Abstract: Background:
Cervical cancer remains a significant global health concern, with early detection through Pap smear cytology playing a pivotal role in reducing morbidity and mortality. Objectives: This retrospective study evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of Pap smears in 2,746 cases, correlating cytological findings with histopathology in 158 cases. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 2,746 cervical cytology cases from year 2019 to 2024, categorized using the Bethesda System. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and chi-square tests were employed to assess cytology-histopathology concordance. Results: The study demonstrated high sensitivity (94.5%) and negative predictive value (90.3%), confirming the test’s reliability in ruling out disease. However, specificity was modest (50.9%), with frequent false positives in low-grade lesions (ASC-US: 55.6% discordance; AGC: 66.7% discordance), often due to benign mimics like cervicitis. High-grade lesions (HSIL, SCC, adenocarcinoma) showed perfect concordance (100%). Chi-square analysis revealed a significant association between cytology and histopathology (χ² = 87.42, p < 0.001), with subgroup analysis underscoring stronger correlations for high-grade lesions (HSIL/SCC: χ² = 42.36, p < 0.001). Conclusion: These findings highlight the Pap smear’s strength in detecting clinically significant lesions while emphasizing the need for adjunctive tests (e.g., HPV testing) to improve specificity in ambiguous cases.
Key words: Papanicolaou (Pap) smear, cytology, Cervical cancer, precancerous lesions

Abstract: Background: Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease, particularly prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions. It often presents as pyrexia of unknown origin (PUO), with transmission linked to environmental exposures such as contact with contaminated water and animals. This study aimed to identify environmental and behavioral risk factors associated with leptospirosis in hospitalized patients in coastal Karnataka. Methods: A hospital-based case-control study was conducted from June to October 2022 during the monsoon season. Patients presenting with PUO and tested for Anti-Leptospira IgM ELISA were enrolled. Cases were defined as ELISA-positive patients, while controls were ELISA-negative with similar symptoms. Using a structured questionnaire, we captured demographic data, clinical presentation, and environmental exposures. Data was analyzed using Epicollect5 software. Results: A total of 84 participants were included, with 42 cases and 42 controls. Most cases were outdoor unskilled workers (45.2%) and had direct or indirect contact with animals (69%), with significantly increased odds of leptospirosis (OR = 4.4). Common exposures included contact with stagnant water (80.9%), waterlogged areas (45.2%), and wet soil (42.8%). Protective footwear was not used by 95% of cases. Open wounds during exposure were reported in 33.3% of cases. Clinical symptoms among cases included high-grade fever (80.9%), chills (59.5%), abdominal pain (50%), vomiting (47%), and jaundice (33.3%). Most patients (95.2%) had initiated antibiotic treatment prior to hospital admission. Conclusion: This study highlights the critical role of environmental and behavioral risk factors—such as poor sanitation, contact with contaminated water, and lack of protective measures—in the transmission of leptospirosis. Public health interventions focusing on health education, improved sanitation, and the promotion of protective practices are essential to reduce the burden of leptospirosis in endemic regions.
Key words: Leptospirosis, Pyrexia of unknown origin, Zoonotic diseases

Abstract: Objective: To identify the prevalence of oral soft tissue pathologies associated with trauma and further propose a working classification of the same based on histopathological experience. Material and Methods: An observational retrospective study was conducted on all trauma associated soft tissue lesions of oral cavity in a tertiary care hospital (2010-2022). The collected data was tabulated and analyzed. An attempt was also made to fabricate a working classification based on frequency of occurrence of these traumatic soft tissue pathologies. Results: Soft tissue oral pathologies associated with trauma ranged from benign lesions like mucocele and traumatic fibroma to malignancies like oral squamous cell carcinoma. Significant differences in age, gender and site predilection of these entities were obtained. Conclusion: This category of lesions has been frequently overlooked and not many studies have focused this aspect. An overview about the demographics of such commonly encountered trauma associated pathologies is essential for a dental practitioner to achieve better treatment and classification of these lesions based on their frequency is equally essential for better practice.
Key words: Mucosal pathology, Trauma, Traumatic oral lesion, Working classification

Abstract: Background: Background: Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic, potentially malignant disorder mainly caused by areca nut chewing, leading to excessive collagen deposition and oral fibrosis. Conventional diagnostic methods are invasive and subjective, prompting interest in non-invasive alternatives. Purpose: To evaluate submucosal thickness in OSMF patients using ultrasonography (USG) and correlate findings with clinical staging. Design and Sample: A case-control study at Yenepoya Dental and Medical College, Mangalore, including 33 OSMF patients (staged clinically) and 11 healthy controls. Variables: Clinical stage (independent), submucosal thickness (outcome), with age and sex as covariates. Analysis: Bivariate and post hoc analyses examined associations between submucosal thickness, staging, and covariates. Results: The analysis demonstrated a statistically significant increase in submucosal thickness with advancing disease stages, which was indicated by progressively higher mean values and widening confidence intervals. Post hoc comparisons between stages revealed significant differences, underscoring the strong correlation between disease severity and increased submucosal thickness. Conclusions and Relevance: Ultrasonography is an effective, non-invasive tool for evaluating submucosal thickness in OSMF patients. It offers a reliable correlation with clinical staging, making it valuable for early diagnosis, monitoring disease progression, and assessing treatment efficacy. This study underscores the potential of USG to provide objective, precise assessments of OSMF severity, enhancing clinical management of the condition.
Key words: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF), Ultrasonography (USG), Submucosal thickness

Abstract: Gelatinous transformation of the bone marrow (GTM) is a rare but reversible marrow pathology marked by fat atrophy, hematopoietic cell loss, and mucopolysaccharide deposition. We present a neonatal case with persistent anemia with Hemolytic Disease of Newborn. Bone marrow revealed PAS and Alcian Blue-positive gelatinous material. GTM, though non-specific, indicates severe systemic stress and must be distinguished from marrow necrosis, edema, and amyloidosis.
Key words: Gelatinous transformation of bone marrow, neonate, anemia.

Abstract: Abnormal morphology can be seen frequently in the native cells of bone marrow in non-clonal disorders like viral, bacterial, parasitic infections, autoimmune diseases, after chemotherapy, megaloblastic anemia, and many more conditions. Blood counts may be normal or decreased in these scenarios. Such morphological atypicality can sometimes result in diagnostic fallacy of malignancies and unnecessary laboratory tests. When organomegaly and lymphadenopathy are seen apart from other clinical symptoms, it is possible for giant proerythroblasts found in marrow aspirate of a clinically undetected parvoviral infection to be misidentified as high-grade lymphoma cells. We hereby present a case of Parvoviral infection in an immunocompetent young male who was APLA positive. Diagnosis of Systemic Parvoviral infection was made after Immunohistochemical examination. Symptomatic therapy was administered along with anticoagulants for venous thrombosis of the lower limb veins. During the follow-up, the patient's blood counts were normal, and he had improved clinically. We conclude by highlighting that all sinister appearing cells may not be malignant.
Key words: Parvovirus B19; Lymphoma; Giant Proerythroblasts; Bone Marrow; APLA