The objective of this cross-sectional study was to determine the prevalence of anal HPV infection, genotype diversity and its relationship with demographic aspects of HIV-infected assisted in Belém, Pará, Brazil. A questionnaire regarding socio-demographic variables and sexual behavior was used and anal samples were collected from 108 women recruited from a HIV Counselling and Testing in the Belém, Pará, an important metropolis of the northern region of Brazil. A blood sample was also obtained to determine CD4+ T lymphocytes counts and viral load levels of HIV. HPV DNA was detected by PCR amplification of a conserved region of the HPV L1 gene and further genotyped with direct DNA sequencing. HPV infection was detected in 29 (26,8%). Twelve different types were found (HPV-16, 58, 59, 6, 11, 53, 61, 62, 66, 70, 71, 102) and low risk types were present in 72.4% of samples. HPV infection was positively correlated with CD4+ T lymphocytes counts. In conclusion, we found a low prevalence of HPV infection and low risk types in this cohort and we emphasize the relevance of implementation of screening program for anal cancer and HPV infection in the HIV-infected women population.

Background: Detection of AmpC β-lactamase producing isolates is needed to provide the accurate and effective treatment to patient for their better outcome. In laboratories test can be performed by simple phenotypic screening and confirmation method. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of MDR isolates and AmpC β-lactamase producers from clinical samples. Materials and Methods: A total no. of 600 gram negative organisms included in the study from which 318 were MDR. All MDR isolates screened and confirmed for AmpC β-lactamase production by cefoxitin and Cefoxitin, cefoxitin-cloxacillin double disc synergy test respectively. For inducible AmpC β-lactamase production cefotaxime and cefoxitin discs were used. Blunting of zone of inhibition of cefotaxime placed adjacent to cefoxitin considered positive for inducible AmpC producer. Results: From total 600 gram negative organisms, 318 were MDR gram negative isolates. Out of 318 gram negative isolates, 281 showed positive AmpC β-lactamase screening test by cefoxitin resistance. Prevalence of AmpC β-lactamase producers was 42.70% from screening positive isolates. Interpretation and conclusion: Accurate detection of AmpC β-lactamase producers in laboratories and proper treatment of patient will help to control the spread of these pathogens and control of antibiotic resistance.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of viral hepatitis and hepatic dysfunction during pregnancy throughout the world. HCV infection leads to complications like premature labour, preterm delivery and maternal mortality. Virus may be transmitted vertically to neonates leading to neonatal hepatitis. The present study was done to estimate the seroprevalence of Hepatitis C virus infection among pregnant women. Total of 2067 pregnant women were enrolled in the study whose serum sample was tested for anti-Hepatitis C virus antibody using rapid test and those found reactive were confirmed using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Out of 2067 pregnant women tested, 24 were found to be reactive by both rapid test and ELISA, hence the seroprevalence was 1.2%. Maximum seropositivity was seen in pregnant women of age group 26-30 years. Seropositivity was more among working pregnant women, belonging to rural areas and those who were poor and belonged to lower socio-economic class. All these findings were statistically significant. Amongst the risk factors studied, most of the seropositives gave history of previous surgery followed by history of dilatation and curettage. To conclude, it is strongly recommended that all pregnant women should be screened for anti-Hepatitis C virus antibodies in order to know their infection status and thus prevent adverse outcome of pregnancy and its vertical transmission to their neonates.

Experiments were conducted to know the growth variations adopted by Pseudomonas putida (NBAII-RPF 9) an abiotic stress tolerant plant growth promoter and biological control agent. Cell growth and survival was monitored under different time periods with two temperature regimes (25̊ and 45º C) and data on viable cell count was analysed. P. putida (NBAII-RPF9) experienced a delayed lag phase when grown under heat stress as compared to its growth at normal temperature which was complemented by expression of higher whole cell protein concentration. Under heat stress increased protein content was noticed in lag phase. Whole cell protein analysis of P. putida (NBAII-RPF 9) by SDS-PAGE analysis showed expression of proteins ranging between 40KDa to 60KDa which match with molecular weight of major heat stress related proteins like GroEL and DnaK. This supported the fact that various proteins were triggered under stress conditions to ensure its survival.