Tuberculosis and COVID-19 co-infection in Cancer patients

s Indian Journal of Medical Microbiology 39 (2021) S1–S133 Conclusions:Concordance between LPA results and sequencing results was seen in 61% isolates. Additional mutations identified by Sequencing. Uncommon mutations have also been observed. Gene Sequencing is a useful tool for molecular surveillance of emerging mutations https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmmb.2021.08.324 TUBERCULOSIS AND COVID-19 CO-INFECTION IN CANCER PATIENTS Ravindra Jibhau Khare, Priyanka Dixit, Gaurav Salunke, Sanjay Biswas. Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai Background: COVID-19 has been affecting mankind round the globe. Coinfection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has implications beyond morbidity at the individual level and can lead to unintended TB exposure to others. The present study was conducted to better understand the implication of TB and COVID-19 co-infection in Cancer patients. Methods: The study was conducted in the department of MIcrobiology, Tata Memeorial Hospital, Mumbai. Records of all cancer patients tested for Mycobacterium Tuberculosis using Genexpert and /or MGIT during March 2020 to October 2020 in the institute were analysed.We determined if these patients were also tested for SARS CORONAVIRUS 2 during the course of their treatment. If postive for COVID 19, the outcome of the disease was analysed and various demographic paramateres were compared. Results: A total of 1830 samples were analysed for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) (886 MGIT& 944 Genexpert) between March 2020 to October 2020. Of these 171 detected postive for MTB on Genexpert & 75 Detected positive in MGIT. Majority of the sample types were Respiratory samples 121 (39 MGIT & 82 GENEXPERT) and pus/ tissue 120 (31 MGIT & 89 genex-pert). Of the patients diagnosed with TB, 57 patients were also tested for COVID 19 virus using RTPCR test. 03 among them tested positive for the SARS COVID 19 virus and results of 54 came back negative. Conclusions: co-infections with TB must always be suspected in addition to COVID-19 in current scenario in patients with RTI with nonspecific clinical features and unexplained or prolonged clinical course and utmost consideration should be given to all above concerns implicated. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmmb.2021.08.322 PRIMARY TUBERCULOUS SKULL BASE OSTEOMYELITIS: A RARE CASE REPORT Sowjanya Perumulla, Kiran Bala, Alok Thakkar, Urvashi B. Singh. All India Institute of Medical Sciences Background:Skull base osteomyelitis is a rare life-threatening condition which may lead to severe complications if left undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. It usually occurs secondary to the infection of external auditory canal or adjacent tissues like mastoid, sphenoid and most commonly caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. S93 Here, we present a rare case of primary skull base osteomyelitis due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. A 75-year-old female patient presented to ENT OPD with chief complaints of mild, intermittent, dull aching pain in the left ear for 6 months and discharge in the last one month. On examination granulation tissue was seen covered with non-foul-smelling yellow discharge over the floor of external auditory canal near bony cartilaginous junction. Methods:High resolution computer tomography (HRCT) of temporal bone was done. Granulation tissue biopsy was performed and subjected to histopathological and microbiological examination. Pus sample was also collected and sent for microbiological investigations such as Gram stain, bacterial culture, fungal culture, Ziehl Neelsen staining, TRUNAT, Mycobacterial Growth Indicator Tube (MGIT liquid culture). Results:HRCT revealed soft tissue density involving left middle ear, attic, aditus and mastoid air cells. Histopathology of biopsy revealed necrotising malignant otitis externa. The tissue biopsy was showing the growth of Morganella spp. Acid fast bacilli (AFB) were seen on Ziehl Neelsen staining, Mycobacterium tuberculosis was detected with intermediate sensitivity to rifampicin by TRUNAT. MGIT liquid culture was sterile from both samples. She was diagnosed as a case of tubercular skull base osteomyelitis. Anti-tubercular therapy (ATT) was started and patient was discharged. Her symptoms improved but after two weeks of ATT suddenly she developed altered sensorium and admitted in intensive care unit for two weeks. Patient succumbed to myocardial infarction (MI). Conclusions:Early and accurate diagnosis of skull base osteomyelitis helps in initiating appropriate treatment and prevention of severe complications. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmmb.2021.08.323 A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF CONVENTIONAL STAINING METHODS VERSUS FLUORESCENT STAINING IN DETECTION OF PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS Jamullamudi Bhaskar Mary Ranadheer, B.V. Sivamma, P. Ratna kumari, Yona Manchikalapati. Siddhartha Medical College, Vjayawada Background:Tuberculosis is one of the most dangerous communicable diseases. More than 2 billion people (one-third of world population) are estimated to be infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In 2019, approximately 10.4 million individuals were effected with tuberculosis and 1.4 million died. Early diagnosis of Tuberculosis facilitates timely initiation of treatment and minimizes risk of community spread. Correct and rapid diagnosis of the disease is essential to combat the growing epidemics. Laboratory diagnosis of Tuberculosis is mainly dependent on the demonstration of acid fast bacilli in sputum by direct Microscopy. Given its low cost, rapidity, simplicity of procedure and high specificity, Microscopy continues to be most indispensable method. Various Microscopic staining procedures are known, however, there is paucity in data about one single most specific and sensitive Staining method, hence this study has been taken up.