Sporotrichosis: An Infectious Emerging Mycosis of Zoonotic Potential

Mycotic diseases are being recognized as an important global public health problem of considerable dimension. These diseases occur in sporadic as well as in epidemic form, resulting in high morbidity and mortality.

Among several mycoses, sporotrichosis, caused by a thermo-dimorphic fungus Sporothrix schenckii, has emerged as an infectious disease in certain regions of the world. The pathogen infects a wide variety of animals, but the cat is recognized as the pertinent source of sporotrichosis to humans.

Humans usually acquire infection following traumatic inoculation of fungal contaminated materials or through bites and scratches by diseased cat. It is predominantly a disease of young people who have frequent contact with saprobic reservoirs.

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Human-Sloth Bear Conflict: Causes and Mitigation Measures in Kota,Rajasthan

The sloth bear (Melursus ursinus) is now considered as endangered by IUCN red list of 2011. In wild habitat it is considered as the most dangerous wild animal because it is unpredictable and often attacks on human in forests.

In the present investigation human sloth bear conflicts were studied in Kota district of Rajasthan, using forest department records, interviews with villagers and surveys within sloth bear habitat. Most of the casualties can be reduced by restricting human entries into sloth bear habitats, avoiding camping and housing in their habitats especially near water sources.

Road accidents are also very common in the present study area as there is a National Highway near the forest area. Active management with local inhabitants will support the conservation of sloth bear.

Assessment of seven heavy metals in water of the river Ghaghara, a major tributary of the Ganga in Northern India

Water quality of the River Ghaghara has been examined in special reference to seven heavy metals namely cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), and on seasonal basis for two consecutive years 2013-14 and 2014-15. Samples were collected from five stations namely Katernia ghat, Colonelganj, Ayodhya, Dohrighat, and Chhapra.

In the water of the river maximum value of Co, Cu,Cr, Ni, Cd, Zn, Pb and was recorded as 0.027, 0.032, 0.007, 0.018, 0.043, 0.031and 0.019 mg/l respectively whereas the minimum value was recorded 0.005, 0.016, 0.001,0.005, 0.003, 0.013, 0.005 mg/l respectively at different sites. Most of the above values were found either below or closed the permissible limit set by World Health Organization (WHO) except Cd. Cadmium concentration exceeded the WHO limit.

Cd contamination in the river water of this area is a serious concern for human health. Correlation analysis among all considered heavy metals shows positive correlation with each other in both the years. The data generated may provide useful information to Governmental agencies to control the heavy metal pollution of the river at these urban centers which may even be worst in future scenario.