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Guntur doctors cure drug-resistant bone infection with phage therapy

Guntur doctors cure drug-resistant bone infection with phage therapy

The Hindu4 days ago
Doctors at SHRI Hospital, Guntur, have successfully treated a 72-year-old woman from Bapatla suffering from a chronic, multidrug-resistant bone and joint infection. The patient had battled Acinetobacter baumannii for six months — resistant to all available antibiotics — before being admitted in critical condition in January.
Led by Dr K. Kalyan Chakravarthy, specialist in sepsis and infectious diseases, in collaboration with Prof. Gopal Nath of Banaras Hindu University, the team used bacteriophage therapy — viruses that target bacteria — assisted by orthopaedic surgeon Dr Raviteja Y. and anaesthetist Dr Ramakrishna K. The patient has had no recurrence in the past six months. Once common before antibiotics, phage therapy is regaining attention amid rising antimicrobial resistance. Properly purified, bacteriophages are considered safe and are being used worldwide under 'compassionate use' protocols for stubborn infections. Clinical trials are under way in the UK, U.S., and Europe.
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Guntur doctors cure drug-resistant bone infection with phage therapy
Guntur doctors cure drug-resistant bone infection with phage therapy

The Hindu

time4 days ago

  • The Hindu

Guntur doctors cure drug-resistant bone infection with phage therapy

Doctors at SHRI Hospital, Guntur, have successfully treated a 72-year-old woman from Bapatla suffering from a chronic, multidrug-resistant bone and joint infection. The patient had battled Acinetobacter baumannii for six months — resistant to all available antibiotics — before being admitted in critical condition in January. Led by Dr K. Kalyan Chakravarthy, specialist in sepsis and infectious diseases, in collaboration with Prof. Gopal Nath of Banaras Hindu University, the team used bacteriophage therapy — viruses that target bacteria — assisted by orthopaedic surgeon Dr Raviteja Y. and anaesthetist Dr Ramakrishna K. The patient has had no recurrence in the past six months. Once common before antibiotics, phage therapy is regaining attention amid rising antimicrobial resistance. Properly purified, bacteriophages are considered safe and are being used worldwide under 'compassionate use' protocols for stubborn infections. Clinical trials are under way in the UK, U.S., and Europe.

Banaras Hindu University launches anti-ragging awareness campaign with zero tolerance message
Banaras Hindu University launches anti-ragging awareness campaign with zero tolerance message

Time of India

time4 days ago

  • Time of India

Banaras Hindu University launches anti-ragging awareness campaign with zero tolerance message

VARANASI: The Anti-Ragging Squad of Banaras Hindu University and the Anti-Ragging Squad of the Institute of Medical Sciences (IMSBHU) jointly launched a special awareness campaign on the occasion of National Anti-Ragging Day on Tuesday. The campaign theme, 'Zero Tolerance to Ragging – Building a Safer Campus Together,' underscores the university's firm commitment to eradicating ragging and fostering a culture of safety, respect, and harmony among students. The programme began with a welcome session by Prof. Lalit Mohan Aggarwal, Member of the Anti-Ragging Squad, BHU. He emphasised that ragging has no place in a healthy academic environment and urged students to uphold values of mutual respect and cooperation. Prof. S.N. Sankhwar, Director, IMSBHU, reiterated that ragging not only reflects indiscipline but also severely hampers students' mental and academic growth. He stressed the administration's zero-tolerance policy towards ragging and assured strict action against any violations. Dr. Sanjay Gupta , Dean, Faculty of Modern Medicine, encouraged students to remain vigilant and report incidents without fear. Dr. Sunil Rao , Chairman, Anti-Ragging Squad, IMSBHU, explained anti-ragging laws, university guidelines, and helpline numbers, assuring prompt and fair action on complaints. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Birla Evara 3 and 4 BHK from ₹ 1.75 Crore* Birla Estates Learn More Undo Dr. Amrita Ghosh Kar, Professor-In-Charge, College of Nursing, and Prof. Gopal Nath, Dean, Research, addressed the gathering on collective responsibility in maintaining a ragging-free campus. Dr. Gopal Nath also conveyed a strong zero-tolerance message against ragging through a special video presentation. This initiative, promoting a zero-tolerance message against ragging through a video by Dr. Gopal Nath, was undertaken by Prof. Anupam Nema, Dean of Students, BHU. The campaign featured Slogan Writing and Essay Writing competitions on anti-ragging themes, with enthusiastic student participation from various faculties. The stage proceedings were conducted by Dr. Jyoti Srivastava, College of Nursing. An anti-ragging information brochure was also distributed to spread awareness about the definition, legal consequences, and reporting process. As part of Anti-Ragging Week (August 12–18), IMSBHU will be organising several activities such as slogan writing, essay writing, poster making, photography, and logo design, along with a rally, nukkad natak, and a debate on anti-ragging themes. The week aims to promote safety, respect, and harmony on campus. Meanwhile, in observance of Anti-Ragging Day, the Well-Being Services Cell at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) also organised a workshop. The initiative aimed to eliminate ragging, foster mutual respect and empathy, ensure student safety, and strengthen the university's counselling and support services. The workshop witnessed enthusiastic participation from over 160 students representing various faculties and affiliated colleges of BHU. By bringing together students, faculty members, and subject experts, the event reaffirmed the university's commitment to cultivating a safe, inclusive, and emotionally supportive campus environment. Anoop Kumar of the Faculty of Law led an informative session on anti-ragging legislation, emphasising BHU's zero-tolerance policy and the legal safeguards available to students. He also highlighted the importance of nurturing respectful and collaborative relationships between senior and junior students and introduced the range of well-being services accessible on campus. Nityanand Tiwari, Student Counsellor and Workshop Coordinator, elaborated on the theme and objectives of the event. He emphasised the need for collective responsibility in building a campus culture rooted in empathy, safety, and psychological well-being. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.

IIT Roorkee scientists reveal how this common herb could defeat world's most dangerous superbugs & enhance antibiotic power
IIT Roorkee scientists reveal how this common herb could defeat world's most dangerous superbugs & enhance antibiotic power

Time of India

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  • Time of India

IIT Roorkee scientists reveal how this common herb could defeat world's most dangerous superbugs & enhance antibiotic power

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