Tropical Journal of Pathology and Microbiology

Knowledge, Attitude, Practice and associated factors towards Hepatitis B infection among Health Care Workers and Medical Students at tertiary care hospital in North India

Tavishi Oberoi — 2024-09-10

ABSTRACT

Background: Hepatitis B represents a significant global public health challenge. India is in the intermediate endemicity zone with hepatitis B surface antigen prevalence among general population ranging from 2% to 8%. Among health care workers, seroprevalence is two to four times higher than that of general population therefore it can be prevented with strategies like safe and effective vaccination, increasing awareness and by adhering to universal precautions.

Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practice regarding Hepatitis B among health care workers and medical students

Material and Methods: This is analytical cross-sectional study conducted among 345

health care workers and medical students of Government Medical College Amritsar and
associated tertiary care Guru Nanak Dev Hospital, Amritsar from March to April 2024 using
semi-structured, pretested questionnaire.

Results: Among 345 participants, correct response towards Knowledge, Attitude and Practice were given by 79%, 85% and 55% respectively. 84.25 % knew about the mode of transmission of hepatitis B virus. Only 56.2% of the participants had completed vaccination. In this study, a clear association was observed between higher educational attainment and increased awareness, as well as adoption of favorable practices.

Conclusion: Although study participants exhibited high levels of knowledge and positive attitudes, their practices fell short of expectations. Consequently, implementing periodic workshops and symposia focused on safe workplace practices could effectively enhance awareness and reinforce adherence to standard guidelines.

Keywords: Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, Hepatitis B infection, Health Care Workers, Medical Students

BCL2 and Ki 67 expression in endometrial hyperplastic disorders

Ashwini Somani — 2024-09-30

INTRODUCTION:

The pattern of expression in hyperplastic and premalignant states of endometrium helps us to study the progression of these conditions to frank malignancy. The diagnosis of endometrial hyperplasia with/without atypia is a subjective diagnosis which can affect the treatment line of the patient. This study is done to test the IHC markers BCL-2 and Ki67 on hyperplastic and malignant lesions as an attempt to make the diagnosis of type of hyperplasia more accurate.

PURPOSE:

The present study attempts to determine the relationship between proliferation and the inhibition of apoptosis in endometrial hyperplastic disorders, using monoclonal antibodies against the proliferation marker, Ki-67 and the anti-apoptotic protein, Bcl-2.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Histopathological test requisition forms and paraffin blocks of endometrial biopsy and endometrial curettage reported as endometrial hyperplasia or endometrial carcinoma from February 2022 to May 2023 in the Department of Pathology, Bharati medical College and Research Center, Pune.were collected. The H & E sections and IHC – BCL-2 and Ki 67 was studied on all 60 cases and the observations noted down to be further statistically analyzed.

RESULTS:

Analysis revealed significant p value for both Bcl 2 and Ki 67. BCL-2 is an antiapoptotic marker showing positivity in typical hyperplasia cases as compared to atypical or malignant lesions. Ki 67 is a proliferative marker showing increase in its expression in typical to atypical endometrial hyperplastic lesions to malignant lesions.

CONCLUSION:

BCL-2 and Ki 67 can be used as a marker to assess the endometrial hyperplastic progression towards atypia/malignancy.

KEYWORDS:

Antiapoptotic marker, Endometrium, Hyperplasia, Proliferative marker

Comparative Evaluation of Rapid Antigen Detection with Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction for Detection of Novel SARS-CoV-2.

Uksim Qadri — 2024-09-30

Introduction: Swift and precise detection of SARS-CoV-2 is essential for managing outbreaks both within communities and hospitals. Real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rRT–PCR) stands as the benchmark diagnostic test for SARS-CoV-2. However, its reliance on specialized equipment and technical expertise, alongside the necessity for a sophisticated laboratory, limits its widespread use. Rapid antigen tests have emerged as convenient point-of-care diagnostic assays. Evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of these tests compared to RT-PCR is crucial. While numerous studies have been conducted for this purpose globally, many have assessed performance using separate samples, potentially leading to variations in findings. Aim: In our study, we aimed to comparatively assess rRT-PCR and Rapid Antigen Tests, with rRT-PCR considered the gold standard, by conducting both tests using samples collected in the same Viral Transport Medium (VTM)
tube. Materials and Methods: We collected a total of 300 nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal swabs from patients suspected of having COVID-19. Rapid antigen tests were performed directly from the tube using the STANDARD Q COVID-19 Ag test. RT-PCR of the sample was conducted post RNA extraction. Both tests were performed using the same VTM tube.Results: The rapid antigen detection test (RADT) demonstrated a sensitivity and specificity of 86% and 90%, respectively. The positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of RADT were 91% and 88%, respectively. Conclusion: RADT conducted directly from VTM exhibited high sensitivity and specificity, suggesting its potential utility during pandemics.

Keywords: SARS CoV-2, RTPCR, RADT, Pandemic, Point of care

Serosurveillance of COVID 19 among unvaccinated children aged 10-17 in Sikkim, North-Eastern India: A cross-sectional analysis

Mamta subba — 2024-10-21

Introduction: Serological studies offer valuable insights into the burden of diseases, especially among vulnerable populations. This preliminary serological survey for COVID19 was conducted among unvaccinated children aged 10-17 years in both urban and rural areas of East Sikkim, India, following the second wave of the pandemic. Conducting the study after the peak of transmission was deemed appropriate for a one-time cross-sectional investigation, to assess the prevalence of COVID19 in the region.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 10 randomly selected urban areas and 9 rural areas within Gangtok Municipal Corporation. The survey team consisted of an accredited social health activist (ASHA), an anganwadi worker, and a laboratory technician. They conducted a household survey by randomly selecting households and obtaining informed consent from guardians. Demographic information was recorded, and blood samples were collected from participants. Antibody levels were estimated using the Cobas-e411 equipment and Roche’s Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoassay reagent, which detects both IgM and IgG antibodies in human serum/plasma.

Results: A total of 1,104 participants were enrolled in the study. The overall seroprevalence rate was 58.24% (n=643), with urban areas contributing 39.24% (n=433) and rural areas contributing 19% (n=210). Seroprevalence did not significantly differ between genders, with 56.27% (n=269) of males and 59.74% (n=374) of females testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. A significant difference was observed between symptomatic and asymptomatic participants, with seroprevalence rates of 71.25% and 57.22%, respectively, indicating higher antibody prevalence in symptomatic individuals. Among the seropositive participants, only 9% were symptomatic, while 91% were asymptomatic. The case-to-infection ratio (CIR) was 1:8, and the case fatality rate was zero for children aged 10-17 in this region.

Conclusions: Although seroprevalence has been increasing nationally, a portion of the population remains seronegative. The case-to-infection ratio suggests that many infections go undetected or unreported. This data highlights that the actual number of COVID19 infections was significantly higher than the number of confirmed cases reported by testing. Continued monitoring and targeted public health measures are essential to address the COVID19.