scholarly journals Containment Strategies for Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. s181-s181
Author(s):  
Hanako Osuka ◽  
Benjamin J. Park ◽  
Fernanda Lessa

Background: Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) represent one of the most critical emerging antimicrobial-resistance threats globally. Data from low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) are increasingly reported as a part of global efforts to improve surveillance, and they demonstrate a high and increasing burden of CRE. However, containment of CRE using all recommended infection prevention and control (IPC) strategies requires substantial resources, which may be limited in LMICs. We conducted a review of the literature to better understand how approaches to CRE containment in LMICs have varied. Methods: We conducted a literature search using electronic databases (Medline, Embace, Cochrane Library, and Global Health) with no limit to study design or publication year. Search terms consisted of 3 categories: CRE, IPC, and LMIC. Additional publications were also identified from the references of identified articles. Publications were screened for eligibility; non-English articles and studies on other gram-negative organisms were excluded from the analysis. Control measures in included studies were categorized as active surveillance, hand hygiene, contact precautions, isolation, education, environmental control, monitoring and feedback, and other. Results: In total, 2,667 publications were identified using the databases and an additional 24 were manually identified. After deduplicating and screening for eligibility, 27 publications were included in the analysis. Overall, 21 publications (78%) were outbreak reports and 3 (11%) were quasi-experimental studies in settings of high rates of CRE. Also, 23 (85%) described a successful reduction in CRE. Among those 23 publications, 22 publications described adequate descriptions of IPC measures implemented, and the median number of IPC measures was 4.5 (range, 1–8). Environmental control was the most commonly utilized intervention (n = 19, 86%), followed by hand hygiene (n = 14, 64%) and contact precautions (n = 14, 64%). Three publications did not show a reduction in CRE despite the combination of IPC measures (median, 4.5). Overall, 13 publications utilized some method of active surveillance, but complete details on methodology were often lacking. In addition, 4 studies (15%) used only horizontal measures (defined as hand hygiene, environmental control, and/or education) and successfully controlled the CRE outbreaks. Conclusions: Among published reports, successful approaches to CRE control have been reported from LMICs. Use of only horizontal approaches, which are often lower cost and simpler to implement than some vertical strategies, have demonstrated some success; however, additional experience with identifying and implementing cost-effective strategies is needed.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S240-S240
Author(s):  
Dien M Tran ◽  
Mattias Larsson ◽  
Linus Olson ◽  
Ngoc TB Hoang ◽  
Le Kien Ngai ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) is an increasing problem worldwide, but particularly problematic in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) due to limitations of resources for surveillance of CRE and infection prevention and control (IPC). Methods A point prevalence survey (PPS) with screening for colonization with CRE was conducted on 2233 patients admitted to neonatal, pediatric and adult care at 12 Vietnamese hospitals located in northern, central and southern Vietnam during 2017 and 2018. CRE colonisation was determined by culturing of fecal specimens on selective agar for CRE. Risk factors for CRE colonisation were evaluated. A CRE admission and discharge screening sub-study was conducted among one of the most vulnerable patient groups; infants treated at an 80-bed Neonatal ICU from March throughout June 2017 to assess CRE acquisition, hospital-acquired infection (HAI) and treatment outcome. Results A total of 1165 (52%) patients were colonized with CRE, most commonly Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 805), Escherichia coli (n = 682) and Enterobacter spp. (n = 61). Duration of hospital stay, HAI, intubation, peripheral venous catheter and treatment with a carbapenem were independent risk factors for CRE colonization. The PPS showed that the prevalence of CRE colonization increased on average 4.2% per day and mean CRE colonisation rates increased from 13% on the day of admission to 89% at day 15 of hospital stay. At the NICU CRE colonisation increased from 32% at admission to 87% at discharge, mortality was significantly associated (OR 5·5, P < 0·01) with CRE colonisation and HAI on admission. Conclusion These data indicate that there is an epidemic spread of CRE in Vietnamese hospitals with rapid transmission to hospitalized patients. CRE colonization places a major burden on the healthcare system due to the increased risk of HAI caused by CRE and associated increased mortality. This study shows that large-scale epidemiological surveillance of CRE using affordable methods is possible in low- and middle-income countries. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.


Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 681
Author(s):  
Ritu Rana ◽  
Marie McGrath ◽  
Ekta Sharma ◽  
Paridhi Gupta ◽  
Marko Kerac

Small and nutritionally at-risk infants under six months, defined as those with wasting, underweight, or other forms of growth failure, are at high-risk of mortality and morbidity. The World Health Organisation 2013 guidelines on severe acute malnutrition highlight the need to effectively manage this vulnerable group, but programmatic challenges are widely reported. This review aims to inform future management strategies for small and nutritionally at-risk infants under six months in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) by synthesising evidence on existing breastfeeding support packages for all infants under six months. We searched PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Global Health databases from inception to 18 July 2018. Intervention of interest were breastfeeding support packages. Studies reporting breastfeeding practices and/or caregivers’/healthcare staffs’ knowledge/skills/practices for infants under six months from LMICs were included. Study quality was assessed using NICE quality appraisal checklist for intervention studies. A narrative data synthesis using the Synthesis Without Meta-analysis (SWiM) reporting guideline was conducted and key features of successful programmes identified. Of 15,256 studies initially identified, 41 were eligible for inclusion. They were geographically diverse, representing 22 LMICs. Interventions were mainly targeted at mother–infant pairs and only 7% (n = 3) studies included at-risk infants. Studies were rated to be of good or adequate quality. Twenty studies focused on hospital-based interventions, another 20 on community-based and one study compared both. Among all interventions, breastfeeding counselling (n = 6) and education (n = 6) support packages showed the most positive effect on breastfeeding practices followed by breastfeeding training (n = 4), promotion (n = 4) and peer support (n = 3). Breastfeeding education support (n = 3) also improved caregivers’ knowledge/skills/practices. Identified breastfeeding support packages can serve as "primary prevention" interventions for all infants under six months in LMICs. For at-risk infants, these packages need to be adapted and formally tested in future studies. Future work should also examine impacts of breastfeeding support on anthropometry and morbidity outcomes. The review protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO 2018 CRD42018102795).


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Ackah ◽  
Louise Ameyaw ◽  
Kwadwo Owusu Akuffo ◽  
Cynthia Osei Yeboah ◽  
Nana Esi Wood ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Seroprevalence of SARS Cov-2 provides a good indication of the extent of exposure and spread in the population, as well as those likely to benefit from a vaccine candidate. To date, there is no published or ongoing systematic review on the seroprevalence of COVID-19 in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). This systematic review and meta-analysis will estimate SARS Cov-2 seroprevalence and the risk factors for SARS Cov-2 infection in LMICs.Methods We will search PubMed, EMBASE, WHO COVID-19 Global research database, Google Scholar, the African Journals Online, LILAC, HINARI, medRxiv, bioRxiv and Cochrane Library for potentially useful studies on seroprevalence of COVID-19 in LMICs from December 2019 to December 2020 without language restriction. Two authors will independently screen all the articles, select studies based on pre-specified eligibility criteria and extract data using a pre-tested data extraction form. Any disagreements will be resolved through discussion between the authors. The pooled seroprevalence of SARS CoV-2 for people from LMICs will be calculated. Random effects model will be used in case of substantial heterogeneity in the included studies, otherwise fixed-effect model will be used. A planned subgroup, sensitivity and meta-regression analyses will be performed. For comparative studies, the analyses will be performed using Review Manager v 5.4; otherwise, STATA 16 will be used. All effect estimates will be presented with their confidence intervals.Discussion The study will explore and systematically review empirical evidence on SARS Cov-2 seroprevalence in LMICs, and to assess the risk factors for SARS Cov-2 infection in Low Middle Income Countries in the context of rolling out vaccines in these countries. Finally, explore risk classifications to help with the rolling out of vaccines in LMICs.Systematic review registration: The protocol for this review has been registered in PROSPERO (CRD422020221548).


2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (5) ◽  
pp. 1220-1229 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cong Tuan Pham ◽  
Dung Phung ◽  
Thi Vinh Nguyen ◽  
Cordia Chu

Abstract Although many literature reviews synthesize literature regarding workplace health promotion (WHP) interventions, systematic reviews on the effectiveness of and factors influencing the operation of WHP activities in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) are scarce. Therefore, we systematically reviewed evaluation studies to examine the effectiveness and factors related to the implementation of WHP programmes in LMIC. Twenty-six peer-reviewed and grey evaluation studies, published before November 2017, were included from electronic databases (PubMed, The Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, EMBASE and Web of Science) and manual searching. The results revealed that WHP intervention in LMIC was effective in reducing health risks in a wide range of industries and settings, including in resource-poor contexts such as small enterprises and the manufacturing industry. The main factors positively influencing the effectiveness of the intervention are long intervention time period, and needs-based and active intervention strategies. In addition, commitment from workplace leaders, the involvement of workers and support from authorities and professionals are factors contributing to a successful WHP programme. However, the evidence regarding the effectiveness of WHP in LMIC regarding the health outcomes and business productivity is inconclusive due to the several remaining methodological limitations. Future developments of more rigorous methods of evaluating the effectiveness of WHP activities should be addressed to produce higher-quality evidence that would inform future practice.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bianca Carducci ◽  
Christina Oh ◽  
Emily C Keats ◽  
Daniel E Roth ◽  
Zulfiqar A Bhutta

ABSTRACT Food environments may promote access to unhealthy foods, contributing to noncommunicable diseases in low- and middle- income countries (LMICs). This review assessed published evidence on the effects of food environment interventions on anthropometric (BMI and weight status) outcomes in school-aged children (5–9 y) and adolescents (10–19 y) (SACA) in LMICs. We summarized randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-experimental studies (QES) published since 2000 to August 2019 in the peer-reviewed and gray literature that assessed the effects of food-related behavioral and environmental interventions on diet-related health outcomes in SACA in LMICs. Electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library) were searched using appropriate keywords, Medical Subject Headings, and free text terms. Eleven RCTs and 6 QES met the inclusion criteria, testing multicomponent behavioral and environmental interventions in schools. Analysis of 6 RCTs (n  = 17,054) suggested an overall effect on change in BMI [mean difference (MD): −0.11, 95% CI: −0.19 , −0.03], whereas there was no observed effect in 5 studies using endline BMI (n  = 17,371) (MD: 0.05, 95% CI: −0.32, 0.21). There was no significant pooled effect among the 3 QES (n  = 5,023) that reported differences in change in BMI or endline (MD: −0.37, 95% CI: −0.95, 0.22). There is limited evidence to support the modification of diet-related health outcomes through school-based food environment interventions in SACA in LMICs. Further studies are needed to understand the impact of school and community-based food environment interventions on nutritional status in this population.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 129-136
Author(s):  
Irene Kida Minja ◽  
Edda Tandi Lwoga

Purpose of this systematic review was to bring together studies of evidence-based practice among dentists in low- and middle-income countries, where its use has been reported to be limited. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO. Methodology: We searched the evidence (in English only) from medical databases including PubMed, EBSCO, The Cochrane Library, CINAHL, ScienceDirect, HINARI summon, and SCOPUS and Web of Science via Research4Life, grey literature, hand search from relevant articles, and augmented results on Google scholar.Published reports were retrieved from relevant websites and organizations. Studies included those that looked at key factors that facilitate or hinder Evidence Based Dentistry (EBD), as well as outcomes in terms of: knowledge, attitudes and skills of EB practice among dentists; and the methodology used and their relevance in future EBD strategies.Main focus was on dentists, as practitioners and faculty members. Studies on students and non-dental personnel were excluded.Findings:A total of 4568 records were retrieved and five potentially relevant articles were selected after title/abstract screening. Two articles were excluded after full text screening, and therefore Three papers were included in this review. The studies report limited knowledge,unsatisfactory attitude towards EBD and lowpractice of EBD and use of scientific evidence databases. None of the studies reported implementation of EBD nor evaluation thereof. The main barriers that constrained application of EBD ranged from lack of interest to infrastructural limitations. Originality: The current review showed that there is a need to strategised implementation of EBD in this region.


Author(s):  
Katarzyna Kordas ◽  
Julia Ravenscroft ◽  
Ying Cao ◽  
Elena V. McLean

Lead exposure is a legacy issue that continues to affect vulnerable population groups globally, but particularly in low and middle-income countries (LMICS). We take a multi-disciplinary approach to examine the patterns of lead exposure in these countries, discuss the underlying injustices and socio-political causes, and the economic costs that are associated with exposure. We conclude with some lessons we drew from our discussion of lead across the disciplines and advocate for a number of approaches to solving this ongoing issue. These include (i) biomonitoring that could be integrated into existing health surveys or public health programs targeting young children; (ii) greater civic engagement to push for solutions; and, (iii) environmental control policies that represent a continuum of local, context-specific to broad, national-level, and even global approaches.


2015 ◽  
Vol 36 (10) ◽  
pp. 1208-1214 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristy Weinshel ◽  
Angela Dramowski ◽  
Ágnes Hajdu ◽  
Saul Jacob ◽  
Basudha Khanal ◽  
...  

BACKGROUNDHealthcare-associated infection rates are higher in low- and middle-income countries compared with high-income countries, resulting in relatively larger incidence of patient mortality and disability and additional healthcare costs.OBJECTIVETo use the Infection Control Assessment Tool to assess gaps in infection control (IC) practices in the participating countries.METHODSSix international sites located in Argentina, Greece, Hungary, India, Nepal, and South Africa provided information on the health facility and the surgical modules relating to IC programs, surgical antibiotic use and surgical equipment procedures, surgical area practices, sterilization and disinfection of equipment and intravenous fluid, and hand hygiene. Modules were scored for each country.RESULTSThe 6 international sites completed 5 modules. Of 121 completed sections, scores of less than 50% of the recommended IC practices were received in 23 (19%) and scores from 50% to 75% were received in 43 (36%). IC programs had various limitations in many sites and surveillance of healthcare-associated infections was not consistently performed. Lack of administration of perioperative antibiotics, inadequate sterilization and disinfection of equipment, and paucity of hand hygiene were found even in a high-income country. There was also a lack of clearly written defined policies and procedures across many facilities.CONCLUSIONSOur results indicate that adherence to recommended IC practices is suboptimal. Opportunities for improvement of IC practices exist in several areas, including hospital-wide IC programs and surveillance, antibiotic stewardship, written and posted guidelines and policies across a range of topics, surgical instrument sterilization procedures, and improved hand hygiene.Infect. Control Hosp. Epidemiol. 2015;36(10):1208–1214


2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 346-354 ◽  
Author(s):  
Justine A Kavle ◽  
Megan Landry

AbstractObjectiveThe present literature review aimed to review the evidence for community-based distribution (CBD) of iron–folic acid (IFA) supplementation as a feasible approach to improve anaemia rates in low- and middle-income countries.DesignThe literature review included peer-reviewed studies and grey literature from PubMed, Cochrane Library, LILAC and Scopus databases.SettingLow- and middle-income countries.SubjectsNon-pregnant women, pregnant women, and girls.ResultsCBD programmes had moderate success with midwives and community health workers (CHW) who counselled on health benefits and compliance with IFA supplementation. CHW were more likely to identify and reach a greater number of women earlier in pregnancy, as women tended to present late to antenatal care. CBD channels had greater consistency in terms of adequate supplies of IFA in comparison to clinics and vendors, who faced stock outages. Targeting women of reproductive age through school and community settings showed high compliance and demonstrated reductions in anaemia.ConclusionsCBD of IFA supplementation can be a valuable platform for improving knowledge about anaemia, addressing compliance and temporary side-effects of IFA supplements, and increasing access and coverage of IFA supplementation. Programmatic efforts focusing on community-based platforms should complement services and information provided at the health facility level. Provision of training and supportive supervision for CHW on how to counsel women on benefits, side-effects, and when, why, and how to take IFA supplements, as part of behaviour change communication, can be strengthened, alongside logistics and supply systems to ensure consistent supplies of IFA tablets at both the facility and community levels.


BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. e042788
Author(s):  
Chukwudi Arnest Nnaji ◽  
Paul Kuodi ◽  
Fiona M Walter ◽  
Jennifer Moodley

IntroductionBreast and cervical cancers pose a major public health burden globally, with disproportionately high incidence, morbidity and mortality in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The majority of women diagnosed with cancer in LMICs present with late-stage disease, the treatment of which is often costlier and less effective. While interventions to improve the timely diagnosis of these cancers are increasingly being implemented in LMICs, there is uncertainty about their role and effectiveness. The aim of this review is to systematically synthesise available evidence on the nature and effectiveness of interventions for improving timely diagnosis of breast and cervical cancers in LMICs.Methods and analysisA comprehensive search of published and relevant grey literature will be conducted. The following electronic databases will be searched: MEDLINE (via PubMed), Cochrane Library, Scopus, CINAHL, Web of Science and the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP). Evidence will be synthesised in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Two reviewers will independently screen the search outputs, select studies using predefined inclusion criteria and assess each included study for risk of bias. If sufficient data are available and studies are comparable in terms of interventions and outcomes, a meta-analysis will be conducted. Where studies are not comparable and a meta-analysis is not appropriate, a narrative synthesis of findings will be reported.Ethics and disseminationAs this will be a systematic review of publicly available data, with no primary data collection, it will not require ethical approval. Findings will be disseminated widely through a peer-reviewed publication and forums such as conferences, workshops and community engagement sessions. This review will provide a user-friendly evidence summary for informing further efforts at developing and implementing interventions for addressing delays in breast and cervical cancer diagnosis in LMICs.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020177232.


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