Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science 

About: Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science is an academic journal published by Ibn Sina Trust. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Medicine & Internal medicine. It has an ISSN identifier of 2076-0299. It is also open access. Over the lifetime, 1387 publications have been published receiving 3864 citations. The journal is also known as: BJMS.

Study of antimicrobial susceptibility of clinically significant microorganisms isolated from selected areas of Dhaka, Bangladesh

Abstract: Objective : Pathogenic resistance against antibiotics is substantially mounting in the developing countries including Bangladesh. Present study thus attempted to obtain the baseline information on such resistance among the community people coming to the local dispensaries around the city of Dhaka for treatment. Materials and Methods : A total of 2,700 clinical specimens were examined for the presence of Gram positive and Gram negative pathogens. Antibiotic susceptibility tests of the isolates were carried out. Extended spectrum b- lactamase (ESBL) activity, and the presence of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and S. epidermidis (MRSE) were also detected. Results : Escherichia coli were most prevalent (45.5%) among 1044 pathogenic bacteria isolated from 2,700 samples. E. coli predominated urine, pus, wound swab, blood, high vaginal swab (HVS) and sputum specimens, and exhibited the highest frequency of ESBL activity (35%). Prevalence of Klebsiella spp. and S. aureus among the clinical specimens were 11.5% and 9.86%, respectively. Most of the Gram negative bacilli were found resistant against ciprofloxacin (5 mg), tetracycline (30 mg) and cotrimoxazole (25 mg). Majority of Pseudomonas spp. were found resistant against most of the commonly used antibiotics. Interestingly, around half of the S. aureus isolates were observed to be methicillin resistant, but not vancomycin resistant. Conclusion : Overall, such a revelation of increased antibiotic resistance demands for restrictive and appropriate antibiotic usage in accordance with the updated antibiotic prescribing policy in Bangladesh. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v12i1.13351 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 12 No. 01 January’13 pp.34-42

Trace elements status in type 2 diabetes

Abstract: Background: The metabolism of several trace elements has been reported to alter in diabetes mellitus and these elements might have specific roles in the pathogenesis and progress of this disease. Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate serum levels of copper, zinc, chromium, magnesium and manganese in type 2 diabetic patients and their possible association with age, glycemic status and duration of diabetes. Methodology: The comparative study included 116 type 2 diabetic patients and 40 non-diabetic subjects. Fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c were determined by the glucose oxidase method and affinity chromatography respectively. The element concentrations were measured by means of an atomic absorption spectrophotometer after microwave-induced acid digestion. Results: Mean (±SD) Mg and Zn levels were significantly reduced in blood samples of diabetic patients as compared to control subjects (p<0.0001-<0.05). The alterations observed in serum levels of copper and manganese was not significant among diabetic and normal subjects. Glycemic status, duration of diabetes and age did not effect the trace elements concentrations. Conclusion: The results confirm that deficiency and efficiency of some essential trace metals may play a role in the development of diabetes mellitus. Key words: Trace elements, glycemic status, type 2 diabetes. DOI: 10.3329/bjms.v8i3.3983 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.8(3) 2009 p52-56

Nutritional Profile of Some Tropical Fruits in Bangladesh: Specially Anti-Oxidant Vitamins and Minerals

Abstract: Objective: Fruits and vegetables are important for the daily diet as these contain micronutrients, fiber, potassium, folate, Vitamin C, vegetable proteins, carotenoids and polyphenols, which act as antioxidants within the body as well as bio-functional components. The aim of the study is to establish nutritional profile specially antioxidant vitamins and minerals of tropical fruits in Bangladesh. Methodology: Nutritional composition and physico-chemical properties, such as pH, titratable acidity, moisture, total soluble solid, crude fibre, total carbohydrate, total protein, total fat, total energy, vitamin C, beta-carotene, ash, sodium, potassium, iron, zinc, copper, manganese, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium content of ten tropical fruits namely Blackberry, Java apple, Jack fruit, Pineapple, Carambola (Star fruit), Golden apple, Mango, Melon, Monkey jack, Star gooseberry were determined according to standard methods. Results: Results of this study suggest that the tropical fruits of Bangladesh were excellent source of antioxidant vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, beta- carotene, iron, zinc, copper and manganese. These fruits were also good source of potassium, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium but poor source of protein and fat and sodium. Conclusion: Present study strongly suggests that star gooseberry, monkey jack, pineapple and golden apple were antioxidant vitamins and minerals enriched tropical fruits. Key words: Antioxidant vitamins and minerals; micronutrients; tropical fruits. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v10i2.7804 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.10 No.2 Apr’11 pp.95-103

Availability and price changes of potential medicines and equipment for the prevention and treatment of covid-19 among pharmacy and drug stores in bangladesh; findings and implications

Abstract: Objective: There are concerns with increased prices and drug shortages for pertinent medicines and personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent and treat COVID-19 enhanced by misinformation. Community pharmacists and drug stores play a significant role in disease management in Bangladesh due to high co-payments. Consequently, a need to review prices and availability in the pandemic. Materials and Methods: Multiple approach involving a review and questionnaire among pharmacies and stores early March to end May 2020. Results and Discussion: 170 pharmacies and drug stores took part, giving a response rate of 63.9%. Encouragingly, no change in utilization of antimalarial medicines in 51.2% of stores despite global endorsements. However, increased utilisation of antibiotics (70.6%), analgesics (97.6%), vitamins (90.6%) and PPE (over 95%). Encouragingly, increases in purchasing of PPE. No increase in prices among 50% of the stores for antimalarials, with a similar situation for antibiotics (65.3%), analgesics (54.7%), and vitamins (51.8%). However, price increases typically for PPE (over 90% of stores). Shortages also seen for medicines and PPE, again greater for PPE. Conclusions: The pandemic has impacted on the supply and prices of medicines and PPE in Bangladesh. Key stakeholder groups can play a role addressing misinformation, with enhanced local production helping address future shortages and prices.

Pattern of psychiatric morbidity among the patients admitted in a private psychiatric clinic

Abstract: Background: Mental health problem is a major public health issue in the world across the developed and developing countries However, data in most of the developing countries including Bangladesh are scarce In Bangladesh, socio-political situation is insecure and unstable with poverty and vulnerable to natural disaster which causes psychiatric morbidity The pattern of psychiatric morbidity in private clinic is quite different from that in government hospital Objective : This study was aimed to assess the diagnostic pattern of psychiatric morbidity among the admitted patients in a private psychiatric clinic Methodology : The study was carried out in a 20 bedded private psychiatric clinic in the heart of Dhaka city All the information including longitudinal histories of patients was recorded in files and the diagnosis was confirmed by psychiatrist Admission and discharge notes were recorded in register Socio-demographic parameters and family history of mental illness were collected from the record file of individual patient Results: Among 304 patients 184 (6053%) were males and 120 (3647%) were females More than 50% of patients were in the age group of 18 to 37 years Most common psychiatric disorders were schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders (394%), mood disorder (1875%), borderline personality disorder (36%), conduct disorder (23), somatoform disorder (16%), anxiety disorder (07%), organic psychiatric disorder (2%), impulse control disorder (13%) and adjustment disorder (07%) Conclusion: Major forms of psychiatric disorders are common both in urban and rural areas of Bangladesh Keywords: Psychiatric morbidity doi: 103329/bjmsv8i13186 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol8 No 1-2; 2009 23-28