Background: As evidence is mounting regarding irrational and often unnecessary use of antibiotics during the COVID-19 pandemic a cross-sectional Point Prevalence Survey (PPS) (in accordance with WHO guideline) was conducted across COVID-19 dedicated wards in Dhaka Medical College and Hospital (DMCH). Methodology: Antibiotic usage data were collected from 193 patients at different COVID-19 dedicated wards at DMCH on 11 June 2020. Comparisons in antibiotic usage were made between different groups using Pearson chi-square and Fisher’s exact test. Result: Findings reveal all surveyed patients (100%) were receiving at least one antibiotic with 133 patients (68.91%) receiving multiple antibiotics. Overall, patients presenting with the severe disease received more antibiotics. Third-generation cephalosporins (i.e. ceftriaxone) (53.8%), meropenem (40.9%), moxifloxacin (29.5%), and doxycycline (25.4%) were the four most prescribed antibiotics among surveyed patients. Diabetes mellitus (DM) was independently associated with multiple antibiotic prescribing. Abnormal C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum d-dimer were linked with higher odds of multiple antibiotic prescribing among study patients. Conclusion: Prevalence of multiple antibiotic prescriptions was high among severely ill patients and those with abnormal CRP and d-dimer levels. Data regarding the quality of antibiotic prescribing were lacking.

Typhoid fever still continues to be a major public health problem, particularly in many developing countries. A simple, reliable, affordable and rapid diagnostic test has been a long-felt need of the clinicians. We, therefore,

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Background: In December 2019, a novel corona virus (SARS-CoV-2) causes atypical pneumonia now known as “corona virus disease 2019” (COVID-19) emerged in Wuhan, China and spread rapidly throughout the world. Objective: The purpose of the present study was to identify the different plausible routes of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 into the human body. Methodology: We searched electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Science Citation Index and Chinese database) checked documents and references. We included all the studies regarding potential routes of transmission of SARS-CoV-2. All reviewers independently screened titles and abstracts, assessed studies for inclusion, appraised quality, and extracted data. Result: SARS-CoV-2 has been found to have higher level of transmissibility than other two pathogenic CoVs. Sustained human to human transmission of SARS-CoV-2 has already been established though the exact route of transmission is yet to be determined. Similar to other CoVs, respiratory droplet and contact with contaminated surfaces are considered as principle route of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 whereas aerosol, feco-oral, perinatal, ocular surface and transfusion transmissions are the plausible route of spreading of this highly pathogenic CoVs. Conclusion: In the current review, we summarize the potential route of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in the light of previous SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV outbreaks to solidify the scientific basis on which important decisions can be made. Bangladesh Journal of Infectious Diseases, April 2020;7(suppl_1):S18-S31

of resistance was noted against ceftazidime (47% to 77%) and ceftriaxone (43% to 71%). Imipenem (2% to 1%) and pefloxacin (40% to 17%) showed decreased trend. For Staphylococcus aureus, marked increase in resistance was shown against almost all antibiotics except co-trimoxazole (55% to 57%). Mentionable increase in resistance (p<0.05 and p<0.001, respectively) was noted against ciprofloxacin (17% to 43%) and ceftriaxone (28% to 83%). Although, oxacillin resistance increased from 22% to 42% but no resistance against vancomycin was noted during this period.Strains of Pseudomonas species showed increase (p<0.05) in resistance against ciprofloxacin (47% to 71%), ceftriaxone (50% to 74%) and ceftazidime (39% to 58%). Carbenicillin showed decreased resistance (92% to 50%) and none of the strains was found resistant to imipenem. Emphasis was given towards judicial use of antibiotics by followig local antibiogram.