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Bari A, Zeeshan F, Zafar A, Ejaz H, Jabeen U, Rathore AW. Acute bacterial meningitis in children presenting to The Children's Hospital Lahore before and after pneumococcal vaccine in Pakistan National Immunization Program; A comparison. Pak J Med Sci 2017; 33:447-451. [PMID: 28523054 PMCID: PMC5432721 DOI: 10.12669/pjms.332.11891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe bacteriological profile, morbidity and mortality of acute bacterial meningitis (ABM) in children and to compare these parameters before and after the introduction of Pneumococcal vaccine in Pakistan National Immunization Program. METHODS The present descriptive study was conducted at the Department of Paediatric Medicine of The Children's Hospital Lahore from January 2012 to December 2015. A total of 503 children one month to five years of age admitted with diagnosis of meningitis were included. Complete blood count, CSF cytology, biochemistry, culture sensitivity and blood culture sensitivity were performed. RESULTS Frequency of meningitis decreased by 50% in 2013-2015 (199 [2012] vs 304 [2013-2015). Most children in both groups were under one year of age. More neurological complications were seen in the group 2, 20% vs 17%. CSF culture positivity decreased from 12% to 6.6%. Streptococcus pneumoniae isolation decreased from 5 (2.5%) in 2012 to 4 (1.3%) in 2013-2015. Refusal to take feed (p=0.002), impaired sensorium (p=<0.001), severe malnutrition (p=0.001), prolonged duration of symptoms (p=<0.001) and incomplete vaccination status (0.005) were associated with mortality. Mortality rate decreased from 20 (10%) in 2012 to 17 (5.6%) in 2013-2015 but more children developed neurological sequelae 2.7% versus 1%. CONCLUSION Acute bacterial meningitis mostly affected children <1 year. Frequency of Streptococcus pneumoniae and mortality of meningitis decreased significantly after PCV but more neurological complications developed in those children who were unvaccinated in 2013-2015 compared to 2012.
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Javaid A, Hasan R, Zafar A, Chaudry MA, Qayyum S, Qadeer E, Shaheen Z, Agha N, Rizvi N, Afridi MZ, Chima MK, Khan AR, Ghafoor A, Khan S, Awan SR, Akhtar S, Choudry K, Iqbal ZH, Ansarie M, Ahmad N. Pattern of first- and second-line drug resistance among pulmonary tuberculosis retreatment cases in Pakistan. Int J Tuberc Lung Dis 2017; 21:303-308. [PMID: 28225340 DOI: 10.5588/ijtld.16.0444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Drug resistance in general, and multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in particular, threatens global tuberculosis (TB) control efforts. Population-based estimates of drug resistance are needed to develop strategies for controlling drug-resistant TB in Pakistan. OBJECTIVE To obtain population-based data on Mycobacterium tuberculosis drug resistance in Pakistan. METHODS To obtain drug resistance data, we conducted a population-based study of TB cases in all provinces of Pakistan. We performed culture and drug susceptibility testing on M. tuberculosis isolates from patients with a prior history of anti-tuberculosis treatment (retreatment cases) from all over the country. RESULTS Of 544 isolates from previously treated cases, 289 (53.1%) were susceptible to all first-line drugs, 255 (46.9%) were resistant to at least one anti-tuberculosis drug and 132 (24.3%) were MDR-TB. Among MDR-TB isolates, 47.0% were ofloxacin (OFX) resistant. Extensively drug-resistant TB was found in two (0.4%) isolates. CONCLUSION Prevalence of drug resistance in retreatment isolates was high. The alarmingly high prevalence of OFX resistance among MDR-TB isolates may threaten the success of efforts to control and treat MDR-TB.
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Salamat S, Ejaz H, Zafar A, Javed H. Detection of AmpC β-lactamase producing bacteria isolated in neonatal sepsis. Pak J Med Sci 2017; 32:1512-1516. [PMID: 28083055 PMCID: PMC5216311 DOI: 10.12669/pjms.326.10861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to determine the occurrence and antimicrobial profile of AmpC β-lactamase producing bacteria. METHODS The study was conducted at The Children's Hospital and The Institute of Child Health Lahore, Pakistan, during September 2011 to June 2012. A total number of 1,914 blood samples of suspected neonatal septicemia were processed. Isolates were identified using Gram's staining, API 20E and API 20NE tests. Gram negative isolates were screened for AmpC β-lactamase production against ceftazidime, cefotaxime and cefoxitin resistance and confirmed by inhibitor based method. RESULTS Total number of 54 (8.49%) Gram positive and 582 (91.5%) Gram negative bacteria were identified. Among Gram negative isolates 141 (22%) were AmpC producers and found to be 100% resistant to co-amoxiclav, cefoxitin, ceftazidime, cefotaxime, cefuroxime, cefixime, ceftriaxone, cefpodoxime, gentamicin, amikacin and aztreonam. Less resistance was observed against cefepime (30.4%), sulbactam-cefoperazone (24.8%), piperacillin-tazobactam (10.6%), ciprofloxacin (20.5%) and meropenem (2.1%). All the isolates were found sensitive to imipenem. The patients harbored AmpC β-lactamases were on various interventions in which intravenous line was noted among (51.1%), naso-gastric tube (37.6%), ambu bag (8.5%), endotracheal tube (3.5%), ventilator (2.1%) and surgery (0.7%). CONCLUSION Extensive use of invasive procedures and third generation cephalosporins should be restricted to avoid the emergence of AmpC beta-lactamases in neonates.
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Zheng T, Wu ZT, Nan HY, Yu YF, Zafar A, Yan ZZ, Lu JP, Ni ZH. Layer-number dependent and structural defect related optical properties of InSe. RSC Adv 2017. [DOI: 10.1039/c7ra09370e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
We present systematic investigations on the layer-dependent optical properties of InSe and modify its excitonic states by electron beam irradiation.
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Zafar A, Hasan R, Nizamuddin S, Mahmood N, Mukhtar S, Ali F, Morrissey I, Barker K, Torumkuney D. Antibiotic susceptibility in Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pyogenes in Pakistan: a review of results from the Survey of Antibiotic Resistance (SOAR) 2002-15. J Antimicrob Chemother 2016; 71 Suppl 1:i103-9. [PMID: 27048578 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkw076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate changes in the antibiotic susceptibility of Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pyogenes from the Survey of Antibiotic Resistance (SOAR) in community-acquired respiratory tract infections (CA-RTIs) between 2002 and 2015 in Pakistan. METHODS This is a review based on previously published studies from 2002-03, 2004-06 and 2007-09 and also new data from 2014-15. Susceptibility was determined by Etest(®) or disc diffusion according to CLSI and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) breakpoints. RESULTS A total of 706 isolates from CA-RTIs comprising 381 S. pneumoniae, 230 H. influenzae and 95 S. pyogenes were collected between 2002 and 2015 and tested against a range of antibiotics. Antibiotic resistance in S. pneumoniae rose steeply from 2002 to 2009, with isolates non-susceptible to penicillin and macrolides increasing from 10% to 34.1% and from 13%-14% to 29.7%, respectively. Susceptibility to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (and by inference amoxicillin) remained between 99.4% and 100% from 2002 to 2015. Over the years, the prevalence of susceptibility to cefuroxime was 98%-100% among S. pneumoniae. Resistance in S. pneumoniae to some older antibiotics between 2007 and 2009 was high (86.8% for trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and 57.2% for tetracycline). Between 2002 and 2015, ampicillin resistance (β-lactamase-positive strains) among H. influenzae has remained low (between 2.6% and 3.2%) and almost unchanged over the years (H. influenzae was not tested during 2004-06). For S. pyogenes isolates, macrolide resistance reached 22%; however, susceptibility to penicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and cefuroxime remained stable at 100%. CONCLUSIONS In S. pneumoniae from Pakistan, there has been a clear reduction in susceptibility to key antibiotics since 2002, but not to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (amoxicillin) or cefuroxime. However, susceptibility in H. influenzae has remained stable. Local antibiotic susceptibility/resistance data are essential to support informed prescribing for CA-RTIs and other infections.
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Jadoon N, Hussain M, Sulehri F, Zafar A, Ijaz A. 82P Risk factors for breast cancer: A case-control study among post-menopausal women in Pakistan. Ann Oncol 2016. [DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdw575.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Jadoon N, Hussain M, Sulehri F, Zafar A, Ijaz A. 82P Risk factors for breast cancer: A case-control study among post-menopausal women in Pakistan. Ann Oncol 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/s0923-7534(21)00242-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
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Zahid M, Arshad A, Zafar A, Al-Mohannadi D. Intracranial venous thrombosis in a man taking clomiphene citrate. BMJ Case Rep 2016; 2016:bcr2016217403. [PMID: 27873748 PMCID: PMC5128985 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2016-217403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/23/2016] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Clomiphene citrate is widely used by the female population for the management of a wide array of medical conditions especially those related to ovulation, but its use in male population remains controversial. Efficacy of clomiphene is not well established in male hypogonadism and infertility. Its side effects and complications are also poorly studied or reported. We present a case of a man with infertility issues for which he started receiving clomiphene citrate 3 weeks before presenting with progressive symptoms of headache, vomiting, transient blurred vision and diplopia, which eventually turned out to be the symptoms of intracranial venous thrombosis. After excluding the common causes of intracranial venous thrombosis and hypercoagulable state, clomiphene citrate seems the most likely culprit.
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Martin EH, Zafar A, Caughman JBO, Isler RC, Bell GL. Applications of Doppler-free saturation spectroscopy for edge physics studies (invited). THE REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS 2016; 87:11E402. [PMID: 27910367 DOI: 10.1063/1.4961287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Doppler-free saturation spectroscopy provides a very powerful method to obtain detailed information about the electronic structure of the atom through measurement of the spectral line profile. This is achieved through a significant decrease in the Doppler broadening and essentially an elimination of the instrument broadening inherent to passive spectroscopic techniques. In this paper we present the technique and associated physics of Doppler-free saturation spectroscopy in addition to how one selects the appropriate transition. Simulations of Hδ spectra are presented to illustrate the increased sensitivity to both electric field and electron density measurements.
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Zafar A, Martin EH, Shannon SC, Isler RC, Caughman JBO. A temporally and spatially resolved electron density diagnostic method for the edge plasma based on Stark broadening. THE REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS 2016; 87:11E505. [PMID: 27910427 DOI: 10.1063/1.4955484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
An electron density diagnostic (≥1010 cm-3) capable of high temporal (ms) and spatial (mm) resolution is currently under development at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The diagnostic is based on measuring the Stark broadened, Doppler-free spectral line profile of the n = 6-2 hydrogen Balmer series transition. The profile is then fit to a fully quantum mechanical model including the appropriate electric and magnetic field operators. The quasi-static approach used to calculate the Doppler-free spectral line profile is outlined here and the results from the model are presented for H-δ spectra for electron densities of 1010-1013 cm-3. The profile shows complex behavior due to the interaction between the magnetic substates of the atom.
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Javed H, Ejaz H, Zafar A, Rathore AW. Metallo-beta-lactamase producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae: A rising threat for hospitalized children. J PAK MED ASSOC 2016; 66:1068-1072. [PMID: 27654721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the frequency of metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL) producing E.coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, better phenotypic techniques for MBL detection and choices of treatment available for such cases. METHODS This study was conducted in The Children's Hospital, Lahore during March, 2013 and February, 2014. A total number of 17,651 samples including blood, urine, CSF, pus and catheter tips from suspected cases of bacterial infections were processed and test organisms were identified using standardized microbiological techniques. MBL phenotypic identification was performed by Modified Hodge Test, Double Disc Synergy Test and Combined Disc Test. RESULTS Carbapenem resistance was observed in 134/1168 (11.47%) strains which comprised of 89 (67.4%) Klebsiella pneumoniae and 45 (32.6%) E.coli. All of these carbapenem resistant isolates were found to be carbapenemase producers (CP) by MHT test. Among these CP strains, MBL was detected in 131/134 (97.8%) isolates both by CDT and DDST including 87 (66.4%) Klebsiella pneumoniae and 44 (33.6%) E.coli. Majority of these organisms were resistant to most of the antibiotics used in the study. The isolates showed good susceptibility to colistin (90.1%), chloramphenicol (60.3%) and fosfomycin(31%). CONCLUSIONS Isolation of such a high number of MBL producers is a serious threat for hospitalized paediatric patients.
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Khunti K, Gillies CL, Dallosso H, Brady EM, Gray LJ, Kilgallen G, Willis A, Zafar A, Davies MJ. Assessment of response rates and yields for Two opportunistic Tools for Early detection of Non-diabetic hyperglycaemia and Diabetes (ATTEND). A randomised controlled trial and cost-effectiveness analysis. Diabetes Res Clin Pract 2016; 118:12-20. [PMID: 27485852 DOI: 10.1016/j.diabres.2016.04.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2016] [Revised: 04/28/2016] [Accepted: 04/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To assess the opportunistic use in primary care of a computer risk score versus a self-assessment risk score for undiagnosed type 2 diabetes. METHODS We conducted a randomised controlled trial in 11 primary care practices in the UK. 577 patients aged 40-75years with no current diagnosis of type 2 diabetes were recruited to a computer based risk score (Leicester Practice Computer Risk Score (LPCRS)) or a patient self-assessment score (Leicester Self-Assessment Score (LSAS)). RESULTS The rate of self-referral blood tests was significantly higher for the LPCRS compared to the LSAS, 118.98 (95% CI: 102.85, 137.64) per 1000 high-risk patient years of follow-up compared to 92.14 (95% CI: 78.25, 108.49), p=0.022. Combined rate of diagnosis of type 2 diabetes and those at risk of developing the disease (i.e. impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) or impaired fasting glucose (IFG)) was similar between the two arms, 15.12 (95% CI: 9.11, 25.08) per 1000 high-risk patient years for LPCRS compared to 14.72 (95% CI: 9.59, 22.57) for the LSAS, p=0.699. For the base case scenario the cost per new case of type 2 diabetes diagnosed was lower for the LPCRS compared to the LSAS, £168 (95% Credible Interval (CrI): 76, 364), and £352 (95% CrI: 109, 1148), respectively. CONCLUSIONS Compared to a self-assessment risk score, a computer based risk score resulted in greater attendance to an initial blood test and is potentially more cost-effective.
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Butt TK, Rathore AW, Farooqi R, Zafar A, Shah AA. Blood culture and sensitivity pattern in Neonotology unit of Children Hospital Lahore. ANNALS OF KING EDWARD MEDICAL UNIVERSITY 2016. [DOI: 10.21649/akemu.v12i1.833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: To identify spectrum of organisms causing neonatal sepsis and the sensitivity pattern against commonly used antibiotics. Study design: Prospective descriptive study. Material and method: Blood samples were taken from all neonates with clinical suspicion of sepsis before start of antibiotics and sent for culture by standard method. The data obtained from January 2004 to June 2004 was analyzed and results were tabulated. Results: A total of 1900 blood samples were taken. Cultures were positive in 524 samples (27.6%). E Coli was the most common organism found (31.67%) followed by Staph Epidermidis (24.80%), Klebsiella (19.08%) and Pseudomonas (14.69%). Amikacin was the most effective drug followed by Co-Amoxi Clav, Ciprofloxacin, Imipenem and Ceftazidime in that order. Gram positive and gram negative organisms showed a high degree of resistance against Ampicillin and Gentamycin respectively. Conclusion: Neonatal sepsis is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. Gram negative organ isms are the major cause of neonatal sepsis in NNU of Children Hospital. In this study these organisms showed resistance against commonly used antibiotics (Ampicillin, Gentamycin and Cefotaxime). There is a need to modify already existing protocol in NNU of Children Hospital.
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Hardy K, Wu F, Tu W, Zafar A, Boulding T, McCuaig R, Sutton CR, Theodoratos A, Rao S. Identification of chromatin accessibility domains in human breast cancer stem cells. Nucleus 2016; 7:50-67. [PMID: 26962893 PMCID: PMC4916893 DOI: 10.1080/19491034.2016.1150392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is physiological in embryogenesis and wound healing but also associated with the formation of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Many EMT signaling pathways are implicated in CSC formation, but the precise underlying mechanisms of CSC formation remain elusive. We have previously demonstrated that PKC is critical for EMT induction and CSC formation in inducible breast EMT/CSC models. Here, we used formaldehyde-assisted isolation of regulatory elements-sequencing (FAIRE-seq) to investigate DNA accessibility changes after PKC activation and determine how they influence EMT and CSC formation. During EMT, DNA accessibility principally increased in regions distant from transcription start sites, low in CpG content, and enriched with chromatin enhancer marks. ChIP-sequencing revealed that a subset of these regions changed from poised to active enhancers upon stimulation, with some even more acteylated in CSCs. While regions with increased accessibility were enriched for FOX, AP-1, TEAD, and TFAP2 motifs, those containing FOX and AP-1 motif were associated with increased expression of CSC-associated genes, while those with TFAP2 were associated with genes with increased expression in non-CSCs. Silencing of 2 members of the FOX family, FOXN2 and FOXQ1, repressed CSCs and the mesenchymal phenotype and inhibited the CSC gene signature. These novel, PKC-induced DNA accessibility regions help explain how the epigenomic plasticity of cells undergoing EMT leads to CSC gene activation.
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Zafar A, Williamson M. P46 Dextrocardia and right atrial isomerism associated with congenital trifurcation of trachea. BRITISH HEART JOURNAL 2016. [DOI: 10.1136/heartjnl-2016-309377.46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Boyle E, Gowey A, Zafar A, Burke P, Kavanagh E, Abdulrahim O. Vascular Trauma – Unusual Mechanisms of Injury. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2015.06.094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Manzoor SA, Mirza SN, Zubair M, Nouman W, Hussain SB, Mehmood S, Irshad A, Sarwar N, Ammar A, Iqbal MF, Asim A, Chattha MU, Chattha MB, Zafar A, Abid R. Estimating genetic potential of biofuel forest hardwoods to withstand metal toxicity in industrial effluent under dry tropical conditions. GENETICS AND MOLECULAR RESEARCH 2015; 14:9543-54. [PMID: 26345887 DOI: 10.4238/2015.august.14.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Biofuel tree species are recognized as a promising alternative source of fuel to conventional forms. Additionally, these tree species are also effective in accumulating toxic heavy metals present in some industrial effluents. In developing countries such as Pakistan, the use of biofuel tree species is gaining popularity not only for harvesting economical and environmentally friendly biofuel, but also to sequester poisonous heavy metals from industrial wastewater. This study was aimed at evaluating the genetic potential of two biofuel species, namely, Jatropha curcas and Pongamia pinnata, to grow when irrigated with industrial effluent from the Pak-Arab Fertilizer Factory Multan, Southern Punjab, Pakistan. The growth performances of one-year-old seedlings of both species were compared in soil with adverse physiochemical properties. It was found that J. curcas was better able to withstand the toxicity of the heavy metals present in the fertilizer factory effluent. J. curcas showed maximum gain in height, diameter, and biomass production in soil irrigated with 75% concentrated industrial effluent. In contrast, P. pinnata showed a significant reduction in growth in soil irrigated with more than 50% concentrated industrial effluent, indicating that this species is less tolerant to higher toxicity levels of industrial effluent. This study identifies J. curcas as a promising biofuel tree species that can be grown using industrial wastewater.
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Javed H, Zafar A, Qayyum A, Rehman A, Ejaz H. Comparison of fluorescence microscopy and Ziehl-Neelsen technique in diagnosis of tuberculosis in paediatric patients. J PAK MED ASSOC 2015; 65:879-881. [PMID: 26228336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Early diagnosis of tuberculosis is very important for therapeutic reasons and to control the spread of infection. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of fluorescence (FL) microscopy in comparison to Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) staining. A total of 103 samples were collected from paediatric tuberculosis (TB) suspects and processed using Petroff's method. The smears were subjected to ZN and FL staining for the detection of acid-fast bacilli (AFB). Positive smears were graded according to scale of International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease and World Health Organisation (IUATLD/WHO). Out of 103 pulmonary and extra-pulmonary samples, 7(6.8%) were positive for AFB on the ZN method, while the positivity increased to 9(8.7%) on the FL method. Two positive samples were missed on ZN staining which were found to be positive with FL microscopy; thus overall positivity increased by 2/9 (22.22%) by FL microscopy over the conventional ZN method. The difference in case detection was found to be statistically significant (p<0.00). FL technique has a better diagnostic value and is less time-consuming compared to ZN in diagnosing tuberculosis in paediatric patients.
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Zafar A, Stone MA, Davies MJ, Khunti K. Acknowledging and allocating responsibility for clinical inertia in the management of Type 2 diabetes in primary care: a qualitative study. Diabet Med 2015; 32:407-13. [PMID: 25251768 DOI: 10.1111/dme.12592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Failure to intensify treatment in patients with Type 2 diabetes with suboptimal blood glucose control has been termed clinical inertia and has been shown to contribute to poorer patient outcomes. We aimed to identify and explore perceptions about clinical inertia from the perspective of primary healthcare providers. METHODS A qualitative study was conducted in Leicestershire and Northamptonshire, UK. Purposive sampling was based on healthcare providers working in primary care settings with 'higher' and 'lower' target achievement based on routine data. Twenty semi-structured interviews were conducted, face-to-face or by telephone. Thematic analysis was informed by the constant comparative approach. RESULTS An important broad theme that emerged during the analysis was related to attribution and explanation of responsibility for clinical inertia. This included general willingness to accept a degree of responsibility for clinical inertia. In some cases, however, participants had inaccurate perceptions about levels of target achievement in their primary care centres, as indicated by routine data. Participants sought to lessen their own sense of accountability by highlighting patient-level barriers such as comorbidities and human fallibility, and also system-level barriers, particularly time constraints. Perceptions about ways of addressing the problem of clinical inertia were not seen as straightforward, further emphasizing a complex and cumulative pattern of barriers. CONCLUSIONS In order to understand and address the problem of clinical inertia, provider, patient- and system-level barriers should be considered together rather than as separate issues. Acknowledgement of responsibility should be regarded positively as a motivator for change.
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Ul-ain B, Zafar A, Ahmed S. To explore a new class of material (X-type hexaferrites) for N2O decomposition. Catal Sci Technol 2015. [DOI: 10.1039/c4cy00964a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Monophasic X-type Mn- and Cr-doped Ba–Co ferrites, synthesized by co-precipitation, catalytically decomposed N2O gas while remaining stable at 1000 K.
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Sayal P, Zafar A, Ramsewak S, Yousefpour A. Reconstructive Techniques in Skull Base Surgery for Head and Neck Malignancies. Skull Base Surg 2014. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1384090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Jameel NUA, Ejaz H, Zafar A, Amin H. Multidrug resistant AmpC β-lactamase producing Escherichia coli isolated from a paediatric hospital. Pak J Med Sci 2014; 30:181-4. [PMID: 24639857 PMCID: PMC3955568 DOI: 10.12669/pjms.301.4045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2013] [Revised: 11/01/2013] [Accepted: 11/06/2013] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Objective : The objective of the study was to observe the antimicrobial resistance of AmpC β-lactamase producing E. coli. METHODS Six hundred and seventy E. coli were isolated from 20,257 various pathological samples collected from The Children's Hospital and Institute of Child Health, Lahore, Pakistan. The isolates showed resistance to ceftazidime which were further examined for AmpC β-lactamase activity by Disc Potentiation method. RESULTS There were 670 isolates of E. coli out of which 85 (12.6%) were AmpC β-lactamase producers. Risk factors like intravenous line (76.5%), endotracheal tube (22.4%), surgery (12.9%) and urinary catheters (7.1%) were found to be associated with infection caused by AmpC β-lactamase producing E. coli. Antimicrobial resistance pattern revealed that AmpC producing E. coli were highly resistant to co-amoxiclav, ceftazidime, cefotaxime, cefuroxime, cefixime, ceftriaxone and cefoxitin (100% each). Least resistance was observed against sulbactam-cefoperazone (14.1%), cefepime (7.1%), piperacillin-tazobactam (5.9%) and none of the isolates were resistant to imipenem and meropenem. CONCLUSION The minimum use of invasive devices and strict antibiotic policies can reduce the spread of AmpC β-lactamase producing E. coli.
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Amin H, Zafar A, Ejaz H, Jameel NUA. Phenotypic characterization of ESBL producing Enterobacter cloacae among children. Pak J Med Sci 2013; 29:144-7. [PMID: 24353527 PMCID: PMC3809210 DOI: 10.12669/pjms.291.2385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2012] [Revised: 09/24/2012] [Accepted: 10/03/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: The emergence of ESBL producing Enterobacter cloacae in clinical isolates is posing a serious threat for treating nosocomial infections. The aim of the study was to determine the frequency of extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) producing Enterobacter cloacae and to compare the phenotypic methods used for the characterization of ESBL producing strains. Methodology: This cross sectional observational study was conducted during April 2011 to March 2012 at Microbiology department of The Children’s Hospital and Institute of Child Health, Lahore. A total number of 20,257 various clinical samples were analyzed during the study period. Enterobacter cloacae were identified using API 20E system and ESBL detection was carried out using double-disk synergy test (DDST) and CLSI confirmatory test. Results:Enterobacter cloacae were isolated from 221 samples, out of which 33 (14.93%) were ESBL producers and 188 (85.07%) were non-ESBL producers. The gender distribution of ESBL producing Enterobacter cloacae was 21 (63.6%) in males and 12 (36.4%) in females. Highest frequency (63%) of ESBL producing Enterobacter cloacae was detected in blood samples. Comparison of DDST and CLSI confirmatory test showed that 25 (75.75%) isolates were characterized by DDST and 33 (100%) using CLSI confirmatory test. Conclusion: The present study shows moderately high frequency of ESBL producing Enterobacter cloacae among children. DDST was found to be less efficient in ESBL detection as compared to CLSI confirmatory test.
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Musani SA, Essani RR, Khowaja RM, Alwani NR, Lakhani S, Zafar A. P286: Decreasing nosocomial exposures of tuberculosis to healthcare workers at emergency department in a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control 2013. [PMCID: PMC3688037 DOI: 10.1186/2047-2994-2-s1-p286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
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Ejaz H, ul-Haq I, Mahmood S, Zafar A, Mohsin Javed M. Detection of extended-spectrum β-lactamases in Klebsiella pneumoniae: comparison of phenotypic characterization methods. Pak J Med Sci 2013; 29:768-72. [PMID: 24353625 PMCID: PMC3809290 DOI: 10.12669/pjms.293.3576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2013] [Revised: 04/01/2013] [Accepted: 04/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Extended-spectrum β-lactamase producing K. pneumoniae is a serious threat to the patients. This manuscript shows the comparison of phenotypic characterization methods used for ESBL K. pneumoniae and frequency distribution of these isolates in various clinical samples. METHODOLOGY Eleven different types of pathological samples collected on various time intervals were analyzed. K. pneumoniae were identified with API 20E system (bioMerieux) and initial screening of ESBL K. pneumoniae was performed using the ceftazidime antimicrobial disc. Double-disc synergy test (DDST) and CLSI confirmatory test were compared for the phenotypic detection of ESBL K. pneumoniae. RESULTS A total number of 214 ESBL producing K. pneumoniae were isolated from various clinical samples. Frequency distribution of ESBL producing K. pneumoniae was found to be highest among blood 117 (54.7%) and urine 46 (21.5%) samples. Data regarding the use of various interventions among these patients showed most common presence of intravenous line 209 (97.7%) and urinary catheters 46 (21.5%). Comparison of DDST and CLSI confirmatory test showed that the DDST detected 145 (67.8%) isolates while 213 (99.5%) ESBL K. pneumoniae were characterized by CLSI confirmatory test. CONCLUSION The use of CLSI confirmatory test is very efficient in the early detection of ESBL K. pneumoniae especially when the facilities for molecular characterization are not available.
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