Tapas Chakma

Publications of Tapas Chakma

• HIV epidemic in Central India: trends over 18 years (1986-2003).

  Authors: Anupkumar R Anvikar, Tapas Chakma, V G Rao

  Acta tropica. 04/2005; 93(3):289-94.

  In this report, we present the occurrence of HIV seropositivity and trends over last 18 years in a heterogenous group of people attending Voluntary Counselling and Testing Centre (VCTC) in CentralIn this report, we present the occurrence of HIV seropositivity and trends over last 18 years in a heterogenous group of people attending Voluntary Counselling and Testing Centre (VCTC) in Central India. The first Indian HIV positive person was reported in 1992 at the Centre. The occurrence of HIV infection increased from nil in 1986 to 19.9% in 2003. The HIV seropositivity was higher in males (6.9%) than in females (3.3%). Highest prevalence was seen in the age group of 25-29 years in both males and females. Heterosexual route was the commonest route of transmission. Relative decline was observed as regards to the blood borne transmission. No intravenous drug abuser was reported. The study highlights a need for comprehensive policies to control the HIV epidemic in Central India.

• Repeated episodes of endosulfan poisoning.

  Authors: Aruna Dewan, Vijay K Bhatnagar, Murli L Mathur, Tapas Chakma, Rekha Kashyap, Harsiddha G Sadhu, Sukesh N Sinha, Habibullah N Saiyed

  Journal of toxicology. Clinical toxicology. 02/2004; 42(4):363-9.

  INTRODUCTION: A number of families in a rural area of Jabalpur District (Madhya Pradesh), India, were affected by repeated episodes of convulsive illness over a period of three weeks. The aim of thisINTRODUCTION: A number of families in a rural area of Jabalpur District (Madhya Pradesh), India, were affected by repeated episodes of convulsive illness over a period of three weeks. The aim of this investigation was to determine the cause of the illness. METHODS: The investigation included a house-to-house survey, interviews of affected families, discussions with treating physicians, and examination of hospital records. Endosulfan poisoning was suspected as many villagers were using empty pesticide containers for food storage. To confirm this, our team collected blood and food samples, which were transported to the laboratory and analyzed with GC-ECD. RESULTS: Thirty-six persons of all age groups had illness of varying severity over a period of three weeks. In the first week, due to superstitions and lack of treatment, three children died. In the second week, symptomatic treatment of affected persons in a district hospital led to recovery but recurrence of convulsive episodes occurred after the return home. In the third week, 10 people were again hospitalized in a teaching hospital. Investigations carried out in this hospital ruled out infective etiology but no facilities were available for chemical analysis. All persons responded to symptomatic treatment. The blood and food samples analyzed by our team showed presence of endosulfan, which was confirmed by GCMS. One of the food items (Laddu) prepared from wheat flour was found to contain 676 ppm of alpha-endosulfan. CONCLUSIONS: Contamination of wheat grains or flour with endosulfan and its consumption over a period of time was the most likely cause of repeated episodes of convulsions, but the exact reason for this contamination could not be determined. This report highlights the unsafe disposal of pesticide containers by illiterate farm workers, superstitions leading to delay in treatment, and susceptibility of children to endosulfan.

• HIV epidemic in Central India: trends over 18 years (1986–2003)

  Authors: Anupkumar R. Anvikar, Tapas Chakma, V.G. Rao

  Acta Tropica.

  In this report, we present the occurrence of HIV seropositivity and trends over last 18 years in a heterogenous group of people attending Voluntary Counselling and Testing Centre (VCTC) in CentralIn this report, we present the occurrence of HIV seropositivity and trends over last 18 years in a heterogenous group of people attending Voluntary Counselling and Testing Centre (VCTC) in Central India. The first Indian HIV positive person was reported in 1992 at the Centre. The occurrence of HIV infection increased from nil in 1986 to 19.9% in 2003. The HIV seropositivity was higher in males (6.9%) than in females (3.3%). Highest prevalence was seen in the age group of 25–29 years in both males and females. Heterosexual route was the commonest route of transmission. Relative decline was observed as regards to the blood borne transmission. No intravenous drug abuser was reported.The study highlights a need for comprehensive policies to control the HIV epidemic in Central India.