Analyzing central-line associated bloodstream infection prevention bundles in 22 countries: The results of ID-IRI survey.

BACKGROUND: Because central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) are a significant complication of central venous access, it is critical to prevent CLABSIs through the use of central line bundles. The purpose of this study was to take a snapshot of central venous access bundles in various countries. METHODS: The participants in intensive care units (ICUs) completed a questionnaire that included information about the health center, infection control procedures, and central line maintenance. The countries were divided into 2 groups: those with a low or low-middle income and those with an upper-middle or high income. RESULTS: Forty-three participants from 22 countries (46 hospitals, 85 ICUs) responded to the survey. Eight (17.4%) hospitals had no surveillance system for CLABSI. Approximately 7.1 % (n = 6) ICUs had no CLABSI bundle. Twenty ICUs (23.5%) had no dedicated checklist. The percentage of using ultrasonography during catheter insertion, transparent semi-permeable dressings, needleless connectors and single-use sterile pre-filled ready to use 0.9% NaCl were significantly higher in countries with higher and middle-higher income (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated that there are significant differences in the central line bundles between low/low-middle income countries and upper-middle/high-income countries. Additional measures should be taken to address inequity in the management of vascular access in resource-limited countries.

Bacterial Etiology of Diarrhoeal Diseases in Children Under 5 Years Old in Ombadda Hospital - Sudan

Abstract:This study was conducted in Ombadda hospital in order to isolate and identify the bacterial aetiology of diarrhoea in children under 5years of age and determine their antibiograms. Stool specimens were collected from children seeking treatment at Ombadda and Omdurman paediatric hospitals from April to September 2008. The stool specimens were cultured on conventional media; and the isolates were identified by biochemical tests; and confirmed by serology. Enteropathogenic E.coli (EPEC) was the predominant isolate (42.11); followed by Salmonella paratyphi B (31.58);Salmonella typhi (10.53) V. cholerae (10.53) and Shigella flexneri(5.26). The enteric bacterial pathogens were susceptible to cefuroxime and ceftriaxone.V.cholerae was susceptible to amoxicillin.This study showed high proportion of bacterial diarrhoea among children less than five years old. The most common causative agent is EPEC which is not part of routine investigation of stool culture in all of the laboratories in Sudan

Assessment of Existing Practices in the Operating Theatre in the Khartoum North Teaching Hospital; Sudan

This study; assessing existing practices in the operating theatre regarding hand washing; disinfection and sterilisation; was conducted at Khartoum North Teaching Hospital. As far as we know; this is the first study of its kind since the inauguration of the hospital in 1950. A total of 55 health personnel working in the operating theatre participated in the study. These included nurses and environmental service personnel (housekeepers and sterilisation and disinfection personnel). Knowledge and practice were evaluated using multiple choice and direct interview questions. Operation theatre sterilisation and disinfection practices were monitored using checklists modified from World Health Organization recommendations. A marked lack of knowledge and defective attitudes and practices were observed among a large number of personnel. It was observed that 51 of the nurses were 46 years of age or older and that two-thirds had only a primary and intermediate school level education. The study recommends the upgrading of the operating theatres and additional training and education of staff. Theatres should be provided with facilities for proper disinfection and waste disposal. Qualified nurses should be employed. We also recommend the establishment of an infection control committee. The role of the committee would include the planning and execution of hygiene policies. In addition; planning and organising training courses in infection control should be seen as a priority