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Krishnan A, Ramakrishnan R. Endoscopic management of a migrated biliary T-tube. Endoscopy 2012; 43 Suppl 2 UCTN:E325. [PMID: 22020708 DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1256739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
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Datta SS, Ramakrishnan R, Murhekar MV. A rapidly-progressing outbreak of cholera in a shelter-home for mentally-retarded females, amta-II block, Howrah, West Bengal, India. JOURNAL OF HEALTH, POPULATION, AND NUTRITION 2012; 30:109-112. [PMID: 22524127 PMCID: PMC3312367 DOI: 10.3329/jhpn.v30i1.11290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
On 13 May 2010, a cluster of diarrhoeal disease cases was reported among the inmates of a shelter-home for mentally-retarded females in Parbaksi village of Howrah district in West Bengal, India. The outbreak was investigated to identify the aetiological agent and source of infection and to propose recommendations. A suspected case of cholera was defined as an acute onset of >3 loose watery stools in a female resident of the shelter-home since 1 May 2010. The demographic and clinical details were collected from the suspected case-patients, and the outbreak was described by time, place, and person. A retrospective cohort study was conducted to identify the risk factors associated with the illness. Of the 101 inmates, 91 (90%) developed diarrhoea, and three patients died (case fatality-3%). Four of the five stool specimens were positive for Vibrio cholerae O1 Ogawa. Drinking of water from the pond-connected tubewell (adjusted odds ratio=25.7, 95% confidence interval 2.7-236.4) was associated with the illness. Relocation of the pond-connected tubewell away from the groundwater tubewell, colour-coding of the tubewells meant for drinking purposes, and regular disinfection of the tubewells were recommended.
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Ramakrishnan R, Bharathi MJ, Maheshwari D, Mohideen PMT, Khurana M, Shivakumar C. Etiology and epidemiological analysis of glaucoma-filtering bleb infections in a tertiary eye care hospital in South India. Indian J Ophthalmol 2012; 59:445-53. [PMID: 22011488 PMCID: PMC3214414 DOI: 10.4103/0301-4738.86311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: To evaluate the microbial etiology and associated risk factors among patients with blebitis following trabeculectomy. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of all culture-proven blebitis was performed in patients who underwent trabeculectomy between January 2004 and December 2008. A standardized form was filled out for each patient, documenting sociodemographic features and information pertaining to risk factors. Swabbing of the infected bleb surface was performed for all suspected cases and further subjected to microbiological analysis. Results: A total of 23 patients with culture-proven blebitis were treated during the study period, with a mean age of 59.2 years (59.2 ± SD: 12.8; range, 30-81 years). Duration of onset was early (≤36 months) in six (26%) cases and late (> 36 months) in 17 (74%) cases with a range between 15 and 144 months (mean, 82.91 months; SD: 41.89). All 23 blebs were located superiorly and of which, 21 (91%) were microcystic avascular, 1 (4%) diffuse avascular, and 1 (4%) vascular flattened. The predominant risk factor identified was bleb leak (35%; 8 of 23) followed by thin bleb (22%; 5 of 23) and blepharitis (17%; 4 of 23). Bleb leaks (100%) were recorded only in patients with late onset (≥ 9 years) of infection (P< 0.001), while the incidence of ocular surface disease (100%) occurred early (≤3 years) (P< 0.001). Use of topical steroids was associated frequently with cases of thin blebs (80%; 4 of 5) (P< 0.001), while topical antibiotics showed bleb leaks (88%; 7 of 8) (P< 0.001). Coagulase-positive staphylococci were frequently recovered from blebitis with thin blebs (71%; 5 of 7) (P = 0.001), Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) with bleb leak (100%; 8 of 8) (P< 0.001), Corynebacterium with blepharitis (100%; 3 of 3) (P = 0.001), and Streptococci with releasable sutures (75%; 3 of 4) (P = 0.001). Conclusion Bleb leak is the principal risk factor responsible for late-onset blebitis, while early-onset blebitis could be ascribed to ocular surface diseases. Streptococci were mainly responsible for early onset of infection, while the late onset was due to CoNS.
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Bharathi MJ, Ramakrishnan R, Shivakumar C, Meenakshi R. Thank you very much for your interest and your comments. Indian J Ophthalmol 2012; 60:243. [PMID: 22720340 PMCID: PMC3361832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
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Bharathi MJ, Ramakrishnan R, Shivakumar C, Meenakshi R. Authors′ reply. Indian J Ophthalmol 2012. [DOI: 10.4103/0301-4738.95890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Krishnan A, Ramakrishnan R, Venkataraman J. Endoscopic intervention for symptomatic choledocholithiasis in pregnancy. Clin Res Hepatol Gastroenterol 2011; 35:772-4. [PMID: 21955516 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinre.2011.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2011] [Revised: 06/20/2011] [Accepted: 06/24/2011] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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Mukherjee R, Halder D, Saha S, Shyamali R, Subhranshu C, Ramakrishnan R, Murhekar MV, Hutin YJ. Five pond-centred outbreaks of cholera in villages of West Bengal, India: evidence for focused interventions. JOURNAL OF HEALTH, POPULATION, AND NUTRITION 2011; 29:421-428. [PMID: 22106747 PMCID: PMC3225103 DOI: 10.3329/jhpn.v29i5.8895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
In rural West Bengal, outbreaks of cholera are often centred around ponds that is a feature of the environment. Five investigations of laboratory-confirmed, pond-centred outbreaks of cholera were reviewed. Case-control odds ratios were approximated with relative risks (RRs) as the incidence was low. The environment was investigated to understand how the pond(s) could have become contaminated and could have infected villagers. The five outbreaks of cholera in 2004-2008 led to 277 cases and three deaths (median attack rate: 51/1,000 people; case fatality: 1.1%; median age of case-patients: 22 years; median duration: 13 days, range: 6-15 days). Factors significantly (p<0.05) associated with cholera in the case-control (n=4) and cohort investigations (n=1) included washing utensils in ponds (4 outbreaks of cholera, RR range: 6-12), bathing (3 outbreaks of cholera, RR range: 3.5-9.3), and exposure to pond water, including drinking (2 outbreaks of cholera, RR range: 2.1-3.2), mouth washing (1 outbreak of cholera, RR: 4.8), and cooking (1 outbreak of cholera, RR: 3.0). Initial case-patients contaminated ponds through washing soiled clothes (n=4) or defaecation (n=1). Ubiquitous ponds used for many purposes transmit cholera in West Bengal. Focused health education, hygiene, and sanitation must protect villagers, particularly following the occurrence of an index case in a village that has ponds.
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Hennessy AL, Katz J, Ramakrishnan R, Krishnadas R, Thulasiraj RD, Tielsch JM, Robin AL. Authors' response. Br J Ophthalmol 2011. [DOI: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2011-300439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Jayahar Bharathi M, Ramakrishnan R, Ramesh S, Murugan N. Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-mediated resistance among bacterial isolates recovered from ocular infections. Ophthalmic Res 2011; 47:52-6. [PMID: 21720185 DOI: 10.1159/000322807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2010] [Accepted: 11/12/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate resistances mediated by extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) and AmpC β-lactamases among Gram-negative bacteria recovered from ocular infections. METHODS As per the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute M100-S-16 document, a total of 135 Gram-negative bacilli were recovered from ocular specimens and were subjected to phenotypic confirmation for ESBL production by the double-disc synergy test, cephalosporin and clavulanate combination disc test and E test, and, for AmpC β-lactamase, the modified double-disc approximation method and AmpC disc test. RESULTS In the double-disc synergy test, 21 (15.5%) isolates showed positive results against the cefpodoxime disc, 19 (14%) against cefpodoxime and cefotaxime, 15 (11%) against cefpodoxime, cefotaxime and ceftriaxone and 10 (7%) isolates were against cefpodoxime, cefotaxime, ceftriaxone and ceftazidime discs. In the cephalosporin/clavulanate combination disc test, 19 (14%) isolates showed positive results against cefotaxime with clavulanic acid and 10 (7%) isolates against ceftazidime with clavulanic acid. In the E test, 10 (7%) isolates displayed positive results against ceftazidime and 19 (14%) against cefotaxime. In the AmpC disc test for phenotypic confirmation, indentations were observed in 15 (11%) isolates with flattening also occurring in 10 (7%) isolates. CONCLUSION The incidences of ESBL- and AmpC β-lactamase-mediated resistances are found to be 7 and 18.5% among ocular isolates, respectively, and are more prevalent among the strains of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae.
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Murhekar MV, Manickam P, Kumar RM, Ganesakumar SB, Ramachandran V, Ramakrishnan R, Kumaraswami V. Treatment practices & laboratory investigations during chikungunya outbreaks in South India. Indian J Med Res 2011; 133:546-7. [PMID: 21623042 PMCID: PMC3121288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
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Ramakrishnan R, Khurana M. Surgical management of glaucoma: an Indian perspective. Indian J Ophthalmol 2011; 59 Suppl:S118-22. [PMID: 21150023 PMCID: PMC3038496 DOI: 10.4103/0301-4738.73697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a serious sight-threatening disorder aptly named the Silent thief of sight. India, being the second most populous country in the world, has about 20% of the world glaucoma population. The complex geographical and socioeconomic architecture and the economic extremes have a profound effect on its health system. The present times are abundant with fresh developments in the field of glaucoma. Though newer modalities are present in India, they are not ample and are unequally distributed. Adherence and persistence with medical therapy is an issue owing to a multitude of factors. In such a setting, most of the ophthalmologists find themselves performing glaucoma surgeries quite often. In the present era, there are a number of new surgeries to choose from, especially procedures which are nonpenetrating and blebless. Faced with a spectrum of surgeries from shunts to canal surgeries and trabecular bypass devices, the surgeon is often in a dilemma. Still, trabeculectomy remains the gold standard with an increasing trend toward glaucoma drainage devices. The new procedures and devices are worth exploring but await long-term results, good training of surgeons and cost effectiveness.
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Hennessy AL, Katz J, Ramakrishnan R, Krishnadas R, Thulasiraj RD, Tielsch JM, Robin AL. The utility of relative afferent pupillary defect as a screening tool for glaucoma: prospective examination of a large population-based study in a south Indian population. Br J Ophthalmol 2011; 95:1203-6. [DOI: 10.1136/bjo.2010.194217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Mridha P, Biswas AK, Ramakrishnan R, Murhekar MV. The 2010 outbreak of cholera among workers of a jute mill in Kolkata, West Bengal, India. JOURNAL OF HEALTH, POPULATION, AND NUTRITION 2011; 29:9-13. [PMID: 21528785 PMCID: PMC3075051 DOI: 10.3329/jhpn.v29i1.7561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
On 10 March 2010, an outbreak of diarrhoeal disease was reported among workers of a jute mill in Kolkata, West Bengal, India. The cluster was investigated to identify the agent(s) and the source of infection and make recommendations. A suspected case of cholera was defined as having >3 loose watery stools in a 24-hour period and searched for case-patients in the workers' colony. The outbreak was described by time, place, and person, and a case-control study was conducted to identify the source of infection. Rectal swabs were collected from the hospitalized case-patients, and the local water-supply system was assessed. In total, 197 case-patients were identified among 5,910 residents of the workers' colony (attack rate 3.33%). Fifteen of 24 stool samples were positive for Vibrio cholerae O1. The outbreak started on 7 March, peaked on 11 March, and ended on 16 March 2010. Compared to 120 controls, 60 cases did not differ in terms of age and socioeconomic status. Drinking-water from the reservoir within the mill premises was associated with an increased risk of illness [odds ratio: 26.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) 11.4-62.6) and accounted for most cases (population attributable risk percentage = 82%, 95% CI 70.8-92.9). An outbreak of cholera occurred among workers of the jute mill due to contamination of the drinking-water reservoir. It occurred within a few days of re-opening of the mill after the workers' strike. Health authorities need to enforce disinfection of drinking-water and regularly test its bacteriological quality, particularly before re-opening of the mill after the strike.
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Iclozan C, Cotter M, Ramakrishnan R, Lenox B, Bui M, Letson G, Antonia S, Gabrilovich D, Finkelstein S. Myeloid-derived Suppressor Cell and Regulatory T Cell Immune Monitoring of Soft Tissue Sarcoma Patients Undergoing Combination External Beam Radiation and Intratumoral Dendritic Cell Vaccination. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2010.07.1530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Bharathi MJ, Ramakrishnan R, Shivakumar C, Meenakshi R, Lionalraj D. Etiology and antibacterial susceptibility pattern of community-acquired bacterial ocular infections in a tertiary eye care hospital in south India. Indian J Ophthalmol 2010; 58:497-507. [PMID: 20952834 PMCID: PMC2993980 DOI: 10.4103/0301-4738.71678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2009] [Accepted: 04/01/2010] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS To identify the etiology, incidence and prevalence of ocular bacterial infections, and to assess the in vitro susceptibility of these ocular bacterial isolates to commonly used antibiotics. MATERIALS AND METHODS Retrospective analysis of consecutive samples submitted for microbiological evaluation from patients who were clinically diagnosed with ocular infections and were treated at a tertiary eye care referral center in South India between January 2002 and December 2007. RESULTS A total of 4417 ocular samples was submitted for microbiological evaluation, of which 2599 (58.8%) had bacterial growth, 456 (10.3%) had fungal growth, 15 (0.34%) had acanthamoebic growth, 14 (0.32%) had mixed microbial growth and the remaining 1333 (30.2%) had negative growth. The rate of culture-positivity was found to be 88% (P < 0.001) in eyelids' infection, 70% in conjunctival, 69% in lacrimal apparatus, 67.4% in corneal, 51.6% in intraocular tissues, 42.9% in orbital and 39.2% in scleral infections. The most common bacterial species isolated were Staphylococcus aureus (26.69%) followed by Streptococcus pneumoniae (22.14%). Sta. aureus was more prevalent more in eyelid infections (51.22%; P = 0.001) coagulase-negative staphylococci in endophthalmitis (53.1%; P = 0.001), Str. pneumoniae in lacrimal apparatus and corneal infections (64.19%; P = 0.001), Corynebacterium species in blepharitis and conjunctivitis (71%; P = 0.001), Pseudomonas aeruginosa in keratitis and dacryocystitis (66.5%; P = 0.001), Haemophilus species in dacryocystitis and conjunctivitis (66.7%; P = 0.001), Moraxella lacunata in blepharitis (54.17%; P = 0.001) and Moraxella catarrhalis in dacryocystitis (63.83%; P = 0.001). The largest number of gram-positive isolates was susceptible to moxifloxacin (98.7%) and vancomycin (97.9%), and gram-negative isolates to amikacin (93.5%) and gatifloxacin (92.7%). CONCLUSIONS Gram-positive cocci were the most frequent bacteria isolated from ocular infections and were sensitive to moxifloxacin and vancomycin, while gram-negative isolates were more sensitive to amikacin and gatifloxacin.
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Ramesh S, Ramakrishnan R, Bharathi MJ, Amuthan M, Viswanathan S. Prevalence of bacterial pathogens causing ocular infections in South India. INDIAN J PATHOL MICR 2010; 53:281-6. [PMID: 20551533 DOI: 10.4103/0377-4929.64336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS The eye may be infected from external sources or through intra-ocular invasion of micro-organisms carried by the blood stream. This study was undertaken to isolate and identify the specific bacterial pathogens causing ocular infections and to determine their in-vitro antibacterial susceptibilities to commonly used antibacterial agents. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective analysis of all patients with clinically diagnosed bacterial ocular infections such as blepharitis, conjunctivitis, internal and external hordeolum, suppurative scleritis, canaliculitis, keratitis, dacryocystitis, preseptal cellulitis, endophthalmitis and panophthalmitis presenting between January 2005 and December 2005 was performed. Extra-ocular and intra-ocular specimens were collected and were subjected to direct microscopy and culture. RESULTS A total of 756 patients with bacterial ocular infections were analyzed, of which 462(61%) eyes had adnexal bacterial infection, 217(28.7%) had corneal infection, 6 (0.8%) had scleral involvement and the remaining 71(9.39%) eyes had infection of the intra-ocular tissues. The predominant bacterial species isolated was S. aureus (195 of 776; 25%) followed by S. pneumoniae (169 of 776; 21.78%) and coagulase negative staphylococci (142 of 776; 18.3%). The largest number of gram-positive isolates were susceptible to cefazolin (545 of 624; 87.34%), chloramphenicol (522 of 624; 83.65%) and gatifloxacin (511 of 624; 81.89%) and gram-negative isolates were to amikacin (127 of 136; 93.38%), gatifloxacin (125 of 136; 91.91%) and ofloxacin (119 of 136; 87.5%), while aerobic actinomycetes were to amikacin (100%), gatifloxacin (14 of 16; 87.5%), chloramphenicol (14 of 16; 87.5%) and ofloxacin (13 of 16; 81.25%). CONCLUSIONS S. aureus frequently causes infections of eyelids and conjunctiva, S. pneumoniae of lacrimal apparatus and cornea and coagulase negative staphylococci causes intra-ocular infections. Of all routinely used antibacterials tested, flouroquinolones, especially gatifloxacin and ofloxacin represented a good choice for treating bacterial ocular infections.
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Spaeth GL, Moster MR, Ramakrishnan R, Vijaya L, Ichhpujani P. Fate of Trabeculectomy: Bloom or Doom. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2010. [DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10008-1083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Anand PK, Ramakrishnan R. Investigation of the outbreak of typhoid in a village of Thar Desert Rajasthan, India. Indian J Med Res 2010; 131:799-803. [PMID: 20571169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES Outbreaks of typhoid have been reported from Maharashtra, Bangalore, West Bengal and Pondicherry in India but rarely from Rajasthan. We investigated an outbreak of typhoid in a village of Thar Desert of Rajasthan. METHODS A retrospective cohort study was carried out during May-July 2007 in Varkana village, Pali district, Rajasthan, to identify the risk factor for disease. The information on outbreak was collected and then described in time, place and person characteristics to arrive at aetiological hypotheses. RESULTS There were 219 cases of typhoid in village. Attack rate was 104 cases per 1000 population. Maximum attack rate of 276 cases per 1000 population was noted in persons of 10-14 yr age group. Forty three serum samples were reported positive for Widal agglutination test out of 70 tested. Drinking of water from government overhead tanks was associated with disease significantly (RR= 11.1, 95% CI= 3.7-33). Two of the three water samples from government tanks were found positive for faecal contamination. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION The outbreak of typhoid in a village affected >200 persons of all age groups and both gender. Exposure to the drinking water from government tanks was found significantly associated with the disease. Preventive and control measures undertaken after analytical epidemiological study helped in terminating the outbreak.
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Maji D, Hutin Y, Ramakrishnan R, Hossain S, De S. Strategies to improve the performance of female health workers in West Bengal: a cross-sectional survey. THE NATIONAL MEDICAL JOURNAL OF INDIA 2010; 23:137-142. [PMID: 20949714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Female health workers in India face an increasing workload that affects their performance. We did a study in 2 districts of West Bengal, India, to quantify their workload and identify determinants of good performance. METHODS We randomly sampled female health workers from the health department's list. First, we quantified the time allocated to tasks through observations of work sessions. Second, we estimated the prevalence ratio (PR) of above-average performance for three indicators (DPT-booster coverage, antenatal check-up coverage and family planning performance) according to selected potential determinants. RESULTS Female health workers spent 26% of their time in documentation. We recruited 42 female health workers (average population covered: 6495). Larger floor space (PR 2.5; 95% CI 1.2-5.3), use of simplified documentation procedures (PR 2.5; 95% CI 1.2-5.2) and monthly supervision (PR 3.0; 95% CI 1.1-8.5) were associated with above-average DPT-booster coverage. Availability of a private space was associated with above-average coverage in antenatal check-up (PR 1.9; 95% CI 1.0-3.5) and family planning (PR 2.5; 95% CI 1.2-5.2). Workers who used existing resources to cope with multi-tasking performed better. CONCLUSION Female health workers spent excessive time in documentation which left less time for service delivery. Infrastructure, planning and supervision affected performance and these areas must be strengthened to improve primary healthcare services.
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Biswas AK, Hutin YJ, Ramakrishnan R, Patra B, Gupte MD. Increased financial accessibility and targeted education messages could increase ownership and use of mosquito nets in Purulia District, West Bengal, India. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2010; 104:423-8. [PMID: 20153006 DOI: 10.1016/j.trstmh.2010.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2009] [Revised: 12/24/2009] [Accepted: 01/04/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Insecticide-treated mosquito nets are effective in reducing malaria transmission and mortality, yet they are underused for prevention. In this study, 561 households in 33 clusters were surveyed to estimate the coverage of net ownership and the frequency of use according to selected characteristics. Of the 540 participating household heads, 247 (46%) owned mosquito nets. Of 1681 individuals in households with mosquito nets, 1359 (81%) used the nets. A household monthly income > or =2000 Indian rupees (US$45) was strongly associated with mosquito net ownership (prevalence ratio=12, 95% CI 7.8-82). Factors independently associated with net use in multivariate analysis included age < 35 years (P<0.001), sleeping inside (P<0.001), use of repellent (P=0.03) as well as knowledge that mosquitoes cause malaria (P=0.002) and that malaria is severe in children (P<0.001). Whilst household income is the strongest determinant of mosquito net ownership, selected knowledge elements are associated with net use. It is necessary to improve financial accessibility to nets and to communicate that malaria is a disease transmitted by mosquitoes that could be fatal in children.
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Bharathi MJ, Amuthan M, Viswanathan S, Ramakrishnan R, Ramesh S. Comparative in-vitro efficacy of fluoroquinolones against Streptococcus pneumoniae recovered from bacterial keratitis as determined by E-test. INDIAN J PATHOL MICR 2010; 53:276-80. [DOI: 10.4103/0377-4929.64337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Bharathi MJ, Ramakrishnan R, Meenakshi R, Shivakumar C, Raj DL. Analysis of the risk factors predisposing to fungal, bacterial & Acanthamoeba keratitis in south India. Indian J Med Res 2009; 130:749-757. [PMID: 20090138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE Infective keratitis is rare in the absence of predisposing factors. The pattern of risk factors predisposing to infective keratitis varies with geographical regions and also influences the type of infection that occurs. The present study was aimed to identify the specific risk factors that predispose the infective keratitis (non viral) and to determine the association between the risk factors identified and the microbial aetiology of infective keratitis in a geographic region (south India). METHODS A retrospective analysis of all patients clinically diagnosed infective keratitis (non viral) presenting between September 1999 and September 2002 was performed to identify risk factors. After diagnosing infective keratitis clinically, corneal scrapes were performed and subjected to microscopy and culture. RESULTS A total of 3295 patients with infective keratitis were evaluated, of whom, 1138 (34.5%) patients had fungal growth alone, 1066 (32.4%) had bacterial growth alone, 33 (1%) had Acanthamoeba growth alone, 83 (2.5%) had mixed microbial growth and the remaining 975 (29.6%) had no growth. Corneal injury was identified in 2356 (71.5%) patients and it accounted for 91.9 per cent in fungal keratitis (P<0.0001) (OR: 73.5; 95%CI: 61.3-98.5), 28.1 per cent in bacterial keratitis and 100 per cent in Acanthamoeba keratitis (P<0.0001). Injuries due to vegetative matter (61.2%) was identified as significant risk for fungal keratitis (P<0.0001) (OR: 15.73; 95%CI: 12.7-19.49) and mud (84.85%) for Acanthamoeba keratitis (P<0.0001) (OR: 16.52; 95%CI: 6.35-42.99). Co-existing ocular diseases predisposing to bacterial keratitis accounted for 724 (69%) patients (P<0.0001) (OR: 33.31; 95%CI: 26.98-41.12). Bacterial pathogens alone were recovered from all 35 patients with contact lens associated keratitis (100%). Co-existing ocular diseases (78.3%) were frequently documented among patients older than 50 yr (P<0.0001) (OR: 27.0; 95%CI: 25.0-28.0) and corneal injury (89.7%) was frequently recorded among patients younger than 51 yr (P<0.0001) (OR: 72.0; 95%CI: 70.0-73.0). INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION Corneal injury was found to be the principal risk factor for fungal and Acanthamoeba keratitis, while co-existing ocular diseases for bacterial keratitis. Corneal injury with vegetative matter was more often associated with fungal keratitis and injury with mud with Acanthamoeba keratitis.
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Seyler T, Hutin Y, Ramanchandran V, Ramakrishnan R, Manickam P, Murhekar M. Estimating the burden of disease and the economic cost attributable to chikungunya, Andhra Pradesh, India, 2005-2006. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2009; 104:133-8. [PMID: 19709705 DOI: 10.1016/j.trstmh.2009.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2009] [Revised: 07/10/2009] [Accepted: 07/10/2009] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
To estimate the burden and cost of chikungunya in India, we searched for cases of fever and joint pain in the village of Mallela, Andhra Pradesh, and collected information on the demography, signs, symptoms, healthcare utilization and expenditure associated with the disease. We estimated the burden of the disease using disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). We estimated direct and indirect costs and made projections for the district and state using surveillance data corrected for under-reporting. On average, from December 2005 to April 2006, each of the 242 cases in the village led to a burden of 0.0272 DALYs (95% CI 0.0224-0.0319) and a cost of US$37.50 (95% CI 30.6-44.3). Overall, chikungunya in Mallela led to 6.57 DALYs and a loss of US$9100. Out-of-pocket direct medical costs accounted for 68% of the total. From January to December 2006 the burden for Kadapa district was 160 DALYs (cost: US$290 000). Over the same period the burden for Andhra Pradesh was 6600 DALYs (cost: US$12 400 000). While the burden was moderate, costs were high and mostly out of pocket.
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Brundert M, Heeren J, Merkel M, Ramakrishnan R, Moore K, Rinninger F. Abstract: 1504 SCAVENGER RECEPTOR CD36 MEDIATES HEPATIC UPTAKE OF HDL-ASSOCIATED CHOLESTERYL ESTERS IN MICE. ATHEROSCLEROSIS SUPP 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/s1567-5688(09)70453-2] [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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Sharma PK, Ramakrishnan R, Hutin Y, Manickam P, Gupte MD. Risk factors for typhoid in Darjeeling, West Bengal, India: evidence for practical action. Trop Med Int Health 2009; 14:696-702. [PMID: 19392739 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3156.2009.02283.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify risk factors for typhoid and propose prevention measures. METHODS Case-control study; we compared hospital-based typhoid cases defined as fever>38 degrees C for >or=3 days with four-fold rise in 'O' antibodies on paired sera (Widal) with community, age and neighbourhood matched controls. We obtained information on drinking water, fruits, vegetables, milk products and sanitation; and calculated matched odds ratios (MOR) and attributable fractions in the population (AFP) for the risk factors or failure to use prevention measures. RESULTS The 123 typhoid cases (median age: 25 years, 47% female) and 123 controls did not differ with respect to baseline characteristics. Cases were less likely to store drinking water in narrow-mouthed containers (MOR: 0.4, 95% CI: 0.2-0.7, AFP 29%), tip containers to draw water (MOR: 0.4, 95% CI: 0.2-0.7, AFP 33%) and have home latrines (MOR: 0.5, 95% CI: 0.3-0.8, AFP 23%). Cases were more likely to consume butter (OR: 2.3, 95% CI: 1.3-4.1, AFP 28%), yoghurt (OR: 2.3, 95% CI: 1.4-3.7, AFP 34%) and raw fruits and vegetables, including onions (MOR: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.2-3.9, AFP 34%), cabbages (OR: 2.8, 95% CI: 1.7-4.8, AFP 44%) and unwashed guavas (OR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.2-3, AFP 25%). CONCLUSION Typhoid was associated with unsafe water and sanitation practices as well as with consumption of milk products, fruits and vegetables. We propose to chlorinate drinking water at the point of use, wash/cook raw fruits and vegetables and ensure safer preparation/storage of local milk products.
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