to reduce the incidence of tuberculosis. This methodical comprehensive review was conducted across various scientific databases including PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar employing keywords like “tuberculosis and microbiome”, “microbiome and immunomodulation” and “microbiome and therapeutics”. Research studies published from 2017 to 2023 were included in this review. This comprehensive review aims to explore the influence of the respiratory and gut Microbiome on the outcome of tuberculosis, highlighting the role of microbial dysbiosis, immune response modulation and potential therapeutic interventions.

How to cite this article:
Selvabai RAP & Shanmugam P. Influence of
Respiratory and Gut Microbiome on the Outcome
of Tuberculosis: A Comprehensive Review. J
Commun Dis. 2024;56(1):1-7.

Scrub Typhus with Bilateral Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Rare Presentation

Athulya Asokan, Athira V R, Sanal K Thomas, Ajeesh Koshy — Sat, 30 Mar 2024 11:33:41 +0000

Scrub typhus, caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi, is a re-emerging infectious disease prevalent in Southeast Asia, including India. While commonly presenting with fever and systemic complications, neurological manifestations such as sudden bilateral sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) are rare but increasingly recognised. We report a case of a 64-year-old female presenting with fever, myalgia, and bilateral SNHL, later diagnosed with scrub typhus. Diagnostic challenges arise due to the diverse clinical spectrum and nonspecific symptoms. The proposed mechanisms for hearing loss involve direct invasion of the central nervous system or vasculitis of the cochlear nerve. Heightened awareness among healthcare providers is crucial for timely diagnosis and management. Empirical treatment with doxycycline is recommended in endemic regions for suspected cases. This case emphasises the importance of considering scrub typhus in patients with acute febrile illness and otic symptoms, facilitating early intervention and improved outcomes.

How to cite this article:
Asokan A, Athira V R, Thomas S K, Koshy A.
Scrub Typhus with Bilateral Sensorineural
Hearing Loss: A Rare Presentation. J Commun
Dis. 2024;56(1):13-15.

Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis in Kerala – An Emerging Public Health Concern

Regu K, Rajendran R, Sayana Bhaskaran K, Anila Rajendran, Tamizharasu W — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 05:43:03 +0000

Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM) is an acute and often fatal infection of the brain caused by the free living amoeboflagellate Naegleria fowleri. These amoebae are ubiquitous and found naturally in freshwater environments, such as pools, ponds, canals, lakes and rivers. It is commonly called the ‘brain eating amoeba’ because it can cause a brain infection when water containing the amoeba move into the nose. PAM is often found in immuno-competent children and young adults, especially after having exposure with amoeba- contaminated water. Increasing incidence is reported worldwide. PAM is set apart by a mortality rate of 98% and the high mortality has been imputed to rapid onset of the illness, delayed diagnosis and lack of effective treatment protocol. In Kerala, the first confirmed PAM case was reported in Alappuzha district in March 2016, and since then seven more cases were reported from the state, and all of them succumbed to the infection. The deadly clinical condition is often misdiagnosed and is grossly under-reported. This highly necessitates that ample awareness and education should be given to the health care providers and the public about the etiology of the illness with special emphasis on the mode of transmission and clinical presentations. This paper discusses the geo-demographic details and epidemiological and pathological information about N.fowleri cases reported in Kerala and emphasizes on the need of public health awareness and intervention activities to prevent the occurrence and spread of the disease in Kerala.

How to cite this article:
Regu K, Rajendran R, Bhaskaran K S, Rajendran
A, Tamizharasu W. Primary Amoebic
Meningoencephalitis in Kerala – An Emerging
Public Health Concern. J Commun Dis.
2024;56(1):25-35.

Lepromatous Leprosy Masquerading as Infective and Inflammatory Skin Conditions: A Series of Four Cases

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 09:52:10 +0000

Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease mainly affecting the skin and peripheral nerves. The clinicopathological manifestations are a reflection of the strength of cell-mediated immunity (CMI). In lepromatous
leprosy (LL), the CMI is severely impaired, leading to multiple, symmetrical, diffuse infiltrated lesions like macules, plaques, and nodules over the skin. However, this disease can manifest as a variety of unusual presentations, like non-healing ulcers, transient tender erythematous nodules, fever, pedal oedema, polyarthritis, radiating pain, nasal stuffiness, and epistaxis are not uncommon. These atypical manifestations are easily overlooked, leading to misdiagnosis if there is no strong clinical suspicion. Early diagnosis and timely administration of multibacillary multidrug therapy (MB MDT) are essential to prevent permanent and progressive deformities. We report four atypical cases of LL that were misdiagnosed outside as eczema (Case 1), molluscum contagiosum (Case 2), psoriasis (Case 3) and furunculosis (Case 4). Thus,
this case series highlights the importance of detailed history taking, thorough clinical examination, slit skin smear and histopathological examination, especially in endemic countries, to diagnose this disease with various faces as early as possible to reduce the risk of deformities and transmission in society and achieve eradication.