Single space transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion in spondylolisthesis: initial experience of 30 cases

Spondylolisthesis in adults is characterized by the loss of disc height across the affected segment with sagital translation. The goal of stabilizing the spine is accomplished by fusion. Transforaminal approach for lumbar interbody fusion is a very good approach and reduces the complications associated with traditional posterior approach. It has been reported to be safe and effective in the treatment of spondylolisthesis. It has done to assess the functional outcome of Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF) in spondylolisthesis. This prospective interventional study was performed from July 2008 to June 2011 included 30 patients (male 07, female 23), within a age range of 30-59 years. Nineteen cases were lytic, 08 cases were degenerative, 02 were post-traumatic and 01 dysplastic variety of spondylolisthesis. Follow up ranged from 12 to 24 months and outcome assessed by VAS and ODI regarding pain and disability. Achievement of fusion and complications were documented accordingly. Statistical analysis was done by unpaired t-test and chi-squared test in appropriate instances. We included twenty One (70.00%) patient had Grade-II Spondylolisthesis and L4 over L5 had been the commonest level (53.33%) involved. Pain and disability improved significantly and 22 (73.33%) patients returned to their previous level of activity. One (03.33%) patient developed superficial wound infection and 01 (03.33%) had persistent low back pain. All patients had neurological improvement. We concluded that Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion is an effective alternative surgical procedure for the treatment of spondylolisthesis. Overall outcome is satisfactory in 93.33% cases.

Comparison of creatinine clearance estimates with routine measured creatinine clearance in hospitalized chronic kidney disease patients

The aim of this study was to determine the correlation between endogenous creatinine clearance (BSA adjusted), the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) and Cockcroft-Gault (BSA adjusted) equations in a Bangladeshi population with chronic kidney disease. It was an observational study conducted from July 2011 to January 2012 in the department of Medicine of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh, Bangladesh. A total of 50 cases with diagnosed Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients participated in this study. Results are expressed as mean and standard deviation (SD). Pearson correlation coefficient (r) was used to compare the results of conventional creatinine clearance on 24 hour urine collection (BSA adjusted) and creatinine clearance calculated by Cockcroft-Gault creatinine clearance (BSA adjusted) and MDRD creatinine clearance (ml/min/1.73m²) equation. Among 50 patients 30(60%) were male and 20(40%) were female. Mean age of the cases was 43±12.96 years with age range from 18 to 65 years. Mean creatinine clearance measured on 24 hours urine collection (BSA adjusted) was 13.86±8.72ml/min per 1.73m². Mean BSA adjusted Cockcroft-Gault creatinine clearance and MDRD creatinine clearance were 27.68±11.26 and 24.46±11.05ml/min per 1.73m² respectively. There was a positive correlation between both the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (r=0.951, p<0.05) equation and the Cockcroft-Gault (r=0.948, p<0.05) equation with measured creatinine clearance; the former being statistically superior comparing the correlation coefficients. The creatinine based formulas with their inherent property of convenience and cost effectiveness can be a useful tool for monitoring the progression of disease.

Aphanamixis Polystachya: A Potential Non-Edible Source of Biodiesel in Bangladesh

This paper represents an attempt that was made to prepare Biodiesel from a non-edible source, Aphanamixis Polystachya (Pitraj). Oil was extracted from the seed by mechanical press method. Various properties of raw oil such as viscosity, Free Fatty Acid (FFA) content, specific gravity, saponofication value etc. were measured by standard methods. FFA content of raw oil was found higher, so the acid catalysed two step method, acid catalysed esterification followed by base catalysed transesterification, was studied. Various reaction parameters such as oil to methanol ratio, catalyst wt%, reaction time and temperature were optimized for both esterification and transesterification reaction. 1H NMR of prepared biodiesel and raw oil was studied which confirms the conversion of oil to biodiesel. Finally, the various properties of produced Biodiesel, such as viscosity, FFA, specific gravity, iodine value, cetane index, calorific value etc. were measured and compared with biodiesel and petro-diesel standards. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jce.v28i1.18111 Journal of Chemical Engineering, Vol. 28, No. 1, December 2013: 45-49

Potentiality of Biodiesel Production From Non-Edible Oil: Bangladesh Perspective

The present study focuses potentiality of biodiesel production in Bangladesh from non-edible oil. The increasing demands of energy are consumed by using fossil fuels which are non-renewable and will be depleted within 150 years from now if this growth rate stays but if this rate increases further the depleting time will decrease from the estimated one. Because of low reservation of crude oil, Bangladesh has to import oils from other countries, these costs a lot. About 95% of these demands can be meted through biodiesel. Biodiesel prepared from both edible and non-edible oils. After meeting demands of edible oil of the country it is impossible to produce biodiesel from edible oils. But it is possible to meet the biodiesel demand of the country almost 100% through non-edible oil derived biodiesel. Arable lands of Bangladesh can’t be used for the growing purposes of non-edible oil seeds, but if rail and road sides are used there is no need for extra lands. After surveying lands for this purpose it seems that Bangladesh can get a total amount of 47750 Km of road and rail side areas for the cultivation of non-edible seeds. Among these forest seeds Nageswar, Pitraj, Sultana champa Ponyal, Rata, Oil palm, Chaulmoogra, Bakul, Kusum, jaina have sufficient oil content along with plenty of growth in Bangladesh. Cultivating these seeds 1100000 tones of biodiesel can be produced on the basis of their oil content and yield. Which decreases the amount of imported crude oil as well as meets the oil demand of the country, thus Bangladesh can be able to save about $6 billion per year means a great economic savings that can be used for the development of the country. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jce.v27i2.17763 Journal of Chemical Engineering, IEB Vol. ChE. 27, No. 2, June 2012: 1-5

Factors associated with treatment delay among tuberculosis patients referred from a tertiary hospital in Dhaka City: a cross-sectional study

SETTING

A tertiary medical college hospital in Dhaka City Corporation area, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

OBJECTIVES

To identify factors associated with treatment delay among tuberculosis (TB) patients referred from a public diagnostic centre to various DOTS treatment centres in Dhaka City Corporation area, Bangladesh.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 123 patients referred from the Dhaka Medical College Hospital to different DOTS treatment centres during July-October 2012. Factors associated with treatment delay (>1 day between referral and initiation of DOTS treatment) were identified.

RESULTS

Among the 123 patients referred from the hospital, treatment delay was found to range between 2 and 17 days (median 2). In bivariate analysis, treatment delay was found to be significantly associated with the patient's diagnostic category. In multivariate analysis, World Health Organization (  WHO) Category II patients were found to be four times more likely to have treatment delay than WHO Category I patients, and married patients were much more likely to have treatment delays than unmarried patients.

CONCLUSION

The study findings suggest that the main factors contributing to treatment delay among TB patients were history of previous anti-tuberculosis treatment, marital status and age. Patients should be given extensive information about the dangers of treatment delay before referring them to DOTS treatment centres.

Isolation of Aeromonas hydrophila from EUS Affected Shing Heteropneustes fossilis of a Fish Farm in Mymensingh

Aeromonas hydrophila bacteria was isolated from the suspected EUS-affected shing fish, Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch). The disease investigations were primarily based on clinical signs and subsequently confirmed by the isolation of bacterial pathogen Aeromonas hydrophila from lesion of liver and kidney. The A. hydrophila isolates were identified by a series of morphological, physiological and biochemical tests. The total bacterial load in liver, intestine and kidney were 1.67 × 104 to 6.46 × 108 CFU/g, 1.71 × 103 to 1.18 × 109 CFU/g and 1.47 × 104 to 3.70 × 108 CFU/g respectively.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v19i1.17362 Progress. Agric. 19(1): 117 - 124, 2008 

Camp based awareness and screening programme of cervical cancer in rural area of Bangladesh

This population based cross sectional study was carried out in Muktagacha Upazilla Health Complex, Mymensingh, Bangladesh during the period of 26th to 28th June, 2012. The objective was to create awareness, to find out the precancerous lesion of cervix and to evaluate the effectiveness of this approach for prevention of cervical carcinoma. Women who were married and between 30-60 years and also women of below 30 years (who were married below the age of 18) were included in this study. All pregnant women were excluded from this study. After counseling, pelvic examination and VIA (visual inspection of cervix with application of 5% acetic acid) test was done. If the squamo-columner junction of cervix turned to white then it was called VIA positive (+ve) cases. Then they were referred to colposcopy clinic of Mymensingh Medical College with a red card for evaluation and management. During the 3 days campaign, 395 cases were examined. Among them, majority (49%) of the women were below the age of 30. It was observed that still 48.2% were married below the age of 18 and 31% had first pregnancy at an age or below 18 years. But number of grand multiparity is lowering now a days. Only 25% had para ≥4. Others have para 1-3. During pelvic examination, the common cervico-uterine pathologies like chronic cervicities (16.5%), cervical erosion (14.4%), uterine prolapse (2.3%), cervical polyp (1%), myomatous polyp (0.3%) and advanced cervical carcinoma (0.5%) were also diagnosed clinically. Among the participants, 11.9% was detected as VIA+ve cases. A significant association of VIA+ve cases with low socio-economic conditions, hindu religion, early age at marriage and high parity were observed in this study (p<0.05). The findings of this study highlight the utility and need of camp based cervical cancer screening service at regular interval in the community.

Comparative efficacy of subcutaneous versus oral methotrexate in active rheumatoid arthritis

This prospective study was conducted in rheumatology clinic under the department of medicine of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University from December 2004 to December 2005 to asses the efficacy, safety and compliance of subcutaneous methotrexate (MTX) in active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. A total of 92 active rheumatoid arthritis patients according to American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria were recruited for the trial for six months. Among them 46 cases belonged to injectable MTX group and 46 cases belonged to oral MTX group. Mean±SD age of patients was 45.54±12.42 vs. 44.63±13.99 years in subcutaneous group and oral group respectively. In the subcutaneous group 41 were female and 5 male; in the oral group 34 were female and 12 male. Mean duration of the disease was 49.74 months in subcutaneous group and 49 months in oral group. RA test was positive in 35 cases in both groups whereas Rose Waaler test was positive in 19 patients in subcutaneous group and 14 patients in oral group. At 24 week, response rate of ACR 20 was significantly higher in subcutaneous MTX than oral MTX group (93% vs. 80%, p=0.02). Similarly ACR 50 response was significantly higher in subcutaneous MTX than in oral group (89% vs. 72%, p=0.03). ACR 70 response was not significantly higher in SCMTX group then oral group (11% vs. 9 %, p=0.72). Adverse effects were relatively less in subcutaneous MTX and most common side effects were nausea (37% vs. 63%), vomiting (11% vs. 30%), dyspepsia (29% vs. 48%), dizziness (4l% vs. 52%) and alopecia (72% vs. 85%). The results of the study demonstrated that subcutaneous MTX was significantly more effective than oral MTX at the same dosage in active Rheumatoid arthritis patients with no increase in side effects.

The management of cubitus varus using Ilizarov method

Cubitus varus is the most common complications of supracondylar fractures. Various combinations of osteotomy and fixation have been described to correct the deformity but each is associated with significant complications. In this study, we used distraction osteogenesis and Ilizarov frame fixation to treat 12 elbows with cubitus varus. The mean time to follow up was 24 months (10-38) and the mean time to frame removed was 14.5 weeks (10-22). The mean carrying angle was corrected from -19.8°(-10°-32°) to 6.2°(2°-12°). In patients with cubitus varus was from 35.5° (22°-45°). There were 11 excellent and one good result.

Gene expression profiling of a compatible interaction between Douglas-Fir and the root rot fungal pathogen Phellinus sulphurascens

Douglas-fir (DF) (Pseudotsuga menziesii) is one of the largest and most economically important coniferous species in western North America. Its productivity is greatly affected by the root rot fungus Phellinus sulphurascens Pilát. Evidence of resistance by DF to fungal root pathogens such as P. sulphurascens has been reported but mechanisms of resistance in this compatible pathosystem are not yet known. To better understand the DF-P. sulphurascens interaction, especially at the molecular level, we selected 12 diverse plant genes already identified as defense-related from a cDNA library constructed using root tissues from P. sulphurascens-infected DF seedlings. Using quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction on infected DF root samples collected at five different time points after inoculation, we found that P. sulphurascens infection significantly elevated expression of the 12 selected genes. In most cases the highest expression level was recorded within 2 to 3 days after inoculation. The constructed cDNA library, which is enriched with defense-related host genes and a number of fungal genes, will continue to serve as a useful resource for future larger-scale gene discovery and functional research on the P. sulphurascens and DF pathosystem.

Role of Fruits on Public Health

An investigation was carried out on the role of fruits on public health. Amount of nutrition value on different fruits of Bangladesh also examined. Fruits are not only good source of vitamins and minerals but also highly nutritive with anti carcinogenic value. The role of sufficient intake of fruits can prevent many life threatening diseases of human beings like diabetics, blood pressure, heart diseases and cancer. Altogether 39 fruits, the highest water portion 96.6 g was found in black berry and Jamun, and the lowest 4.3 g were found in coconut. The highest total minerals 1.7g was measured in date palm and the lowest 0.1 g was found in orange, black berry and Jamun. The maximum fiber 6.6 mg was found in coconut and the lowest 0.2 g was found in jackfruit and water melon. The highest Calorie 662 Kcal was found in coconut and the lowest 11 Kcal was measured in black berry and Jamun. The highest protein 3.5 g was found in elephant’s foot apple and the lowest 0.2 g was found in water melon. The highest fat 62.3 g was found in coconut and the lowest 0.1 g was found in jackfruit, ber, elephant’s foot apple, orange, Bullock’s heart/Custard apple, Hogplum, Olive, Aonla, River ebony and Water chestnut. The highest Carbohydrate 33.8 g was found in date palm and the lowest 1.4 g was found in black berry and Jamun. The highest 90 mg was found in Lime and the lowest 0.01g was found in River ebony. The highest amount of Fe 7.9 mg was found in water melon and the lowest 0.2 mg was found in Pummelo. The highest amount of Carotene 8300 ?g was found in mango and the lowest 0 ?g was found in litchi, ber, elephant’s foot apple, orange, lemon, Bullock’s heart/Custard apple, coconut, banana, Aonla and water chestnut. The highest amount of vitamin B-1 0.8 mg was found in elephant’s foot apple and the lowest 0.01 mg was found in Wax apple, tamarind and Rose apple. The highest amount of vitamin B-2 0.19 mg was found in Burmese grape and the lowest B-2 0.01 mg was found in orange, coconut and olive. The highest amount of vitamin C 463 mg was found in Aonla and Stargareberry, and the lowest 1 mg was found in coconut and water melon. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jsf.v8i1-2.14633 J. Sci. Foundation, 8(1&2): 111-118, June-December 2010

Cough in systemic lupus erythematosus

This observational study was conducted in the lupus clinic of Department of Medicine, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh from January 2007 to July 2007. Thirty-six consecutive SLE patients fulfilled American College of Rheumatology (ACR) diagnostic criteria and having cough for any duration was enrolled. Equal number of age and sex matched controls (The patient attending in the out patient department in the Medicine having cough without SLE) was taken after having informed consent. Severely disabled cases and cases unwilling to participate with a cough were excluded. Mean age of study population was 29.1±8.7 years and 29.8±9.9 years in controls. Duration of cough was less than 3 weeks in 17% of SLE patients and 8% of control group and was more than three weeks in 83% and 92% respectively. In SLE patient commonest causes of cough was bronchial asthma 47% and was 33% in controls. Post nasal drip syndrome was the next common causes and frequently due to sinusitis and allergic rhinitis. Its frequency was 14% and 16% in SLE and control groups respectively. Other causes were pneumonia (11%, 14%), Diffuse Parenchymal Disease lung (DPLD) (5.6% & 2.8%), and tuberculosis (5.6% & 8%) in SLE & control groups respectively. Gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD) was 2.6% in SLE group but was not found in control group. Cough is common in SLE patients. Frequency distribution though similar to that of causes of cough in community but warns the possibility of serious underlying diseases in SLE cases and attentive evaluation.

Adulteration of raw milk in the rural areas of Barisal district of Bangladesh

The study was undertakento detect the type of adulterants and preservatives added to the incoming fluid milk from rural areas to the Barisal city of Bangladesh. Total fifty milk samples were collected from five different entry points of Karapure, Dabdopia, Shaestabad, Goriarpar and Khanpura of Barisal district where ten samples were taken from each entry point. The results indicated that, 100% of the milk samples were adulterated with water irrespective of collection points and months. Cane sugar, powdered milk and starch were detected as 26.0, 14.0 and 12.0% in the milk samples, respectively. Two types of preservatives namely formalin and sodium bicarbonate were detected in the fluid milk from the study areas. Out of all samples, 10.0% was adulterated with formalin and 20.0% with sodium bicarbonate. However, none of the samples contained either hydrogen peroxide or borax. There was a positive relationship between day temperature and intensity of adding preservatives to the fluid milk. As the day temperature increased, the number of preservative positive samples also increased in a linear fashion and vice versa. It could therefore be inferred that, the consumers need to be more cautious regarding the quality of raw milk specially in summer season.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v41i2.14126Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2012. 41 (2): 112-115

Acute pancreatitis associated with acute viral hepatitis A (HAV) - a case report

In this case report, a young woman had acute viral hepatitis (HAV) and acute pancreatitis together. She was admitted to our hospital with fever, jaundice and abdominal pain. Hepatic and pancreatic enzymes were elevated. Her serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level was high. An initial abdominal ultrasound was per-formed at hospital and revealed features of acute viral hepatitis. Spiral computed imaging revealed imaging features of an acute stage of pancreatitis and gallbladder wall thickness. HAV infection was diagnosed by the detection of immunoglobulin M (IgM) against HAV in the serum. She was closely monitored and treated conservatively. On 10th day of hospital admission she was discharge after an uneventful recovery. In the current literature HAV infections have rarely been reported as a cause of acute pancreatitis.

Wegener's granulomatosis - a case report

Wegener's granulomatosis is an uncommon multi-systemic disease characterized by necrotizing granulomatous inflammation of the upper and lower respiratory tracts and general focal necrotizing vasculitis (commonly known as Wegener's triad). The diagnosis of Wegener's granulomatosis is suggested from the clinical and laboratory findings and from the presence of circulating anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) although the absence of ANCA does not exclude the diagnosis. We described a case of 27-year-old man with pansinusitis, mild azotemia and initial respiratory tract symptoms such as foul smelling nasal discharge and epistaxis. Later he developed fever, poly-arthritis, abdominal pain and haematuria. There were multiple painful oral ulcers and skin showed multiple palpable purpuric rash. C-ANCA was positive. He was treated with IV methyl prednisolone 1gm daily for 3 days followed by oral prednisolone 1mg/kg body weight and oral cyclophosphamide. His condition improved dramatically and on follow up after 3 months he was reasonably well. In this report, we wanted to emphasize that Wegener's granulomatosis, although rare, should be considered in the above clinical scenario and treatment should be initiated as soon as possible.

Anterior cervical discectomy, fusion and stabilization by plate and screw--early experience

Anterior cervical plating is commonly performed to stabilize anterior cervical fusion. The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical and functional outcome, radiological fusion and operative complications in cases of cervical spondylotic myelopathy and radiculopathy who underwent Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) by autograft and stabilized with plate and screw. We evaluated 16 consecutive patients (M: F = 10:6) from January 2008 to December 2010 in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) and different private hospitals in Dhaka, in cases where adequate conservative treatment failed. Single level ACDF by autograft and stabilization by plate and screw was done in 10 patients and 06 patients had two levels fusion. The mean follow up period was 18 months. The patients improved significantly (p < 0.05) and the recovery rate was 87.50%. All patients showed radiological fusion (p < 0.001). There was no hardware failure, graft extrusion or plate breakage. ACDF with plate and screw is fairly safe and effective therapy for cervical disc degeneration leading to myelo-radiculopathy where major post operative complications are uncommon.

Psychiatric and psychological comorbidities in patients with psoriasis- a review

Psoriasis is a common inflammatory skin disease. The impact of psoriasis on quality of life is significant even when it involves relatively limited body surface area (BSA). Life stresses have been found as both a cause of psoriasis and as an aggravating factor in the disease. In different large epidemiological studies up to 79% patients of psoriasis had a negative impact on their lives, and Psoriasis was reported to be associated stressful life event in 10-90%, depression in 24-51%, felt shame and embarrassment over their appearance in 89%, lack of confidence in 42%, family friction in 26%, wish to be dead to active suicidal ideation in 9.7-5.5%, addiction and alcoholism in 18% and also significant impact upon sexual function. Children with psoriasis had 25-47% higher risk of developing any psychiatric disorder, 23-62% higher risk of develop depression and 32-250% higher risk of anxiety.

ISOLATION AND DETECTION OF NEWCASTLE DISEASE VIRUS FROM FIELD OUTBREAKS IN BROILER AND LAYER CHICKENS BY REVERSE TRANSCRIPTION–POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION

The present research work was carried out to isolate and identify Newcastle disease virus (NDV) by using haemagglutination inhibition (HI) test and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay. A total of 160 clinical (blood, tracheal and cloacal swabs) and post-mortem (brain, lung, colon and spleen) samples were collected from chickens of two field outbreaks of Newcastle disease (ND) in 2006, one in a broiler (Cobb-500) farm of Mymensingh district and other one in a layer (Sonali) farm of Gazipur district. All the samples were inoculated onto 10-day-old embryonated chicken eggs through allantoic sac route and in the chicken embryo fibroblasts (CEFs) cell culture. The allantoic fluid (AF) of the dead embryos and the infected culture fluid (ICF) of the CEF were harvested at 48 and 96 hours of post-infection, respectively. The HI and RT-PCR were employed to detect NDV in tissue homogenates of all the clinical and post-mortem samples as well as laboratory samples (AF and ICF). Among the clinical samples, virus isolation rate was found higher from tracheal swab (90%) compared to those of cloacal swab (85%) and serum (65%). On the other hand, among the four different types of post-mortem samples, virus isolation rate was found higher in spleen (100%) compared to those of lungs (80%), colon (60%), and brain (80%) samples. In CEF cell culture system, the rate of virus isolation from all the aforesaid samples was found 100% with the exception of serum samples. The isolation rate of NDV was higher in CEF culture system (93.8%) compared to that of avian embryos (80%). Among the clinical and post-mortem samples, inoculum of only cloacal swab and colon showed HA and HI activities. The anti-NDV hyperimmune serum revealed complete inhibition of the 4 haemagglutination unit of each isolate of viruses isolated from broiler and layer chickens present in the laboratory samples (AF and ICF). The NDV specific primers used in the direct RT-PCR for genome detection of NDV showed equal sensitivity and specificity with the RNA extracted from the clinical, post-mortem and laboratory samples (AF and ICF) as with the genomic RNA of reference NDV. Higher rate of detection of NDV was recorded with RT-PCR assay than HI test. Therefore, the molecular method (RT-PCR) can be introduced for rapid and confirmatory detection of NDV from any form of outbreak of ND in the field level of Bangladesh.DOI = http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjvm.v8i2.9618 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2010). 8 (2) : 87–92 

PREVALENCE OF SUBCLINICAL MASTITIS IN DAIRY COWS IN SELECTED AREAS OF BANGLADESH

This research was carried out to determine the prevalence of subclinical mastitis in lactating Dairy Cow of Bangladesh Agricultural University dairy farm (BAUDF) and rural areas of Tangail sadar upazila of Bangladesh during the period of July 2009 to April 2010. A total of 200 milk samples (40 from BAUDF and 160 from Tangail sadar upazila) were collected for this study which were subjected to physical examination and subsequently screened for subclinical mastitis using three indirect tests viz. White Side Test (WST), California Mastitis Test (CMT), and Surf Field Mastitis Test (SFMT). Overall prevalence of subclinical mastitis (SCM) in lactating dairy cows found in this study was 29%. Cows were infected with SCM 29.5%, 27.5% and 25.5% detection by CMT, WST and SFMT respectively. Higher prevalence of SCM was detected in milch crossbred cows (36.36%) in comparison to local bred cows (24.61%) maintained under extensive management system in Rural area of Tangail sadar upazila. The prevalence of SCM was recorded in 31.58%, 30.76% and 68.75% in cows of local area of Tangail sadar upazila, and 25.0%, 40.0% and 71.42% in cows of BAU,DF during the early, mid and late stages of lactation respectively. The highest prevalence of SCM was recorded during the early lactation stage in both the local breed cows (30.0%) and cows of BAUDF (45.83%) in comparison to their respective mid and late stages of lactation. The prevalence of SCM was highest in lactating cows having third lactation and high yielding (cows produced >10 liter milk per day) both in local breed and crossbred cows.DOI = http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjvm.v9i1.11216 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2011). 9(1): 73-78 

CLINICAL AND LABORATORY DIAGNOSES OF NEWCASTLE AND INFECTIOUS BURSAL DISEASES OF CHICKENS

A comparative study was conducted to compare the disease diagnostic parameters (clinical signs & postmortem findings, organism isolation, serological test and molecular method) used to diagnose the Newcastle disease (ND) and infectious bursal disease (IBD) during the period from March 2009 to February 2010 in the laboratory of the Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh. A total of 187 sick and dead chickens (63 broilers and 124 layers) of different ages (1 week to >15 weeks) were collected from 12 selective poultry farms (4 broilers and 8 layers) of Mymensingh and Gazipur districts. Clinically, 7 (14.89%) of 63 affected broiler and 27 (30.68%) of 124 affected layer chickens were diagnosed as Newcastle disease (ND) whereas, 11 (23.4%) of 63 affected broiler and 6 (4.82%) of the 124 affected layer birds were diagnosed as IBD on the basis of clinical history, clinical signs and postmortem findings. Virus isolation from field samples was performed by inoculating each suspected sample into 10-day-old chicken embryos. Out of 34 ND suspected field samples, 26 (5 broilers and 21 layers) were positive for NDV isolation and 11 (8 broilers and 3 layers) of 17 IBD suspected field samples, were positive for IBDV isolation. For confirmatory diagnosis, virus detection was confirmed by serological tests (HI and AGID) and RT-PCR assay. Out of 34 clinically diagnosed ND field samples, 20 (5 broiler & 15 layer) were positive by RT-PCR assay and 15 (10 broiler & 5 layer) of 17 IBD suspected field samples, were positive by both AGIDT and RT-PCR assay. Of the 26 HA positive NDV suspected AF, 19 (4 broilers and 15 layers) were positive by both HI & RT-PCR assay whereas, 10 (7 broilers and 3 layers) of 11 IBDV isolation positive tissue suspension were positive by both AGIDT & RT-PCR assay in the laboratory. Therefore, it may be concluded that serological (HI & AGIDT) and molecular (RT-PCR) techniques which allow rapid identification of most of samples are the reliable, sensitive, specific and more accurate methods to detect the viruses for the confirmatory diagnosis of diseases.DOI = http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjvm.v8i2.11196 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2010). 8 (2) : 131-140 

CLINICAL AND LABORATORY DIAGNOSES OF COMMON BACTERIAL DISEASES OF BROILER AND LAYER CHICKENS

The study was undertaken with a view to compare clinical and laboratory diagnoses of various bacterial diseases of poultry during the period from March 2009 to February 2010 in the laboratory of the Dept. of Microbiology and Hygiene, Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh. A total of 135 sick and dead chickens (47 broilers and 88 layers) were collected from 12 different poultry farms (4 broilers and 8 layers) of Mymensingh and Gazipur districts which were subjected for clinical followed by laboratory diagnosis. Clinical diagnosis was made on the basis of clinical history, clinical signs and postmortem findings of the affected birds whereas; confirmatory diagnosis was made by using cultural examination, Gram’s staining and different biochemical tests. In this study, out of 47 broilers, 16 (34%) chickens were clinically diagnosed as colibacillosis, 11 (23.40%) as salmonellosis and 2 (4.25%) as fowl cholera. In the same way, out of 88 layer chickens, 28 (31.82%) were diagnosed as colibacillosis, 16 (18.18%) as salmonellosis and 11 (12.50%) as fowl cholera. In laboratory, out of 47 suspected broiler chickens, 12 (25.53%) chickens were diagnosed as colibacillosis, 7 (14.89%) as salmonellosis and 0 (0%) as fowl cholera. Correspondingly of the 88 layer chickens 22 (25%) were diagnosed as colibacillosis, 11 (13.64%) as salmonellosis and 8 (9.09%) as fowl cholera. So the findings concluded that clinical diagnosis is not always accurate like laboratory diagnosis because in most cases clinical history, clinical signs and post-mortem lesions of different bacterial diseases including mixed infections are almost similar to other related diseases and it is recommended to confirm laboratory diagnosis before treatment of the diseases.DOI = http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjvm.v8i2.11188 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2010). 8 (2) : 107-115 

PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF MASTITIS IN LACTATING DAIRY COWS AT BAGHABARI MILK SHED AREA OF SIRAJGANJ

A cross-sectional study was carried out on a total of 330 lactating dairy cows at Baghabari, Sirajganj to determine the prevalence and risk factors of clinical (CM) and sub-clinical (SCM) mastitis using California Mastitis Test (CMT), White Side Test (WST) and Surf Field Mastitis Test (SFMT) during the period from July to December, 2009. Of all cows tested, 2.12% (n=7) cows were affected with CM and 37.58% (n=124), 36.67% (n=121) and 35.15% (n=116) cows showed positive reaction for SCM by CMT, WST and SFMT respectively. The overall prevalence of SCM was 36.46% and CMT showed better performance in detecting SCM (37.58%) among three indirect tests used. The prevalence of SCM was significantly (p<0.01) higher (47.61%) in age group more than 13 years than others. A significantly (p<0.01) higher prevalence of SCM was observed in parity number more than 11 than others. The prevalence of SCM was significantly (p<0.01) higher (37.12%) in cows yielding >10L of milk than others. The prevalence of SCM was highest in late lactation (72.45%) followed by early (40%) and mid lactation (27.56%). Herds having 16 or more milch cows had significantly (p<0.05) higher SCM than those with fewer milch cows.DOI = http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjvm.v8i2.11200 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2010). 8 (2) : 157-162 

ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF INFECTIOUS LARYNGOTRACHEITIS VIRUS IN LAYER CHICKENS

The present research work was conducted for the isolation and characterization of infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) virus in layer chickens from commercial farms of Gazipur District. A total of 25 field samples were collected from suspected layer chickens of five commercial farms and were cultivated into 10-12 days old embryonated chicken eggs through chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) route for isolation of field virus. The field viruses were characterized by physico-chemical properties against pH, heat, ether and chloroform, serological test such as virus neutralization test (VNT) and passive haemagglutination (PHA) test and pathogenicity testing. In the embryonated chicken eggs, virus produced discrete pock lesions as early as 2 days of post inoculation and embryo death was recorded within 4-6 days of inoculation. The viruses could be inactivated by pH 4 within 2 hours. Inactivation of viruses was observed at 600C for 6 minutes, 550C for 15 minutes and 380C for 2 days. Ether-chloroform treatment also inactivated the viruses. Virus neutralization test revealed that all the virus isolates were neutralized by antiserum to ILT vaccine. Passive haemagglutination test showed that the tanned sheep RBC sensitized with the virus isolates were agglutinated in presence of the antiserum to ILT vaccine. The pathogenicity test recorded 100% mortality in experimental chickens. Data of this study suggest that the field isolates might be infectious laryngotracheitis virus.DOI = http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjvm.v8i2.11194 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2010). 8 (2) : 123-130 

An epiphyseal osteochondroma causing mechanical symptoms in the knee

A case of an epiphyseal osteochondroma in the anteromedial aspect of left tibia in a 4 year old girl, who was presented with knocking between knees and limping. Surgical excision of this bony growth was curative and resolved the mechanical symptoms completely. Interesting clinical and imaging features are presented. The possibility of solitary epiphyseal osteochondroma should be kept in mind for any bony lesion close to the joint, especially in a young child. Early excision of the lesion is recommended to avoid intra-articular development and mechanical block to joint motion.