Asian Pacific Journal of Health Sciences

The Existence of Gram-Negative Bacteria that do not Digest Lactose in the Feces and their Resistance to Specific Drugs

Alaa Yaqoob Rahi — 2025-04-02

The study’s objectives were to identify non-lactose fermenting Gram-negative bacteria from stool samples from many diarrheal patients and to use the disc diffusion method to perform an antibiotic sensitivity test to assess the degree of antibiotic resistance. Between December 2022 and March 2023, 100 stool samples were taken from a few patients at Al-Imam Alhasan Hospital. The MacConky agar medium was used to cultivate the samples. 77% of the bacteria were lactose-fermenting, while 22% were not. Out of 100 isolates, 18 fermented lactose. The percentages of the isolates were as follows: Pseudomonas bacteria in 4 out of 18 isolates 23%, Shigella bacteria in 2 out of 18 isolates (12.3%), Salmonella bacteria in 10 out of 18 isolates 54%, and Proteus bacteria in 2 out of 18 isolates (12.5%). The results of a sensitivity test using the diffusion method for ten antibiotics revealed that by measuring the diameter of colony growth inhibition around the antibiotic in millimeters and comparing the results to the international specifications (2020, Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute), the bacteria were either sensitive (S) or resistant (R). The most inhibiting antibiotic, ciprofloxacin, was 90% inhibiting, followed by ceftriaxone at 80% and ampicillin at 15%.

The Use of Mannose-Binding Lectin as a Predictive Signal for Renal Decline in Non-Hypertensive Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Males

Israa H. Ibrahim — 2025-04-08

Introduction: Mannose-binding lectin is a macromolecule of the innate immune system that provides a third pathway of complement system activation from the protein subfamily called the collectins, it can primarily respond to pathogens that have sugar receptors on cell membranes to mediate phagocytic activity. Methods: 82 type 1 male patients were enrolled in this study as well as 21 healthy control persons, information collected from patients by questionnaire age, body mass index (BMI), duration of disease, chronic diseases, and blood collected for fasting blood sugar (FBS), hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c), serum creatinine, and mannan-binding lectin (MBL) measurements, and glomerular filtration rate was calculated using equation dependent on serum creatinine. Results: It shows a significant decrease in BMI in patients’ group as compared with control group; also, there was an increase in FBS, HbA1c, and MBL in patients’ groups as compared with control group. There was a positive correlation between MBL and BMI. Conclusion: We conclude that MBL was increased in patients with type 1 diabetes and may be an early sign of renal disease; also, there was an effect of obesity on the increase of MBL in those patients. Conclusion: The mannose-binding lectin may be used as an early diagnostic index for renal decline and the elevation of this protein is related to an increase in body weight.

Anterior Cutaneous Nerve Entrapment syndrome: A Case Report

R. Angel Raja Kumari — 2025-04-10

Anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome (ACNES) is a usually misdiagnosed and untreated or undertreated chronic state of pain. This syndrome is described by the cutaneous branches of the lower thoracoabdominal intercostal nerves become trapped at the lateral border of the rectus abdominis muscle, causing intense, frequently refractory, and persistent pain. The management strategies for ACNES include trigger point injections (diagnostic and therapeutic), ultrasound-guided blocks, and surgical neurectomy, in combination with systemic medication, as well as some newer technique such as radiofrequency ablation.

Occupational Exposure to COVID-19 among Healthcare Workers: Risk Patterns and Mental Health Implications

Naveen Krishan Goel — 2025-06-02

Background: Healthcare workers (HCWs) were among the most vulnerable groups during the COVID-19 pandemic due to direct exposure to infected patients and prolonged work in high-risk environments. In addition to infection risk, HCWs experienced considerable psychological stress. This study aimed to assess the occupational exposure patterns to COVID-19 among HCWs and evaluate the mental health implications and quality of life outcomes. Methodology: A mixed retrospective and prospective descriptive study was conducted from March 2020 to January 2022 at the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Chandigarh. A total of 241 HCWs exposed to COVID-19 were included. Data on demographic characteristics, exposure type and frequency, PPE use, and mental health outcomes were collected. Depression, anxiety, stress, PTSD, and quality of life were assessed using validated scales. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v26.0. Results: Of the 241 HCWs, 60.6% were female and 41.9% were aged 26–34 years. Most participants (87.6%) reported a single exposure. Common exposure settings included non-COVID wards (38.6%), emergency areas (25.9%), and operation theatres (14.1%). Only 39.3% of HCWs used full PPE during exposures. Mental health issues were significantly more prevalent in the high-risk group: PTSD (6.7%), depression (23.4%), anxiety (30%), and stress (33.3%) compared to the low-risk group. A statistically significant difference was observed in physical health-related quality of life between high- and low-risk HCWs (p = 0.014). Overall dissatisfaction with health was also higher in the high-risk group (10% vs. 2.2%). However, even low-risk workers reported psychological symptoms, indicating the widespread mental impact of the pandemic. Conclusion: The study highlights the dual burden of infection risk and psychological distress among HCWs. Inadequate PPE use and repeated exposures worsened mental health outcomes. Findings emphasize the urgent need for targeted occupational safety measures and mental health support systems for HCWs, especially during

Psychological Distress among Bone Marrow Transplant Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Study from a Tertiary Care Medical College Hospital

Siddharth Malhotra — 2025-06-02

Background: Bone marrow transplant (BMT) nurses have an innate exposure to psychological distress because they are frequently challenged with ethical issues and deaths while providing critical care. Although they are more prone to psychological distress, there is paucity of data addressing it. This study addresses this research gap by evaluating bone marrow transplant nurses’ psychological distress. Method: A descriptive, cross sectional study was conducted using a questionnaire survey to examine whether bone marrow transplant nurses self reported psychological distress was associated with their work and it was measured using DASS21 scale to assess depression, anxiety, and stress. The sample was drawn from a population of nurses (n=28) who worked in Pediatric and Adult BMT units of a tertiary Hospital. Results: The statistical sample of the study consisted of 28 nurses. The response rate was 100%. The majority of nurses were males (60.71%). The mean age was 32.4 years and the mean years of experience was 8.14 years. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (ρ\rho) is 1. The rankings for Depression, Anxiety, and Stress are identical across the categories, which suggests that the staff's level of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress are perfectly aligned. Conclusion: Psychological distress is a common issue among bone marrow transplant nurses, stemming from the emotional and physical challenges of caring for critically ill patients. This distress can lead to significant consequences for both nurses and patients, including burnout, decreased quality of care, and high turnover rates.