Clinico-epidemiological Features Research Articles

Clinico-epidemiological Features of Patients with Endometrial Carcinoma in Clinical Oncology Department in Ain Shams University Hospitals in Egypt

Clinico-epidemiological Features of Patients with Endometrial Carcinoma in Clinical Oncology Department in Ain Shams University Hospitals in Egypt

Adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction: characteristics of female patients and young adult patients based on a 12-year retrospective and prospective multicenter clinicoepidemiological cohort study in Japan

BackgroundAdenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEGJ) is most common in men and the elderly, but the disease is becoming more common in female and young adult persons. We have investigated the clinicoepidemiological characteristics of female and young adult patients with AEGJ and the 12-year trends in the Kurashiki area for young adult patients with AEGJ.MethodsPatients diagnosed with AEGJ in 12 hospitals between January 2008 and December 2019 were included in this study. Patients were divided into three groups by age (young adult [≤50 years], middle-aged [51 to 70 years], and elderly [>70 years]). Factors associated with AEGJ such as obesity, smoking, hiatal hernia and male, which were reported in our previous study, were identified.ResultsOne hundred and eighty-eight AEGJ patients, including 36 females and 20 young adults, were characterized. There was no significant change in the annual incidence of AEGJ among female (p=0.078) and young adult patients (p=0.89). Female patients without any associated factors, accounting for 53% (19/36) of the female patients and young adult patients, had significantly more histologically undifferentiated cancers than patients with at least one associated factor (58% [11/19] vs. 30% [50/169], p=0.025) and middle-aged and elderly patients (60% [12/20] vs. 30% [25/83] vs. 28% [24/85], p =0.026). Smoking was significantly less common in women than in men (8% [3/36] vs. 57% [87/152], p < 0.01). There were no significant differences between ages in the proportions of these associated factors.ConclusionsHistologically undifferentiated AEGJ cancers were more frequent in female patients without any associated factors and in young adult patients. Factors associated with AEGJ may differ between women and men, but they are similar in young adults and older adults. No increase in young adult patients with AEGJ was observed in the 12-year study.

Effect of Sepsis-3 Definition on the Classification of Patients with Sepsis or Septic Shock in South Korea.

Little is known about differences in patient characteristics before and after implementation of the new definition of sepsis (Sepsis-3) and whether the new definition is affecting clinical practice in intensive care units. To examine and compare the clinicoepidemiologic characteristics of patients with sepsis or septic shock before and after implementation of Sepsis-3. In this population-based cohort study, a nationwide registration database in South Korea was used to identify patients with sepsis or septic shock. Patients admitted to hospitals from 2012 to 2015 constituted the Sepsis-2 group, and patients admitted from 2017 to 2020 constituted the Sepsis-3 group. The study involved 443 217 patients, of whom 170 660 (38.5%) were in the Sepsis-2 group and 272 557 (61.5%) were in the Sepsis-3 group. The mean (SD) age was 73.3 (14.5) years in the Sepsis-2 group and 75.5 (14.5) years in the Sepsis-3 group. The intensive care unit admission rate was higher in the Sepsis-2 group (34.6%, 59 081 of 170 660) than in the Sepsis-3 group (21.3%, 57 997 of 272 557). Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that 1-year all-cause mortality was 21% lower in the Sepsis-3 group than in the Sepsis-2 group (hazard ratio, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.78-0.79; P < .001). Implementation of the Sepsis-3 definition was associated with an increased number of patients with sepsis. Other findings suggested that patients in the Sepsis-2 group had more severe illness, with increased 1-year all-cause mortality, compared with those in the Sepsis-3 group.

The Clinicoepidemiological Features and Treatment Outcomes in Cervical Carcinoma at Clinical Oncology Department of Ain Shams University Hospital: Retrospective Analysis

Abstract Background Through Increased education, access to care, and the expansion of screening and vaccination programs, reductions in cervical cancer incidence and mortality may be achieved. Aim and Objectives the aim of the study was to determine the clinicoepidemiological features and treatment outcome in cancer cervix at clinical oncology department of Ain Shams University Hospital. Subjects and Methods This retrospective analytical study included consecutive adult female patients ≥ 18 years with pathologically confirmed cervical cancer presented to the Clinical Oncology Department, Ain Shams Faculty of Medicine, Cairo, Egypt from January 2016 to December 2020. Results Most of the patients (71.3%) were under 60years, andthe median age at diagnosis was 53 years. In our cohort, about 54.5 % of patients were postmenopausal, with the median age of menopause around 51.0 years. In most cases, the age of menarche was between 9 and 12 years. 94.1.0 % of the patients were married, and most of them got married after reaching the age of 18 years (74.2%). In our cohort, CCRTH improved both DFS and OS for adjuvant groups as well as PFS and OS for patients who received definitive treatment. Univariate analysis including age, menopausal status, sociodemograhic data, tumor characteristsics, FIGO sataging and treatment received showed that significantrisk factors for reduced PFS and OS of patients who received palliative treatment was Diabetus mellitus as a comorbidity. Conclusion This data emphasizes that patient in rural setting present at later stages which could be improved by creating awareness in rural women, and help accessing adequate screening measures.

Clinico-epidemiological features of influenza in children in the 2023-2024 season

Seasonal respiratory illnesses are the main cause of morbidity during the cold season of the year both in adults and especially in children due to clinical and epidemiological peculiarities. Influenza is one of the most important seasonal diseases causing numerous illnesses every year among the population at risk (young children, adults with comorbidities, and the elderly). In this paper we present the clinico-epidemiological features of influenza in children admitted to the National Institute of Infectious Diseases “Prof. Dr. Matei Bals” between October 2023 and March 2024. During the analysed period we registered 739 cases of influenza in children, which represents 23.7% of the total admissions in the same period. Cases of influenza A (68.3 %) predominated, compared to type B (18.8 %) and unspecified (12.8 %). The majority of cases of influenza in children were determined by subtypes AH1 and AH3 in similar proportions. Clinically, the predominant forms of the disease were mild (60.2%) and severe (17.9%), with no critical cases or deaths. Epidemiologically, the peak incidence of childhood influenza was reached in the period December 2023 - January 2024 for type A and March - April 2024 for type B. Compared to the previous season the number of cases of childhood influenza was reduced by about 19.6 %. The most affected age group was 1-6 years (42.4%). The clinical picture of influenza in the children studied was dominated by “classical” general signs (fever and chills, muscle ache and fatigue, headache, altered general condition) associated with respiratory manifestations (nasal obstruction, odynophagia, dysphagia, dry cough) and digestive symptoms (abdominal pain, vomiting, poor appetite). The majority of children with influenza (97.6%) were unvaccinated, and in those vaccinated the clinical forms of the disease were milder without complications. Influenza remains an important seasonal infectious disease because of its epidemiological (many cases) and socio-economic (absenteeism, additional costs) but also medical (potential for severe evolution and even death) implications.

Clinico-epidemiological characteristics and long-term surgical outcome of basal cell carcinoma treated with standard excision in patients of skin of colour: A retrospective study from Northern India.

Background There is scant data on basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in Indian patients. This retrospective study was conducted to explore epidemiology, risk factors, clinical and pathological aspects, and long-term treatment outcomes of BCC in a cohort of North Indian patients. Methods Data about patients registered in the dermatosurgery clinic between 01 January 2017 and 31 December 2022 with a confirmed diagnosis of BCC was collected. Results Among the 83 patients, 56.6% were females, and the median age was 62 years (6-85 years). Most patients (81.9%) had a single BCC lesion, resulting in a total of 126 assessed lesions. The median size of BCC at presentation was 1.90 cm, with nodular BCC being the most common histopathological subtype (39.7%). Head and neck region involvement was observed in 82.5% of patients, with the malar region, nose, and periorbital region being the most commonly affected sites. Pigmentation was clinically evident in 45.2% of cases. Surgical excision was the primary treatment modality (71.1% of patients). The median follow-up duration was 40 months (6-57 months). Recurrence occurred in five patients, with a longer disease-free survival period observed in the surgically treated group (55.58 ± 0.98 months) compared to patients treated with medical or destructive therapies (43.6 ± 3.482 months) (p = 0.003). Conclusion The data from this hospital-based study indicated a slight predilection for females among North Indian patients with BCC, with most cases occurring during their seventh decade of life. The condition commonly occurred on sun-exposed areas such as the malar region and nose, with a high percentage of pigmented lesions. Recurrence following surgical excision was rare, and overall treatment outcomes were favourable.

Prevalence, clinico-epidemiological features, and molecular characterization of bovine papular stomatitis virus in cattle in Iraq.

Bovine papular stomatitis virus (BPSV) is a parapoxvirus that infects cattle, causing skin lesions on the udder and mouth. There have been few studies on the prevalence and molecular characteristics of BPSV in Iraq. Here, we describe the prevalence, phylogenetic analysis, and clinico-epidemiological features of BPSV in cattle in Al-Qadisiyah, Iraq. A total of 264 animals were examined for teat and oral lesions, and BPSV was detected by PCR in 79.9% (211/264) of cattle and calves with skin lesions. The lesions included ulcers, papules, and scabby proliferative areas. The BPSV strains from Iraq clustered phylogenetically with BPSV strains detected in the USA. Further studies are needed to explore the evolution and epidemiology of this virus in the region.

Cold urticaria in tropics: A clinico-epidemiological study from North India.

Background Cold urticaria (ColdU) is classified as a subtype of chronic inducible urticaria characterised by recurring pruritic wheals and/or angioedema upon exposure to cold stimuli. However, very limited data is available on ColdU specifically among Indians. Objectives The aim of this study was to describe the clinico-epidemiological characteristics and treatment response in North Indian patients diagnosed with ColdU. Materials and Methods The clinical records of patients diagnosed with ColdU past 5 years (January 2018 to December 2022) were retrospectively reviewed. Data including patient demographics, clinical manifestations, comorbidities, laboratory findings, and treatment response were collected and analysed. Results Among the 1780 urticaria patients included in our study, only 15 cases of cold-induced urticaria were identified. ColdU was classified as typical in all but three patients. The mean age of affected individuals was 36 ± 18 years (20-65 years) and eight patients (53.3%) were males. Mean disease duration at presentation was 18 ± 27 months (3 months-4 years). Two patients experienced cold-induced angioedema and one patient had hypotensive episodes following cold exposure. Twelve patients demonstrated positive results in the ice cube provocation test. Of 15, only 6 (40%) achieved complete control of symptoms with standard dosing of second generation anti-histamines while six patients (40%) required titration to higher doses and three patients (20%) were initiated on cyclosporine therapy, resulting in remission. Limitations Retrospective study design and possibility of selection bias. Conclusion Due to India's predominantly tropical climate, ColdU prevails at lower levels compared to the western regions. ColdU is likely underdiagnosed in India, possibly dismissed as chronic spontaneous urticaria. The management of ColdU involves a combination of protective measures against cold exposure and the use of anti-histamines to control disease activity. This retrospective study provides valuable insights into the clinico-epidemiological characteristics and treatment response of north Indian patients with ColdU.

#1731 Clinico-epidemiological characteristics of early versus late onset cytomegalovirus disease among renal transplant recipients: two decade experience

Abstract Background and Aims The epidemiology of the Cytomegalo virus (CMV) disease among renal transplant recipients has changed with the advent of effective antiviral prophylaxis usually occurs in the later part of the post transplant period. To study the difference between CMV infections occurring in early versus late post renal transplant period with respect to nature of immunosuppressive medications (induction agents, maintenance agents and heightening of immunosuppression), type of CMV infection and occurrence of biopsy proven rejection post CMV infection. Method A single centre retrospective observational study was conducted among renal transplant recipients who underwent kidney transplant between 1st January, 2002 and 31st December, 2021. CMV disease was classified as early or late depending on detection before or after 90 days post transplant. The differences in clinical presentation between early and late onset CMV disease, use of immunosuppression, and the impact on graft outcomes were studied. Results Total number of recipients with CMV disease was 156 (7.2%) out of total 2164 renal transplant recipients. Twenty-five (16%) patients had early CMV while one hundred and thirty one (84%) had late CMV. The two groups did not differ with respect to induction or use of maintenance immunosuppressive agents. Proportion of CMV syndrome was more among early CMV group (56.0% vs 26.7%, p = 0.01) while tissue invasive disease was more frequent among late CMV group (44.0% vs. 73.3%, p = 0.01). Diarrhoea was more frequent in late (63.4%) versus early CMV (36%) (p = 0.01). Graft loss occurred in 4.0% of early and 25.2% of late CMV cases (p = 0.03). However, both groups did not differ with respect to occurrence of biopsy proven rejection post infection. Conclusion Early CMV presents more frequently as CMV syndrome while late CMV usually manifests as tissue invasive disease. Graft loss is more common in patients with late onset disease.

Host-related low-prevalence gastritides: Epidemiological and clinical characterization

IntroductionA recent consensus meeting (RE.GA.IN) addressed “host-related, low-prevalence gastritis”: eosinophilic (EoG), lymphocytic (Hp-pos_LyG and Hp-neg_LyG), collagenous (CollG), and granulomatous gastritis (GrG). Our study evaluates their clinico-epidemiological characteristics. Materials and MethodsWe extracted all patients with a diagnosis of EoG, LyG, CollG, and GrG from a clinicopathological database and compared their demographics, clinical and endoscopic characteristics, associated conditions, and clinical awareness to those of all other subjects in the database (controls). ResultsThere were 1,781,005 unique patients (median age 57 years; 55.7 % female). Hispanics were overrepresented amongst those with Hp-pos_LyG. Subjects with GrG had a high prevalence of erosions and ulcers. Clinical awareness of these conditions was dismal (<1:10,000 patients). Some clinical manifestations were more common in patients with certain gastritides (e.g., vomiting and diarrhea in CollG; anemia in LyG), but none were sufficiently distinctive to suggest a clinical diagnosis. EoG was associated with EoE; LyG had a strong association with celiac disease; CollG with microscopic colitis; and GrG with Crohn disease. ConclusionsThe diagnosis of these gastritides (between <1: in 1,000 and 1 in 5000 subjects) rests on histopathology. They remain poorly characterized and clinically neglected. Yet, their associations may herald other conditions: eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases (EGID), celiac, and Crohn disease. Patients might benefit from increased detection and characterization.

Clinicoepidemiologic Characteristics and Prevalence of Venous Insufficiency in Patients with Pigmented Purpuric Dermatosis

Clinicoepidemiologic Characteristics and Prevalence of Venous Insufficiency in Patients with Pigmented Purpuric Dermatosis

Clinico-epidemiological characteristics, management, and outcomes of atrioventricular blocks in hyperthyroidism, A systematic review

Clinico-epidemiological characteristics, management, and outcomes of atrioventricular blocks in hyperthyroidism, A systematic review

Clinico-epidemiological characteristics of early- versus late-onset cytomegalovirus disease among renal transplant recipients: A two-decade experience

BackgroundReactivation of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in transplant patients is high because of immunosuppression. We have evaluated the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of early versus late onset of CMV infection among renal transplant recipients. MethodsA single center retrospective observational study was conducted among renal transplant recipients who underwent kidney transplant between January 2002 and December 2021. CMV disease was classified as early or late depending on its detection prior to or after 90 days post-transplantation. Herein, we reported the differences between early and late onset of CMV disease with respect to clinical symptoms, the use of immunosuppression and the impact on graft outcomes. ResultsOut of total 2164 renal transplant recipients, 156 patients (7.2%) were diagnosed with CMV disease. Among these 156 patients, 25 patients (16%) had early CMV while 131 patients (84%) had late CMV. Overall, the two groups did not differ with respect to the induction or maintenance of immunosuppressive agents. However, the proportion of CMV syndrome was greater among early (56.0%) than late (26.7%) CMV groups (p = 0.01). In contrast, tissue invasive disease was more frequent among late (73.3%) in comparison to early (44.0%) CMV groups (p = 0.01). Among clinical symptoms, diarrhea was more frequent in late (63.4%) vs. early (36%) CMV-affected patients (p = 0.01). Graft loss occurred in 4.0% of early CMV group vs. 25.2% of late CMV group (p = 0.03). Neither of the clinical groups differed with respect to occurrence of biopsy-proven allograft rejection post-infection. ConclusionsEarly CMV disease presents more frequently as CMV syndrome while late CMV disease usually manifests itself as tissue invasive disease. Graft loss is more common in patients with late onset of CMV disease.

Clinico-Laboratory Profile of Tuberculides: An Experience at a Tertiary Care Centre from Chandigarh, India.

Tuberculides are characterised by delayed-type of immunologic reactions to Mycobacterium tuberculosis or its products in immuno-competent individuals. We herein describe clinico-epidemiological features and response to treatment in patients with tuberculides from a tertiary care centre from North India. This was a retrospective analysis of the clinical records of all the cutaneous tuberculosis (TB) patients (year 2000-2019) enrolled in the TB clinic. The patient records fulfilling the diagnostic criteria of tuberculides were considered for analysis. A total of 225 patients attended the tuberculosis clinic; out of this, 34 were diagnosed as tuberculides. Out of these 34 cases, 21 were identified as LS, 2 erythema induratum of Bazin, 1 papulonecrotic tuberculide, and 10 erythema nodosum. History of contact to open cases of TB was present in 15/34 (44.1%) patients. History of BCG vaccination was found in 15/34 (44.1%) patients. The focus of underlying TB could be identified in 20/34 (58.8%) patients. Skin biopsy was performed in all patients. In all patients, the diagnosis was confirmed by clinico-pathological correlation, positive TST, and the underlying focus of TB. All patients received 6 months regimen of anti-tubercular therapy with first-line drugs. In this study, we demonstrated various forms of tuberculides; lichen scrofulosorum was the most common form. We also included erythema nodosum cases also, which responded well to ATT. Observation from our study showed that tuberculides are important cutaneous markers for underlying tuberculosis infection, which helps in early detection of occult tuberculosis and timely management.

High prevalence of MAFLD in general population: A large cross-sectional study calls for concerted public health action.

Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a relatively new term with limited studies done in South Asian population. To determine prevalence and clinico-epidemiological characteristics of MAFLD in general population. A cross-sectional study was conducted in randomly selected regions across Delhi, India. Data were collected on socio-demographic particulars, health status and lifestyle factors. Anthropometric measurements, transient elastography, and laboratory investigations were carried out. Altogether 6146 participants (mean age: 43.1 ± 13.9 years, 48.1% males) were included. The prevalence of MAFLD was 56.4% (n = 3468), of which lean MAFLD constituted 11.3%. Higher age (OR: 2.47; 95% CI: 2.21-2.76), low education level (OR: 1.23; 95% CI: 1.09-1.39), upper socio-economic class (OR: 1.32; 95% CI: 1.17-1.49), and low physical activity (OR: 1.15; 95% CI: 1.03-1.28) were more common in MAFLD. The association of female sex with MAFLD differed in age groups <40 years (OR: 0.64 and 95% CI: 0.55-0.75) and >40 years (OR: 1.40 and 95% CI: 1.22-1.62) in both magnitude and direction (p < 0.001). Liver fibrosis was present in 23% of the study population (32.2% among MAFLD group). Advanced liver fibrosis was three times more common in MAFLD group (6.2% vs 1.8%, p < 0.001). Obesity and fibrosis had a statistically significant relationship and 75.8% of the individuals with advanced stages of fibrosis had obesity. Nearly half of study population was found to have MAFLD. Advanced hepatic fibrosis was three times more common in these subjects. Aggressive public health measures are urgently required to raise awareness and introduce interventional strategies.

Lichen planus and its clinical variants: a retrospective study in a tertiary care centre

Background: Lichen planus is a chronic pruritic immune-mediated disorder involving skin, oral and genital mucosa, nail and hair with several morphological variants. Although not lethal, the chronic nature of the disease have significant impact on patient’s quality of life and their psychological wellbeing. Aim was to find out clinico-epidemiological profile of LP and its variants including Dermoscopic features and its association with systemic diseases like Diabetes, Hypertension and Hypothyroidism. Methods: This is a hospital based retrospective observational study. Medical records of all patients with LP during the period from January to December 2022 were noted. Various clinico-epidemiological and dermoscopic features along with systemic disease association were analysed. Results: A total of 257 cases were reported. Most common age group affected was 41-60 yrs. Male:female ratio was 0.72:1 with female preponderance. LP in children (&lt;18 yrs) was seen in 9.7% of cases. Classical LP was the most common type (29.5%) followed by Mucosal LP (12.45%). More than one variant was seen in 20.6% of cases. LP in association with systemic diseases was seen in 36.1% of cases with DM being the most frequent. Most common dermoscopic features were pigmentation (100%) followed by Wickham’s striae (83.6%) and vascular findings (49.4%). Conclusions: LP is a common papulosquamous disorder affecting middle aged adults with slight female preponderance. Childhood LP contributed to significant number of cases. Classical LP was the commonest clinical variant observed. LP is associated with DM, HTN and hypothyroidism. Dermoscopy is an useful tool in diagnosis and differentiating from other similar conditions.

Clinico-epidemiological Characteristics and Risk Factors Associated with Multidrug- resistant Bacterial Ear Infections at a Tertiary Care Centre in Northern India: A Retrospective Analytical Study

Introduction: A total of 360 million people worldwide have been reported to suffer from hearing loss. The most common cause of ear infection is otitis media, which can be attributed to bacterial pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Aim: To identify the incidence and risk factors associated with multidrug-resistant bacteria causing ear infections at a tertiary care centre in India. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analytical study was conducted in the Bacteriology section of the Department of Microbiology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India, from January 2021 to January 2023, and analysed in February 2023. A total of 83 ear discharge samples sent to the laboratory were included in the duration of the study and all clinical and laboratory data were extracted from the hospital information system and the laboratory register, respectively. All pathogens were identified using routine biochemicals and Matrix-assisted Laser Desorption/ Ionisation- Time of Flight-Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) assay, and their antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby Bauer Disc Diffusion method. Statistical analysis was performed using International Business Machines (IBM) Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 20.0 (SPSS Inc.). The Chi-square test was used for all categorical variables, and the comparison of two means was performed using GraphPad Prism version 9.5.1 (GraphPad Software Inc.), with p-value&lt;0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of the participants in the present study was 35.39±20.93 years and majority, 56 (67.47%) participants were males. Among total 83 samples, 69 (83.13%) patients with suppurative bacterial ear infections. Postoperative conditions in 40 (48.19%) samples and respiratory allergies in 36 (43.37%) samples were the most common risk factors associated with ear infections. Postoperative conditions (p-value=0.005) and Diabetes Mellitus (DM) (p-value=0.026) were statistically significant risk factors for developing ear infections. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was recognised as the most common pathogen in 22 acute cases and 10 chronic cases of otitis media. For all the antimicrobial agents tested, the highest resistance was observed towards fluoroquinolones in 51/67 (76.11%) samples, followed by extended-spectrum beta- lactams in 43/67 (64.18%) samples. Conclusion: The current study describes the incidence and risk factors associated with multidrug-resistant ear infections, the spectrum of pathogenic microbial isolates and their drug susceptibility, aiming to prevent morbidity and complications leading to the loss of auditory function.

Household Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in the Third Wave of the Pandemic with Special Reference to Clinico-epidemiological Characteristics.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic began in India in 2020. Despite successful vaccination, cases again started increasing from mid-December 2021. Therefore, this study was undertaken to find out the clinico-epidemiological characteristics and effectiveness of vaccination in the household transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in and around Pune. All samples received from December 15, 2021, till February 15, 2022, were included in the study. Samples received in viral transport medium (VTM) were extracted by the MagMAX RNA Extraction Kit, and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed by the CoviPath Kit as per kit guidelines. Values of nucleocapsid (N) gene and open reading frame (ORF) less than 37 were considered positive. Clinico-epidemiological data were analyzed from the sample referral form (SRF). A total of 712 of 1032 household contacts of 271 families were positive. When geographical areas were compared, it was found that rural areas were affected more (63.76%) as compared to urban areas (36.24%). Males were more affected than females. The most commonly affected age group was 41-50 years (26.54%). Small families were found to have more household transmission. Mild symptoms were present in 97.89%. Among 271 infected individuals, seven were admitted to hospital, of which one patient died due to pneumonia. Two doses of vaccination were completed in 93.95%, and 3.79% had taken booster dose. Data from this study showed that a high rate of transmission was observed in household contact despite two doses of vaccination. However, these vaccinated individuals had mild symptoms, maybe due to the effect of vaccination and infecting variant omicron.

The spectrum of parasitic infections with emphasis on the clinico-epidemiological characteristics and risk factors among immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients at a university hospital in Northern India.

Intestinal parasitic infections pose a substantial threat to public health and are a huge burden to the economic development of a developing country. We aimed to identify the spectrum of intestinal parasitic infections with an emphasis on demographic and clinical characteristics observed among immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients. This observational study was performed in the Parasitology section of the Department of Microbiology from January 2022 to July 2022. A total of 2628 stool samples were obtained from patients presenting with chief complaints of abdominal pain, distension, vomiting, and foul-smelling feces. All the clinical and diagnostic data of the patients enrolled in the above-mentioned period were extracted from the ward files, hospital electronic records, and laboratory registers. A total of 2628 stool samples were sent to the Parasitology section of the Department of Microbiology. Out of the above-mentioned samples, 70 (70/2628, 2.66%) samples yielded gastrointestinal parasites on microscopic examination. The mean age of the patients included in our cohort study was 32.53 ± 16.21 years with a male predominance of 72.86% (51/70, 72.86%). The most common gastrointestinal parasite identified from stool samples was Giardia lamblia (61/70, 87.14%). All cases of opportunistic gastrointestinal infection caused by Cryptosporidium spp. (4/70, 5.71%) in our study cohort were found to infest the immunocompromised patients. This study determines the spectrum of intestinal parasitic infections among the immunocompromised and immunocompetent individuals and guides physicians in starting appropriate anti-parasitic treatment along with the instillation of strict hand hygiene techniques.

Clinico-epidemiological characteristics of adolescents and young adults living with HIV in Ghana.

sub-Saharan Africa is experiencing a boom in the number of adolescents and young adults living with HIV (AYALHIV). Existing HIV intervention programs are mainly for children and adults living with HIV, with little attention paid to AYALHIV. Characterizing this population is necessary for planning, and designing, AYALHIV-centered HIV intervention programs. a retrospective single-center, hospital-based chart review was conducted at the largest HIV clinic in Ghana. We examined routinely collected data for AYALHIV (aged 10-24 years) on antiretroviral therapy (ART) for at least 1 year and in active care from 1st January to 31st December 2019. Data was collected using a structured data extraction form. The Chi-square and the Student´s t-test were used to compare characteristics between adolescents and young adults. of 252 AYALHIV, 68% (172/252) were adolescents with a median age of 17 years (IQR 13-19); 32% were young adults with a median age of 22 years (IQR: 20-24). Most (56.7% (143/252)) AYALHIV were female. Almost 40% were orphans. Eighty-six percent of AYALHIV had HIV type I infection. The commonest mode of HIV acquisition among adolescents was vertical transmission (70.5%) and that among young adults was via unprotected sex (31.3%). Eighty-eight percent (88%) of AYALHIV were on non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors-based regimen. The viral suppression rate among AYALHIV was 78%. the study shows there is a growing population of AYALHIV most of which are adolescents. About two-fifths were orphans. Policymakers and HIV programs should ensure AYALHIV-centred interventions are developed for this vulnerable population.