Based on weak evidence, ICMR has recommended hydroxychloroquine as prophylaxis by healthcare workers taking care of COVID-19 cases and asymptomatic household contacts of confirmed cases. No other drug approving agency has green lighted the drug either for prophylaxis or for treatment. Based on the recommendation of the Task Force for coronavirus disease (COVID-19), on March … Continue reading COVID-19: Doctors cautious over use of malaria drug as prophylaxis
Infectious disease
Siddha drug nilavembu kudineer kills dengue virus, protects from chikungunya
ICGEB researchers have found that the Siddha medicine nilavembu kudineer provides protection against chikungunya virus and treats dengue infection. The nilavembu kudineer formulation was found t be safe for use in humans. Safety, efficacy and mode of action of the formulation will be studied using mice models. Under in vitro conditions, nilavembu kudineer (a Siddha medicine) … Continue reading Siddha drug nilavembu kudineer kills dengue virus, protects from chikungunya
Washing does not remove Salmonella bacteria from tomatoes, IISc team finds
IISc researchers have found that tomatoes get infected with Salmonella typhimurium, which cause gastroenteritis, when the bacteria enter the plant through tiny openings that form on the main root for the lateral roots to emerge. Hence, the bacteria are found inside tomatoes and cannot be removed by washing. As salinity increases the number of lateral roots … Continue reading Washing does not remove Salmonella bacteria from tomatoes, IISc team finds
IGIB researchers find ways to reduce TB’s tissue-damaging effects
IGIB researchers have for the first time discovered that necrosis in granulomas result in the development of lipid-rich foamy macrophages, thus overthrowing the general belief that TB bacteria make the host cells accumulate lipids. They also report for the first time that foamy macrophages show more inflammatory response than normal macrophages. So targeting the tissue-damaging effects … Continue reading IGIB researchers find ways to reduce TB’s tissue-damaging effects
TB infection in the eye can lead to autoimmunity
Researchers from L V Prasad Eye Institute have for the first time found evidence of how TB infection of the eye leads to autoimmunity causing widespread disease of the eye (uveitis). TB infection damages the blood-retinal barrier allowing blood to reach the retina. Once inside the eye, autoimmune cells specifically target the retina where they … Continue reading TB infection in the eye can lead to autoimmunity
Three Zika cases reported in Ahmedabad, India in Januray 2017
The dreaded Zika virus has finally reached the Indian shores. On May 15, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare reported to the World Health Organisation three laboratory-confirmed cases of Zika virus disease in Bapunagar area, Ahmedabad District, Gujarat. “This report is important as it describes the first cases of Zika virus infections and provides … Continue reading Three Zika cases reported in Ahmedabad, India in Januray 2017
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