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Emerging infectious disease preparedness and response in healthcare: perspectives from COVID-19 and the role of College-Learnt Microbiology

*1Tonui, J.,

2Chepkutto, W., and

3Rotich, J.

1Department of Biomedical Sciences-Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kabarak University, Nakuru, Kenya

2Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Kabarak University, Nakuru, Kenya

3Department of Preventive and Promotive Health, Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya

*Correspondence to: josephat@kabarak.ac.ke

Abstract:

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic began in December 2019 in Wuhan City China where it is believed to have been transmitted to humans from an unknown animal species. The public health, social and economic impact of the pandemic world over is detrimental. Health care providers at the frontline in the fight against COVID-19 are at the greatest risk of infection and so far, many have been infected and some have already died from the disease. Thus, it is imperative that healthcare providers have adequate knowledge of infectious diseases and microbial pathogens to comprehend the scale of risk for better recognition and response. Microbiological concepts of infection prevention and control, hand hygiene and aseptic techniques are essential in slowing down the spread of the virus. COVID-19 has proven that infectious agents can emerge from any region in the world and can spread rapidly with ominous consequences to all humanity. This narrative review discusses the role of college-learnt microbiology in health care provider preparedness for emerging infectious diseases in light of the current pandemic. Continue reading “Emerging infectious disease preparedness and response in healthcare: perspectives from COVID-19 and the role of College-Learnt Microbiology”

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Hygiene quality of traditional and industrial table olives from markets in Rabat-Salé and Temara cities in Morocco

*1Mennane, Z., 2Houlali, I., 3Charof, R., 1Abrini, J., and 1Elmtili, N.

1Food and Health Team, Laboratory of Biology and Health, Faculty of Science, Abdelmalek Essaidi University, P. O. Box 2121, Tetouan, Morocco

2Faculty of Science and Technology, Beni Mellal, Environment Laboratory, Morocco

3Laboratory of Medical Bacteriology, National Institute of Hygiene, Rabat, Morocco

Correspondence to: menzakaria@hotmail.com; 212634564754

Abstract:

Background: Table olives are one of the most important vegetable canning products in Morocco, which is considered one of the world’s largest producing countries. Currently, many outlets prepare table olives by different methods that do not comply with standard hygiene practices. Hence, this research was conducted to assess the quality standard of these olives by evaluating their physico-chemical and microbiological properties. Continue reading “Hygiene quality of traditional and industrial table olives from markets in Rabat-Salé and Temara cities in Morocco”

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Prevalence and pattern of infectious dermatoses referrals to clinical microbiologists in a tertiary hospital in Southern Nigeria

I.I. Osaigbovo

 

Abstract

Background: Infectious dermatoses are rife in low resource tropical countries. The consultative roles of clinical microbiologists in these countries are not portrayed in the literature. Specifically, their role in the management of infectious dermatoses has not been emphasized. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence and pattern of infectious dermatoses referrals to an out-patient infectious disease clinic run by clinical microbiologists.

Method: A retrospective analysis of all outpatient referrals to the clinical microbiologists in a tertiary hospital in southern Nigeria from October 2016 to September 2018 was conducted. The infectious dermatoses referrals were further analysed for patient demographics and frequency of clinical diagnosis.

Results: A total of 545 consults were received, 82 (15.0%) of which were outpatient referrals. Infectious dermatoses accounted for 67 (81.7%) of the outpatient referrals. The male to female ratio was 0.9:1 and mean age was 39.7 ± 17.9 years. Paediatric referrals accounted for 10.4%. The commonest referral diagnoses were tinea corporis/capitis in 28 (41.8%), onchodermatitis in 15 (22.4%) and onychomycosis in 10 (14.9%). Leprosy was suspected in 5 cases (7.5%), lymphatic filariasis in 5 cases (7.5%), and pityriasis in 2 cases (3.0%). Referral diagnosis in 27 cases (38.8%) was a skin-related neglected tropical disease. Microbiological testing confirmed clinical suspicion in 31.3% of cases.

Conclusion: Infectious dermatoses referrals constitute a substantial proportion of referrals to clinical microbiologists in the study location. Clinical microbiologists must be adept in the diagnosis of mycotic and parasitic dermatoses. The trending global health interest in integrated management of skin NTDs should be exploited to advocate for more sensitive diagnostic testing for infectious dermatoses.

Keywords: Clinical, Microbiology, Infectious dermatoses, Consultation, Nigeria

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Prevalence and pattern of infectious dermatoses referrals to clinical microbiologists in a tertiary hospital in Southern Nigeria