Introduction: India is one of the countries in the world which contribute to the global burden of multidrugresistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). GeneXpert is a method recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) that uses five overlapping probes (Probe A to E) to detect mutation in the beta subunit of ribonucleic acid (RNA) polymerase gene (Rpoβ) responsible for rifampicin resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB).Method: All the pulmonary and extrapulmonary samples received in tuberculosis (TB) laboratory for testing of MTB from January 2018 to December 2020 were analyzed for bacillary load and rifampicin resistance was identified by analyzing the number of missing probes.Results: During the study period, a total of 10,021 samples were tested for MDR-TB. Out of those samples, 2674 samples were positive for MTB of which 2321 were pulmonary samples and 353 were extra-pulmonary samples. Rifampicin resistance was detected in 385 pulmonary samples and 63 extrapulmonary samples. These samples were further differentiated according to the bacillary load. The highest number of mutations was observed in Probe E followed by Probe B, Probe A, and Probe D, and the lowest was observed in Probe C. Also, mutations were associated when all probes were present or a few combinations of probes were missing.Conclusion: GeneXpert assay is a rapid molecular method that detected MTB and rifampicin resistance with a two-hour turnaround. It uses molecular beacons to detect mutation in the Rpoβ gene. This study can be useful in analyzing the prevalence and epidemiology of MTB in a particular demographic area and also the addition of a few more probes can enhance the identification of the mutation in other codons and therefore better therapeutic interventions can be developed accordingly.

No abstract

Evaluation is the driving force promoting learning in medical students who are mostly ‘exam oriented.’ Doctors play an important role in spreading nosocomial infections due to noncompliance with preventive measures. This could stem from lacunae in the traditional system of education wherein certain practical skills aren’t evaluated. In this study, an innovative mini OSPE (Objective Structured Practical Examination) for nosocomial infections was designed and implemented for post teaching evaluation of practical skills such as hand washing and safe hospital waste disposal. Seventy eight students, divided into two cohorts were evaluated after they underwent the traditional method of lecturing or hands on small group teaching. The mini OSPE demonstrated a significant increase in acquisition of practical skills in the cohort which underwent small group teaching as compared to the one which underwent traditional teaching. Within the small group teaching cohort, the scores improved in the late phase as compared to the early phase, the difference being statistically significant. Innovative techniques such as mini OSPE are valuable tools of evaluation and should be incorporated in the curriculum of para clinical subjects. When applied to important topics such as Nosocomial infections, this can help enhance learning and retention of practical skills with better application to future clinical practice.

No abstract

Toxoplasmosis is one of the cause of abortion in pregnant women. Transplacental passage of the parasite from infected mother to the child may present with blindness, neurological impairment and mental retardation in congenital toxoplasmosis. Serological screening of pregnant women for Toxoplasmosis is very important to rule out causes of abortion and congenital malformation.