scholarly journals Characterizing the ESBL-Producing Enterobacterales Bioburden in a Neonatal Unit Using Chromogenic Culture Media: A Feasible and Efficient Environmental Sampling Method

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan P Strysko ◽  
Moses Vurayai ◽  
Kgomotso Kgomanyane ◽  
One Bayani ◽  
Margaret Mokomane ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Equipment ◽  
Neonatal Intensive Care ◽  
Culture Media ◽  
Physiological Saline ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Environmental Sampling ◽  
Tertiary Referral Hospital ◽  
Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase ◽  
Flat Surfaces ◽  
Sub Saharan

Abstract Introduction: Infections due to extended spectrum beta-lactamase producing Enterobacterales (ESBL-PE) have emerged as the leading cause of sepsis among hospitalized neonates in Botswana and much of sub-Saharan Africa and south Asia. Yet, ESBL-PE reservoirs and transmission dynamics within the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) environment are not well-understood. This study aimed to assess the efficiency and feasibility of a chromogenic-culture-media-based environmental sampling approach to characterize the ESBL-PE bioburden within a NICU. Methods A series of four point-prevalence surveys were conducted at a 36-bed NICU at a public tertiary referral hospital in Botswana from January-June 2021. Samples were collected on 3 occasions under semi-sterile technique using 1) flocked swabs & templates (flat surfaces); 2) sterile syringe & tubing (water aspiration); and 3) structured swabbing techniques (hands & equipment). Swabs were transported in physiological saline-containing tubes, vortexed, and 10 µL was inoculated onto chromogenic-agar that was selective and differential for ESBL-PE (CHROMagar™ ESBL, Paris, France), streaking plates to isolate individual colonies. Bacterial colonies were quantified and phenotypically characterized using biochemical identification tests. Results In total, 567 samples were collected, 248 (44%) of which grew ESBL-PE. Dense and consistent ESBL-PE contamination was detected in and around sinks and certain high-touch surfaces, while transient contamination was demonstrated on medical equipment, caregivers/healthcare worker hands, insects, and feeding stations (including formula powder). Results were available within 24–72 hours of collection. To collect, plate, and analyse 50 samples, we estimated a total expenditure of $269.40 USD for materials and 13.5 cumulative work hours among all personnel. Conclusions Using basic environmental sampling and laboratory techniques aided by chromogenic culture media, we identified ESBL-PE reservoirs (sinks) and plausible transmission vehicles (medical equipment, infant formula, hands of caregivers/healthcare workers, & insects) in this NICU environment. This strategy was a simple and cost-efficient method to assess ESBL-PE bioburden and may be feasible for use in other settings to support ongoing infection control assessments and outbreak investigations.

scholarly journals Multiple sclerosis in Kenya: Demographic and clinical characteristics of a registry cohort

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 205521732110227
Author(s):  
Imran Jamal ◽  
Jasmit Shah ◽  
Peter Mativo ◽  
Juzar Hooker ◽  
Mitchell Wallin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Symptom Onset ◽  
Clinical Characteristics ◽  
Age Of Onset ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Tertiary Referral Hospital ◽  
Female Ratio ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Neuro Imaging

Background Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is the leading cause of non-traumatic neurological disability in young adults. There is limited literature regarding the burden of MS in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Objective To describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with MS (PwMS) presenting to a tertiary referral hospital in Nairobi. Methods We conducted a retrospective descriptive study for PwMS presenting to Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi from 2008–2018. Results 99 cases met the diagnostic criteria for MS with a male to female ratio of 1:4. Majority (68.7%) of PwMS were indigenous Africans with a mean age of onset of 30.7 years. Mean duration from symptom onset to first neuro-imaging was 5.04 years. Only 33% of patients had sensory symptoms at onset whereas 54.5% had vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency. Majority (79.5%) had relapsing remitting MS (RRMS) and 56.6% were initiated on disease modifying therapy (DMT). Only 21.2% of patients on DMT were non-compliant. Patients with RRMS were more likely to be initiated on DMT at our hospital (p < 0.001). Conclusion Clinical characteristics of these patients largely resemble those of other SSA cohorts and African American patients. There was a delay between symptom onset and neuroimaging. There were also issues with DMT compliance.

scholarly journals Incidence Density Rate of Neonatal Mortality and Predictors in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Zebenay Workneh Bitew ◽  
Ayinalem Alemu ◽  
Ermias Getaneh Ayele ◽  
Desalegn Abebaw Jember ◽  
Michael Tamene Haile ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care ◽  
Neonatal Mortality ◽  
Intensive Care Units ◽  
Neonatal Intensive Care ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Incidence Density ◽  
Neonatal Intensive Care Units ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Incidence Density Rate ◽  
Density Rate

Background. Neonatal mortality in Sub-Saharan countries is remarkably high. Though there are inconsistent studies about the incidence density rate of neonatal mortalities (IDR) and predictors in Sub-Saharan Africa, they are inconclusive to policymakers and program planners. In this study, the IDR of neonatal mortalities and predictors was determined. Methods. Electronic databases (Web of Science, PubMed, EMBASE (Elsevier), Scopus, CINAHL (EBSCOhost), World Cat, Google Scholar, and Google) were explored. 20 out of 818 studies were included in this study. The IDRs and predictors of neonatal mortality were computed from studies conducted in survival analysis. Fixed and random effect models were used to compute pooled estimates. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed. Results. Neonates were followed for a total of 1,095,611 neonate-days; 67142 neonate-days for neonates treated in neonatal intensive care units and 1,028,469 neonate-days for community-based studies. The IDRs of neonatal mortalities in neonatal intensive care units and in the community were 24.53 and 1.21 per 1000 person-days, respectively. The IDRs of early and late neonatal mortalities neonatal intensive care units were 22.51 and 5.09 per 1000 neonate-days, respectively. Likewise, the IDRs of early and late neonatal mortalities in the community were 0.85 and 0.31, respectively. Not initiating breastfeeding within one hour, multiple births, rural residence, maternal illness, low Apgar score, being preterm, sepsis, asphyxia, and respiratory distress syndrome were independent predictors of time to neonatal mortality in neonatal intensive care units and male gender, perceived small size, multiple births, and ANC were predictors of neonatal mortality in the community. Conclusion. The incidence density rate of neonatal mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa is significantly high. Multiple factors (neonatal and maternal) were found to be independent predictors. Strategies must be designed to address these predictors, and prospective studies could reveal other possible factors of neonatal mortalities.

scholarly journals Understanding surgical care delivery in Sub-Saharan Africa: a cross-sectional analysis of surgical volume, operations, and financing at a tertiary referral hospital in rural Tanzania

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Praveen Paul Rajaguru ◽  
Mubashir Alavi Jusabani ◽  
Honest Massawe ◽  
Rogers Temu ◽  
Neil Perry Sheth
Keyword(s):  
Surgical Care ◽  
Referral Hospital ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Surgical Volume ◽  
Tertiary Referral ◽  
Tertiary Referral Hospital ◽  
Emergency Procedures ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Improve Access ◽  
Main Operating

Abstract Background Access to surgical care in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) such as Tanzania is extremely limited. Northern Tanzania is served by a single tertiary referral hospital, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC). The surgical volumes, workflow, and payment mechanisms in this region have not been characterized. Understanding these factors is critical in expanding access to healthcare. The authors sought to evaluate the operations and financing of the main operating theaters at KCMC in Sub-Saharan Africa. Methods The 2018 case volume and specialty distribution (general, orthopaedic, and gynecology) in the main operating theaters at KCMC was retrieved through retrospective review of operating report books. Detailed workflow (i.e. planned and cancelled cases, lengths of procedures, lengths of operating days) and financing data (patient payment methods) from the five KCMC operating theater logs were retrospectively reviewed for the available five-month period of March 2018 to July 2018. Descriptive statistics and statistical analysis were performed. Results In 2018, the main operating theaters at KCMC performed 3817 total procedures, with elective procedures (2385) outnumbering emergency procedures (1432). General surgery (1927) was the most operated specialty, followed by orthopaedics (1371) and gynecology (519). In the five-month subset analysis period, just 54.6% of planned operating days were fully completed. There were 238 cancellations (20.8% of planned operations). Time constraints (31.1%, 74 cases) was the largest reason; lack of patient payment accounted for as many cancellations as unavailable equipment (6.3%, 15 cases each). Financing for elective theater cases included insurance 45.5% (418 patients), and cash 48.4% (445 patients). Conclusion While surgical volume is high, there are non-physical inefficiencies in the system that can be addressed to reduce cancellations and improve capacity. Improving physical resources is not enough to improve access to care in this region, and likely in many LMIC settings. Patient financing and workflow will be critical considerations to truly improve access to surgical care.

Lower Extremity Injury at a Tertiary Referral Hospital in Sub-Saharan Africa: Injuries, Treatments and Outcomes

2012 ◽  
Vol 172 (2) ◽  
pp. 347
Author(s):  
J.A. Tomlinson ◽  
T.E. Chilunjika ◽  
A.G. Charles ◽  
S. Young ◽  
M.C. Hosseinipour ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Referral Hospital ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Lower Extremity Injury ◽  
Extremity Injury ◽  
Tertiary Referral ◽  
Tertiary Referral Hospital ◽  
Sub Saharan

Providing Safe Surgery for Neonates in Sub-Saharan Africa

2003 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 145-147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emmanuel A Ameh ◽  
Nkeiruka Ameh
Keyword(s):  
Neonatal Intensive Care ◽  
Surgical Care ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Neonatal Surgery ◽  
Emergency Situations ◽  
Neonatal Transport ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Delayed Referral ◽  
And Training

Advances in neonatal intensive care, total parenteral nutrition and improvements in technology have led to a greatly improved outcome of neonatal surgery in developed countries. In many parts of sub-Saharan Africa, however, neonatal surgery continues to pose wide-ranging challenges. Delivery outside hospital, delayed referral, poor transportation, and lack of appropriate personnel and facilities continue to contribute to increased morbidity and mortality in neonates, particularly under emergency situations. Antenatal supervision and hospital delivery needs to be encouraged in our communities. Adequate attention needs to be paid to providing appropriate facilities for neonatal transport and support and training of appropriate staff for neonatal surgery. Neonates with surgical problems should be adequately resuscitated before referral where necessary but surgery should not be unduly delayed. Major neonatal surgery should as much as possible be performed by those trained to operate on neonates. Appropriate research and international collaboration is necessary to improve neonatal surgical care in the environment.

scholarly journals Prevalence and Outcome of Obstructed Labour at a Tertiary Institution

2021 ◽  
Vol 04 (09) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Nionzima ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Caesarean Section ◽  
Neonatal Intensive Care ◽  
Mode Of Delivery ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Tertiary Hospital ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Tertiary Institution ◽  
Obstructed Labour ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Prolonged Hospital

Obstructed labour is a common preventable causes of both maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality in developing countries affecting 3-6% labouring women globally and accounts for an estimated 8% of maternal deaths in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Objective: To determine the prevalence and outcome of obstructed labour in the Gynaecology and Obstetrics Department at a tertiary hospital in Northern Uganda. Method: This was a retrospective chart review of pregnant women admitted in labour and delivered by caesarean section from 1st January 2016 to 31st December 2017 at a Lira Regional Referral Hospital, a tertiary institution in Lango Sub region. Data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 16.0. Results: A total of 808 medical charts of mothers with obstructed labour were retrieved, evaluated and included in this review out of 12,189 deliveries during the study period, giving a prevalence of 6.6%. Majority (77%; 622/808) mothers admitted with diagnosis of obstructed were referred in from peripheral facilities. Over half (53.4%) of the women were in the age group of 20 to 29 years. Over 53%, were prime gravidae and were twice more likely to undergo C/S due to obstructed labour than multigravidas (OR 1.8; 95% CI 1.5-2.2). Only 49.2% had documented cause of obstructed labour, with Cephalo-pelvic disproportion being most common (17.5%), malposition/mal-presentation (14.6%), and macrosomia (3.6%). Partograph was used in only 46.6% (374) women who had obstructed labour. The commonest maternal complication observed were Sepsis (11%), PPH (5.2%), uterine rupture (4%) and burst abdomen (3%) which led to prolonged hospital stay and loss of fertility to some. Mode of delivery in the 808 reviewed charts was caesarean section, 90.3% of babies were born alive, while 8.5% (69) were born dead, (1.2%) had early neonatal, and 40.2% were referred Paediatric Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) because of low APGAR score. Conclusion: The prevalence of obstructed labour among women delivered by Caesarean section was high compared to the global average. Majority of the women were referrals from the peripheral health centres and associated with life threatening complications and even death. Young age and prime gravida is associated with obstructed labour and high caesarean section rates. The obstruction in multigravida could be due to secondary cephalo-pelvic disproportion as majority of the babies were in normal range weight. Low use of Partograph to monitor labour was evident among women who had obstructed.

scholarly journals Responding to maternal, neonatal and child health equipment needs in Kenya: a model for an innovation ecosystem leveraging on collaborations and partnerships

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 85-91
Author(s):  
Richard Ayah ◽  
John Ong'ech ◽  
Edwin Maina Mbugua ◽  
Rose Chepchumba Kosgei ◽  
Katie Waller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Child Health ◽  
Medical Devices ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Medical Equipment ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
National Bureau ◽  
Clinical Testing ◽  
Innovation Ecosystem ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
And Child Health

BackgroundUp to 70% of medical devices in low-income and middle-income countries are partially or completely non-functional, impairing service provision and patient outcomes. In Sub-Saharan Africa, medical devices not designed for local conditions, lack of well-trained biomedical engineers and diverse donated equipment have led to poor maintenance and non-repair. The Maker Project’s aim was to test the effectiveness of an innovative partnership ecosystem network, the ‘Maker Hub’, in reducing gaps in the supply of essential medical devices for maternal, newborn and child health. This paper describes the first phase of the project, the building of the Maker Hub.MethodsKey activities in setting up the Maker Hub—a collaborative partnership between the University of Nairobi (UoN) and the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), catalysed by Concern Worldwide Kenya—are described using a product development partnership approach. Using a health systems approach, a needs assessment identified a medical equipment shortlist. Design thinking with a capacity building component was used by the UoN (innovators, public health specialists, engineers) working closely and with KNH nurses, physicians and biomedical engineers to develop the prototypes.ResultsTo date, four medical device prototypes have been developed. Two have been evaluated by the National Bureau of Standards and one has undergone clinical testing.ConclusionsWe have demonstrated an innovative partnership ecosystem that has developed medical devices that have undergone national standards evaluation and clinical testing, a first in Sub-Saharan Africa. Promoting a robust innovation ecosystem for medical equipment requires investment in building trust in the innovation ecosystem.

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