North Bengal Medical College

About: North Bengal Medical College is a other organization based out in Darjeeling, India. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Cancer. The organization has 624 authors who have published 691 publications receiving 5492 citations.

Acute flaccid paralysis due to rabies

Abstract: Two clinical forms of rabies are recognize: i) a furious form associated with classical signs of excitation or phobic symptoms, ii) Dumb rabies (paralytic rabies) characterized by progressive paralysis without an initial furious phase wherein distinction from Guillain-Barrι Syndrome may be difficult. Paralytic rabies is more common in persons who have received postexposure vaccination. We report here the diagnostic dilemma of two cases of acute flaccid paralysis due to rabies.

High prevalence of carbapenemase, AmpC β-lactamase and aminoglycoside resistance genes in extended-spectrum β-lactamase-positive uropathogens from Northern India.

Abstract: Objectives This study investigated the occurrence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) genes coexisting with carbapenemase, AmpC and aminoglycoside resistance gene in uropathogens in India. Methods Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by disk diffusion. Antimicrobial resistance genes were detected by multiplex PCR. Results Of 1516 consecutive urine samples, 454 (29.9%) showed significant bacteriuria with a single micro-organism, predominantly Escherichia coli (n = 343), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 92), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 10) and Proteus mirabilis (n = 9). Among the uropathogens, 61 ESBL-producers were identified containing blaCTX-M-15 (n = 32), blaCTX-M-15 + blaOXA-2 (n = 15), blaCTX-M-15 + blaOXA-2 + blaTEM-1 (n = 6), blaOXA-2 (n = 5), blaOXA-2 + blaSHV-76 (n = 1), blaTEM-1+blaSHV-76 (n = 1) and blaTEM-1 (n = 1). All ESBL genes were located on horizontally transferable plasmids of incompatibility types HI1, I1, FIA + FIB, FIA and Y. Among the 61 ESBL-producers, 59 harboured carbapenemase genes, including blaNDM-5 (n = 48), blaNDM-5 + blaOXA-48 (n = 5), blaNDM-5 + blaIMP (n = 5) and blaNDM-5+blaIMP + blaVIM (n = 1). ESBL-producing uropathogens also harboured 16S rRNA methylase genes, including rmtB (n = 9), rmtA (n = 4), rmtC (n = 1) and armA (n = 1). ESBL-positive isolates also contained AmpC genes, including blaCIT (n = 8) and blaDHA-1 (n = 1). Imipenem and gentamicin had the lowest resistance rates against the uropathogens. Conclusion This is the first report showing the high prevalence of carbapenemases in ESBL-positive isolates in this area. Regular surveillance for such resistance mechanisms will be useful for health personnel to treat infections by these multidrug-resistant pathogens.

Hepatic tuberculosis mimicking carcinoma gall bladder.

Abstract: An 11-month-old girl child presented with distension of abdomen, constipation, vomiting and fever. X-ray of the abdomen suggested intestinal obstruction. Exploration revealed the distal ileum to be kinked around a band running from the tip of a congested Meckel's diverticulum to the lateral pelvic wall. A small perforation was noticed at the tip of the diverticulum and a live roundworm was found lying free in the peritoneal cavity. The diverticulum along with a segment of adjoining bowel was resected and end-to-end anastomosis done. The diverticulum had a wide lumen and showed no heterotopic tissue on subsequent examination.

Simple renal cyst: an observation.

Abstract: In the present study 1500 patients having abdominal ultrasonography were included. Unsuspected renal cysts were detected in 76 patients (5.06%). The age range was between 8 and 86 years with a maximum incidence being at 41-60 years age group. These asymptomatic cysts were observed commonly in the upper pole of right kidney. Incidence as well as size increased with age. Usually these cysts do not require any surgical intervention unless complicated.

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura associated with pulmonary tuberculosis.

Abstract: Thrombocytopenic purpura as a manifestation of pulmonary tuberculosis is very rare. We report a case of 25-year-old female who presented with thrombocytopenia-induced purpuric spots and an abnormal chest X-ray. There was no hepatosplenomegaly while the bone marrow examination revealed normal maturation of myeloid and erythroid series with increased megakaryocytes. Acid fast bacilli were seen in the sputum microscopy. A diagnosis of sputum smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis along with immune thrombocytopenia was made. High dose intravenous immunoglobulin therapy along with antituberculous drugs corrected the thrombocytopenia and also cured pulmonary tuberculosis. This case report illustrates the causal association between immune thrombocytopenia and tuberculosis.