Objective: To evaluate the knowledge and awareness regarding antibiotic prophylaxis for infective endocarditis (IE) among undergraduate dental students. Methods:A validated questionnaire of 16 questions, regarding the basic knowledge and awareness about antibiotic prophylaxis for the prevention of IE, was distributed among 100 students randomly belonging to final year and internship (5 th year trainee) of the undergraduate dental program in Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha University, Chennai. The data extracted were tabulated, statistically analyzed, and results obtained. Results were calculated on the basis of frequency and percentages using SPSS Version 20.0.Results: About 73% of the students were aware of IE prophylaxis, and 40% of dental students were exposed to treating patients susceptible to IE. 56% of participants answered that amoxicillin is the first line of antibiotic for IE prophylaxis and 59% replied 2 g PO 1 hr before the appointment is the recommended regimen. 36% said that erythromycin is no longer recommended by American Heart Association for IE prophylaxis. However, only one-third of the participants knew about the cardiac conditions and dental procedures that require antibiotic prophylaxis for the prevention of IE. Furthermore, only 16% knew about the recommended dosage of clindamycin. Conclusion:This study revealed a reasonable knowledge and awareness about IE prophylaxis among undergraduate dental students but was inadequate. Hence, this study emphasizes the need for improved education in the teaching curriculum for dental students regarding IE prophylaxis. A standard protocol regarding the training as well as preventive measures for IE should be formulated for the dental students and the knowledge acquired must be transferred into practice.

Varicella-zoster virus infection also known as chickenpox is a common clinical entity especially among unvaccinated children and adults. It is said that severity increases as the age increases. Approximately 5%–15% of adult varicella can produce pulmonary manifestations. Varicella pneumonitis occurs especially in at-risk individuals like pregnant, smokers, chronic lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and immunosuppression. The authors describe a case of severe varicella pneumonitis in a healthy immunocompetent middle-aged woman which posed a great diagnostic challenge. The authors also want to highlight that how a common disease can pose a diagnostic dilemma and present with life-threatening organ failure and timely intervention is needed to prevent mortality.

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The aim was to create awareness of chickenpox among parents and guardians of children attending pedodontic OPD. Objectives: To create awareness of etiology, signs & symptoms, treatment and prevention about chickenpox among parents and guardians of children attending pedodontic OPD. Background: Chickenpox is a common childhood illness especially in kids under age 12. Caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), chickenpox is very contagious. Kids who do get it might have an itchy rash of spots all over the body and flu-like symptoms. An infected child should stay home and rest until the rash is gone. Varicella vaccine is given when kids are between 12 and 15 months old, followed by a booster shot at 4 to 6 years of age Reason: Chickenpox is a rapidly spreading contagious disease among children which spreads both through air and direct contact, hence it is essential to beware of it. Methodology: Data was collected among 50 parents or guardians of children attending pedodontic OPD, using a questionnaire that contained 25 questions. Conclusion:Chickenpox is a contagious disease recognized by a characteristic and often pathognomonic maculopapular vesicular rash. Varicella may lead to serious complications, including secondary bacterial skin and soft-tissue infections, cerebellitis, encephalitis, pneumonia, and coagulopathy. Neonates, adolescents, and immunocompromised individuals are more susceptible to complications. The study concludes that majority of the people have general knowledge about treatment, prevention and specific knowledge about the chickenpox disease.