ABSTRACT

BackgroundThere is limited data on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). MethodologyWe analyzed data of admitted COVID-19 patients evaluated for LTBI to examine the impact of LTBI on severity, laboratory parameters, and COVID-19 outcome. Prospectively collected data were analyzed for 60 patients who were administered the Mantoux tuberculosis skin test (TST) using five tuberculin units of purified protein derivative. All patients were administered TST irrespective of Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination status. Comorbidities, clinical features, radiologic involvement, laboratory parameters, and clinical course were analyzed concerning LTBI. ResultsThe mean age was 45.9 (±15.2) years, and 35 (58.3%) patients had non-severe disease. The vast majority (n = 56/60; 93.3%) had been vaccinated with single-dose BCG in infancy or early childhood, as per national immunization guidelines. LTBI was diagnosed in 15 (25%) patients. LTBI prevalence was lower in severe (n = 1/25; 4%) than non-severe (n = 14/35; 40%) COVID-19 (p = 0.01) patients. LTBI patients had lower percentage neutrophil count, higher lymphocyte percentage, higher monocyte count, lower neutrophillymphocyte (NL) ratio, lower alanine aminotransferase, lower C-reactive protein, and lesser radiologic involvement compared to those without LTBI (p < 0.05). Similarly, among the mild COVID-19 subgroup, those with LTBI had higher lymphocyte and monocyte counts and lesser radiologic involvement than those without LTBI (p < 0.05). ConclusionsLTBI patients appear to have milder disease, higher lymphocyte and monocyte count, higher NL ratio, and lesser radiographic involvement. This observation needs to be studied in larger studies using interferon release assays.

Illuminating the role of protein on the surface of cyanobacterial derived capped, decapped AgNPs and its biomedical application.

We report a case of a 14-year-boy who presented to us with a low-grade fever with evening rise for 9 months. Along with this, the patient also reported a reduction in his appetite and body weight. He had a mild dry cough but no respiratory symptoms otherwise. There was no other localization for fever on history. He received antitubercular therapy, based on abnormal chest radiograph. However, there was no relief in his symptoms. General physical examination revealed mild fever. Systemic examination was unremarkable. Blood investigations done for fever were noncontributory. Computed tomographic (CT) scan of the chest revealed a mediastinal mass compressing the trachea. The possibilities of lymphoma or germ cell tumour were considered. A biopsy from the mass under CT guidance was performed. The histopathology revealed multiple epithelioid cell granulomas with necrosis, and the diagnosis of tuberculosis was made. The clinical course of this patient and the relevant literature is presented in this paper.

Purpose Given the increasing number of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients in India, a comparative analysis between patients under 40 years and those of older age at a major public referral centre would provide insight into the phenotypic patterns of this group. Methods NSCLC patients who were accessioned within the lung cancer clinic database of the Pulmonary Medicine Department at the all India institute of medical sciences – Delhi between 2008 and 2019 were reviewed. Patients 40 years or younger and 60 years or older were selected and categorised as young and older patients, respectively. Baseline clinical characteristics, histologic profiles, treatments administered and survival outcomes were compared between both groups. Results Following the database review, 154 young and 1,058 older patients were selected for inclusion. Clinically, young patients were more often female (26.0% versus 14.5%, p < 0.001), retained a more independent performance status (64.1% versus 45.5%; p < 0.001) and never smoked (63.7 % versus 18.8%, p < 0.001). Regarding disease profiles, young patients were more frequently diagnosed with adenocarcinoma ( p < 0.001) and 12 young patients had adenoid cystic carcinoma. Rates of stage IV disease at presentation were higher among young patients (78.0% versus 63.0%, p < 0.001). Regarding treatment, no differences in systemic therapies administered or survival were identified. Conclusion In India, young NSCLC patients are frequently non-smokers and diagnosed with advanced disease. Despite better performance status, young patients do not share better outcomes. Efforts should be directed towards optimising intensive treatment for young patients.