Diagnosing Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) remains a clinical challenge. A monobacterial growth in standard urine culture is diagnostic while polymicrobial growth is usually considered as contaminants. However, in certain cases, true mixed infections may exist making it important to correctly identify the pathogens and streamline the therapy. Communication between the clinician and microbiologist is essential to establish the right diagnosis at right time. Here, we would like to share our experience about a polymicrobial UTI in a paediatric patient in which coordinated discussion between the clinical team and microbiologist was helpful for favourable outcome.

Bloodstream infections are life-threatening. They are responsible for prolonged hospital stays and high healthcare costs. Clinical microbiology has an essential role to play in its management. Direct Gram-stain reporting from positive blood culture bottles has been found helpful. We aimed to evaluate the use of the automated blood culture system in adjunct to the conventional Gram-stain technique, with a direct antimicrobial susceptibility test on the second day. Concordance was highly satisfactory.

BACKGROUND: Nowadays, the use of Internet with e-learning resources anytime and anywhere leads to interaction possibilities among teachers and students from different parts of the world. It is becoming increasingly pertinent that we exploit the Internet technologies to achieve the most benefits in the education. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study compares the difference between traditional classroom and e-learning in the educational environment. Medical undergraduate students of our institution were enrolled to compare between the online versus traditional method of teaching through questionnaire. RESULTS: Forty percent of students found the online lecture material difficult to understand. 42.6% of respondents found it difficult to clear the doubts in online teaching; 64.4% of the participants believed that they have learned more in a face-to-face learning. CONCLUSION: In this study, we concluded that online mode offers flexibility on timing and delivery. Students can even download the content, notes, and assignment. Despite all the advantages offered, there is a general consensus that no technology can replace face-to-face teaching in real because in this, there will be visual as well as verbal discussion. Looking at the uncertainty of the current scenario, it is difficult to predict how long online classes will have to continue. Hence, it is of paramount importance that we assess the effectiveness of online classes and consequently take measures to ensure proper delivery of content to students, especially in a skilled field like medicine, so we concluded that face-to-face learning is of utmost importance in medical institutions.

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