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Purpose: To analyze and report ToRCH-serology screening profile ( Toxoplasma gondii [TOX], rubella [RV], cytomegalovirus [CMV], and herpes simplex virus [HSV-I/II]) in pediatric cataract. Methods: In this prospective analytical study, 1,026 consecutive children were screened, of which 46 children with clinically diagnosed congenital ( n = 26) and developmental cataract ( n = 20) were included. Post-traumatic and familial cataracts were excluded. Sera of all children were tested both qualitatively and quantitatively for IgG/IgM-antibodies against ToRCH agents in a sequential manner. Results: Overall, IgM/IgG-seropositivity against ≥1 ToRCH agent was reported in 91.3% (42/46) children. IgM (±IgG) positivity against ≥1 ToRCH agent was reported in 26.08% (12/46) children (nine congenital and three developmental cataract; P = 0.18), which included 8.7% (4/46) children reported positive against ≥2 agents. Finally, 13% (6/46) children were reported to be sero-clinical-positive (three were infants and three were >1 year age, P = 0.55; five congenital and one developmental cataract, P = 0.21). Either alone or combined, RV attributed to the majority (50%; 6/12) of the IgM (±IgG) and sero-clinical-positive (50%; 3/6) children. None of the children were HSV-II IgM-positive. Laboratory-confirmed congenital rubella syndrome was reported in 4.3% (2/46) children. One sero-clinical-positive infant with rare coexisting bilateral persistent fetal vasculature was also reported. IgG-alone positivity was reported highest with CMV in 67.4% (31/46) children, whereas 43.4% (20/46) children were found nonimmune to RV. Conclusion: The current study emphasizes the need to interpret ToRCH-screening in pediatric cataract with caution. Interpretation should include both serial qualitative and quantitative assays in tandem with clinical correlation to minimize the diagnostic errors. Clinicians should remain vigilant regarding sero-clinical-positivity in older children too who might pose a threat to the spread of infection.

BackgroundCognitive dysfunction affects up to 65% of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and progresses over time. Natalizumab has been shown to be superior to placebo in preserving cognition for the first two years of therapy.ObjectivesThe objectives of this study are to understand the impact of natalizumab on cognition beyond two years of therapy and to investigate whether baseline characteristics are predictive of clinical response.MethodsThis is a single-center, 24-month, observational study. Sixty-three patients treated with natalizumab were assessed prior to monthly infusions using a Cogstate battery and the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT). Patient demographics were collected at baseline. A linear mixed model was conducted with duration of natalizumab therapy as a between-subjects factor (≤2 or >2 years), assessment as a within-subjects factor, and Multiple Sclerosis Severity Score (MSSS) as a covariate.ResultsAside from the MSSS (p = 0.0074), the two groups were identical. No patient showed evidence of sustained cognitive deterioration over the 24-month period. Baseline parameters including impaired cognition did not influence the trajectory of cognitive change over 24 months.ConclusionsOur results suggest that natalizumab preserves cognition following four to seven years of continuous therapy. This occurs irrespective of baseline characteristics, including impaired cognition.

Nosocomial infection is an important problem in all hospitals which is contributed by the contaminated hand of the health care worker. The use of mobile phones in health care setting also play an important part as it may play as a reservoir of microorganism. This study is aimed to focus on the colonization of bacterial flora on mobile phones of health care workers.