Posted on

Mobile phones of hospital workers: a potential reservoir for the transmission of pathogenic bacteria

*[1]Bissong, M. E. A., and [2]Moukou, M.

1Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Bamenda, P. O. Box 39, Bambili, Cameroon

2Department of Medical Laboratory Science, University of Bamenda, P. O. Box 39, Bambili, Cameroon *Correspondence to: mabissong@yahoo.com; +237675301641

Abstract:

Background: Mobile phones are increasingly associated with the transmission of pathogenic microbial agents. In the clinical setting where there is usually high exposure to pathogens, these devices may serve as vehicles for the transmission/spread of pathogens. This study determined the prevalence of bacterial contamination of mobile phones of health workers and the predisposing factors, in order to ascertain the risk of transmission of pathogenic bacteria through mobile phones. Continue reading “Mobile phones of hospital workers: a potential reservoir for the transmission of pathogenic bacteria”

Posted on

Emergence of nosocomial-acquired extensively drug-resistant  and pandrug-resistant Enterobacterales in a teaching hospital in Kuwait

[1]Chadha, A., 1,2Jamal, W., and *3Rotimi, V. O.

Departments of Microbiology, 1Mubarak Al Kabeer Hospital, 2Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Health Sciences Center, Jabriya, Kuwait                      3Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, Lagos State University College of Medicine, Ikeja, Nigeria *Correspondence to: bunmivr@yahoo.com

Abstract:

 Background: The emergence and high ascendancy of infections caused by extensively-drug-resistant (XDR) and pandrug-resistant (PDR) Enterobacterales isolates is a serious clinical and public health challenge. Isolation of PDR Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) in clinical setting is very rare and rarer is the infection caused by XDR GNB. Apart from restricted therapeutic options, these infections are associated with increased mortality and morbidity. Urgent studies to re-evaluate existing therapeutic options and research into new antibiotic molecules are desperately needed. The objectives of this study are to report the emergence of rarely encountered multidrug-resistant (MDR), difficult-to-threat, CRE infections in our hospital and investigate their molecular epidemiology.

Methodology: This was a retrospective observational analysis of six patients with severe infections caused by XDR and PDR Enterobacterales isolates at Mubarak AL Kabeer Teaching Hospital, Jabriya, Kuwait, over a period of one and half years. The mechanisms of resistance in these isolates were then prospectively investigated by molecular characterization and genomic studies. Continue reading “Emergence of nosocomial-acquired extensively drug-resistant  and pandrug-resistant Enterobacterales in a teaching hospital in Kuwait”

Posted on

Profile of Infections in Intensive Care Unit (Icu) in a Central Nigeria Tertiary Hospital

KC Iregbu, SA Sonibare

 

Abstract

Background: Intensive Care Units (ICUs) accommodate the most seriously ill patients in a relatively confined environment. Increased duration of stay, increased number of indwelling and invasive devices and prolonged or inappropriate use of antibiotics are common features of ICUs, with consequent or associated increase in selection of multi-resistant  pathogens, morbidity and mortality.
Objectives: To determine the identity and antimicrobial resistance pattern of organisms commonly associated with infections in the ICU of the hospital.
Method: A retrospective study of Intensive Care Units (ICU) infections in NHA over a three-year period January 1st, 2010 to December 31st, 2012 was conducted through review and analysis of laboratory data.
Results: Data for 79 specimens were fully analysed; 35(44%) from urine, 17 (22%) from blood, 6 (8%) from tracheal specimens and 8 (10%) from wound. Forty-one (52%)of the specimens yielded growth;16 (20%) from urine, 8 (10%) from wound, 6 (8%) from tracheal specimens,3(4%) from blood and others 8(10%). 14(34%) out of the 41 isolates were Escherichia coli, 8 (20%) Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 6 (15%) were Staphylococcus aureus and 6 (15%) Klebsiella pneumoniae. Three (4%) of the specimens
yielded mixed growths while another 3 (4%) yielded Candida species. Sensitivity of E. coli to third generation cephalosporins ranged from 62-72%and 90% to imipenem. For Klebsiella pneumoniae it was 67-75% to third generation cephalosporins and 100% to imipenem. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was 71% and 83% sensitive to ceftazidime and imipenem respectively. Staphylococcus aureus was 67% and 83% sensitive to amoxicillin-clavulanate and imipenem respectively. Susceptibility of all
these isolates to fluoroquinolones and aminoglycosides remained poor.
Conclusion: The isolates from the ICU were same as common in clinical specimens. There was wide variability in resistance with a tendency to increase over time. This trend needs to be monitored while antibiotic stewardship should be emphasised.

Key words: Intensive care units (ICU), nosocomial Infections, antibiotic susceptibility.

Download full journal in PDF below

Profile of Infections in Intensive Care Unit (Icu) in a Central Nigeria Tertiary Hospital