The prevalence and characteristics of Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. as well as counts of E. coli in raw oysters, condiments/spices, and raw oyster cocktails sampled from 72 vendors across Western Trinidad were determined. The microbial quality of the water used in the preparation of raw oysters was also investigated. Of 200 samples each of raw oysters, condiments/spices and oyster cocktails tested, 154 (77.0%), 89 (44.5%) and 154 (77.0%) respectively yielded E. coli. The differences were statistically significant (P = < 0.001; chi square = 62.91). The mean E. coli count per g in the ready-to-eat oyster cocktail ranged from 1.5 x 10(3) +/- 2.7 x 10(3) in Couva to 8.7x10(6) +/- 4.9x10(7) in San Fernando. One hundred and forty-six (73.0%) oyster cocktails contaminated with E. coli had counts that exceeded the recommended standard of 16 per g. Of a total of 590 E. coli isolates from various sources tested, 24 (4.1%), 20 (3.4%) and 69 (11.7%) were mucoid, haemolytic and non-sorbitol fermenters respectively. Twelve (2.0%) isolates of E. coli were O157 strains, while 92 (46.0%) of 200 E. coli isolates tested belonged to enteropathogenic serogroups. Ninety (45.0%) and 73 (36.5%) of 200 water samples contained total coliforms and faecal coliforms respectively, with counts that exceeded 2.2 coliforms per 100 ml. Salmonella spp. were isolated from 7 (3.5%), 1 (0.5%) and 2 (1.0%) of 200 samples each, of raw oysters, condiments/spices and oyster cocktails respectively. Oysters pose a health risk to consumers in Trinidad, particularly from colibacillosis and salmonellosis, and the need for increased public awareness of this hazard cannot be over-emphasized.

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Background: Geriatrics population is an important part of the total community and comprises of about 7-8% of the whole population of one community. Since the expectation of life is also increasing steadily and quality of life being emphasized more & more in our country, the senior citizen group is getting importance day by day. The present study was carried to find the various social, economical and medical aspects related to geriatrics population in rural area. Methods: The community based cross sectional study was carried out at a village among 427 study subjects using pre-validated questionnaire. Data was collected regarding their health related problems, Pallor was seen for anemia. Data was analysed using appropriate statistical methods. Results: Majority of elderly population lies between the 60 to 70 years of population (84%). Joint pains followed by cataract, anemia were predominant among male subjects whereas anemia was found more in prevalence among female subjects followed by joint pains, cataract, hypertension and Diabetes. Conclusions: Existing geriatric healthcare setup needs to be strengthened and should be sensitised enough to consider such differential nature of geriatric concerns.

Background: Diarrhoeal diseases represent a major health problem in developing countries. Conservative estimates place the global death toll from diarrhoeal diseases at about two million deaths per year (1.7 - 2.5 million deaths), ranking third among all cases of infectious disease death worldwide. The prime purpose of an outbreak investigation is to control the outbreak, limit its spread to other areas and assess how preventive strategies could be further strengthened to reduce or eliminate the risk of such outbreak in future.Methods: It was a descriptive cross sectional study of epidemic occurred in Khetiya village, Dist Barwani (MP), population of 67,500 during 17 October 2016 to 17 November 2016. All the cases reported within last one week around the market place village in Khetiya, presenting with symptoms and signs of AGE (as per standard case definition of IDSP) and willing to participate in the investigation.Results: Males were 56.96%, & female cases were 43.03%. Majority of the study subjects lied between 20-40 years. The mean age was 30.15±5 years. Majority of the cases belonged to lower middle class SES (38%). 87% population was tribal, 48% cases were labourers, 42% were farmers and 10% were others.Conclusions: Males were 56.96%, & female cases were 43.03%. Majority of the study subjects lied between 20-40 years. The mean age was 30.15±5 years. Majority of the cases belonged to lower middle class SES (38%). 87% population was tribal, 48% cases were labourers, 42% were farmers and 10% were others.