M. S. Uppal
58446614900
Publications - 2
Bacterial infections and antimicrobial resistance patterns: a comprehensive analysis of health dynamics across regions in Pakistan (2013-2023)
Publication Name: Brazilian Journal of Biology Revista Brasleira De Biologia
Publication Date: 2025-01-01
Volume: 85
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: e285605
Description:
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant public health concern globally, and Pakistan is no exception. The misuse and overuse of antibiotics, inadequate regulation of their sale, and a lack of awareness contribute to the rising levels of AMR in the country. study presents a detailed analysis of blood and urine samples collected in Pakistan over various periods, focusing on pathogen prevalence, gender distribution, and age-wise patterns. From January 2013 to 2017, the North region exclusively contributed to the blood sample dataset, with Salmonella emerging as the primary pathogen, particularly affecting infants and neonates. Subsequently, from January 2017 to December 2020, a significant dataset emerged from the North and Punjab regions, with Salmonella and E.coli prevalent across all age groups, notably impacting adults and infants. In the period from January 2021 to the present, blood samples predominantly originated from the North and Punjab regions, with Salmonella and E.coli remaining significant pathogens, affecting adults and the elderly. Regarding urine samples, from January 2013 to December 2017, E.coli was the dominant pathogen, with females showing a higher susceptibility to urinary tract infections (UTIs), particularly among the elderly. Similarly, from January 2017 to December 2020, E.coli remained predominant, with UTIs more prevalent in females and the elderly. In the most recent period, the North region significantly contributed to UTI cases, with E.coli remaining predominant and females exhibiting a higher susceptibility, especially among the elderly. This comprehensive analysis provides crucial insights into the epidemiology of blood and urinary tract infections in Pakistan, informing public health strategies and interventions aimed at addressing these health challenges.
Open Access: Yes
Lymphopenia as a diagnostic biomarker in clinical COVID-19: insights from a comprehensive study on SARS-CoV-2 variants
Publication Name: Brazilian Journal of Biology
Publication Date: 2025-01-01
Volume: 85
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
The enduring SARS-CoV-2 pandemic necessitates robust tools for severity assessment. This study, conducted at Islamabad Diagnostic Center across Pakistan from January 2021 to August 2022, aimed to investigate hematological abnormalities among suspected SARS-CoV-2 subjects. Initial enrollment included 130,347 cases, with 53,078 confirmed positive and 77,269 negative. An additional 11,786 samples expanded the dataset to 142,133. The Omicron and Centaurus variants, in confirmed positive patients, exhibited a slightly higher frequency of hematological abnormalities (30.42%) than negative participants (27.01%). Notably, lymphocyte count reduction (40.95%) suggested its potential as an alternative diagnostic parameter for clinical COVID-19. Decreased levels of NA (37.99%), HGB (26.17%), MCV (20.60%), PLT (6.15%), and ALB (2.28%) were observed. Abnormally elevated NEU, CR, MONO, RBCs, WBC, and EOS levels affected 26.00%, 24.28%, 30.79%, 22.02%, 6.28%, and 5.53% of subjects, respectively. Comparatively, positive patients exhibited higher abnormal blood parameters—LYMP count (57.40%), NEU count (46.08%), EOS count (62.48%), MONO count (31.61%), RBC count (30.32%), ALC count (43.60%), CR count (30.91%), NA count (40.53%), CRP count (68.46%), and DD (63.08%) than negative counterparts. The study underscores lymphocytopenia’s potential as a cost-effective, early diagnostic biomarker for clinical COVID-19, preceding real-time PCR diagnosis. This supports its consideration in resource-limited settings for strategic screening and policy-making in the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 battle.
Open Access: Yes