Objective: This study was conducted to determine the frequency of C3435T and G2677T/C single nucleotide polymorphisms of multi drug resistance gene -1 (MDR1) in nephrotic syndrome (NS) children in relation to healthy subjects. The role and association of these SNPs were also determined, whether response and/or resistance to steroid treatment in children with NS in south India. Methods:Genomic DNA was isolated from 371 blood samples collected from children with NS and controls. Among 173 cases, categorized into steroid-resistant NS (SRNS) were 90 and steroid-sensitive NS (SSNS) were 83 and 198 blood samples were included as controls. All samples were subjected to DNA extraction, and polymerase chain reaction followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism for identification of C3435T and G2677T/C genomic variations. Results:The frequencies of MDR-1 C3435T, CT, TT, and CC genotypes and SNP G2677T/C GG and G allele genotypes were observed in this study group. In SRNS, children showed significantly higher frequencies of MDR-1 C3435T, CT, TT, and TT+CC genotypes were observed than SRNS and controls. The allele frequencies of SRNS children showed CC -4%, CT -32% and TT -12% and in SSNS children, CC -10.98%, CT -27.2% and TT -13.9% were observed. Furthermore, increased frequencies of MDR-1 C3435T CT, TT, TT+CC genotypes, or T allele were observed in children aged <9 years old. There were no different genotype and allele frequency observed in G2677T/C genotypes NS children and controls. Conclusion:Based on these data, we are suggesting that MDR-1 C3435T gene polymorphisms are risk factors of increased susceptibility, earlier onset of NS as well as leads to steroid resistance. Whereas SNP G2677T/C gene polymorphisms do not have significant role observed in this study population.

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Background: The Department of Experimental Medicine functions as the National Reference Laboratory (NRL) for HIV testing covering 11 Medical Colleges (State Reference Laboratories SRL) & 723 subcenters <i>i.e.</i> Integrated Counseling & Testing Centres and Blood Banks. The External Quality Assurance Scheme (EQAS) in NRL implements Quality Control (QC) Testing, Proficiency panel testing and training programs. Materials & Method: 9419 samples (4393 HIV negative/5026 HIV positive) were tested for QC. All the samples were tested using HIV rapid test (CombAids) and HIV positives alone were tested using Tridot and EIA Comb. The QC samples consisted of 20% negative and all positives. All the 723 subcenters were provided with 5 coded plasma samples (3 reactive & 2 negative) for proficiency testing using rapid tests. The aliquot panel (500 μl) were provided twice a year for testing to monitor the laboratory performance. Results: Out of 9419 samples tested for QC, 9371 (99.49%) reported correct results and 48 (0.50%) discordant results. Out of 48 samples 26 (0.27%) were false positives and 22 (0.23%) false negative. Mislabeling, sample contamination, leaking vials, transcriptional errors, tests that were not performed correctly were identified. For proficiency testing 91.8% reported test results. 645 (97.13%) reported correct results & 19 (2.86%) incorrect results. Out of 19 samples 7 (1.05%) were false positive & 12 (1.80%) were false negative. Hands on training were provided and the 19 discordant centers reported correct results on retesting. Conclusion: Significant progress in establishing a well coordinated HIV Laboratory network of NRL and SRLs had been developed. However the HIV testing and Quality Assurance needs to be strengthened towards certification

Background: Viral infection with Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) is one of the most common opportunistic infections in seropositive patients of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Studies have confirmed that genital herpes caused by HSV-2 has been associated with two-to threefold increased risk of HIV acquisition.Objective: To determine the seroprevalence of HSV-2 in HIV-positive patients.Materials and Methods: A prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2012 to January 2013 and HIV-positive patients were enrolled into the study after obtaining written informed consent. Demographic characteristics were recorded and serology test was performed using HSV-2 IgG ELISA test kit (Calbiotech, USA). Results were analyzed using w 2 -test.Results: Among 273 HIV-positive patients, 67% were men, 33% were women, and 1 transgender with an average age of 38.8 years. Overall, 50% of HIV-positive patients had HSV-2 IgG antibodies. Seroprevalence of HSV-2 among HIV-positive men and women was 47% and 57%, respectively. The highest HSV-2 seropositivity was detected in the age group of 36-45 years. w 2 -Analysis showed a statistically significant association between HSV-2 and HIV infection (w 2 = 55.900, p = 0.0076). The median CD4 counts estimated in 100 patients were 563.50 cells/mm 3 . No significant difference was observed in the CD4 counts of those with or without HSV-2.Conclusion: HSV-2 prevalence was higher in HIV-positive women than in men. The implementation of continuous interventions for sexually transmitted infections and HIV will bring down the prevalence and spread of both HSV-2 and HIV infection.

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