Detection and comparison of SARS-CoV-2 antibody produced in naturally infected patients and vaccinated individuals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: multicenter cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Natural infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) or vaccination triggers antibody production against key viral antigens. However, there is limited evidence on the levels of antibodies produced in naturally infected individuals compared to those vaccinated in Ethiopia. Therefore, we aimed to detect and compare SARS-CoV-2 antibodies produced by naturally infected and vaccinated individuals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a multicenter cross-sectional study among a total of 355 naturally infected and 355 vaccinated individuals from November 2022 to April 2023 at 10 selected health facilities in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. We enrolled the participants consecutively upon their arrival at health facilities until the required sample size was achieved. We used a structured questionnaire to collect data on the demographic and clinical characteristics of the participants. We also collected 3-5 ml of blood samples from all participants and tested for anti-Spike (anti-S) and anti-nucleocapsid (anti-N) antibodies using Cobas 6000. We utilized frequency, mean, or median to describe the data, the Mann-Whitney U test to compare groups, and a generalized linear regression model to assess factors associated with anti-S antibody concentration. We analyzed the data with SPSS version 26, and the level of significance was set at P-value < 0.05. RESULTS: Of the naturally infected participants, 352 (99.5%) had anti-S antibodies and all (100%) had anti-N antibodies, whereas among vaccinated participants, all (100%) had anti-S antibodies, while 323 (91.6%) had anti-N antibodies. Anti-S antibodies produced by vaccinated individuals were significantly (P < 0.001) higher than those produced as a result of natural infection. Being young (P = 0.004), having hypertension (P < 0.001), and having diabetes (P < 0.001) were significantly associated with lower anti-S antibody levels, while being recently vaccinated and having a higher number of vaccine doses were significantly associated with higher anti-S antibody concentrations in vaccinated participants. Having diabetes (P < 0.001) were significantly associated with lower anti-S concentrations in participants who were naturally infected. CONCLUSION: There is a high seropositivity rate in both naturally infected and vaccinated individuals. However, vaccinated individuals had higher levels of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies than those who were naturally infected, which highlights the significant contribution of vaccination in increasing the protection of COVID-19 in Ethiopia.

Analyzing health service employees' intention to use e-health systems in southwest Ethiopia: using UTAUT-2 model.

BACKGROUND: E-health systems have the potential to improve healthcare delivery and access to medical services in resource-constrained settings. Despite its impact, the system exhibits a low level of consumer acceptance and intention to use it. This research paper aims to analyze the intention of health service employees to use e-health systems in southwest Ethiopia using the UTAUT-2 model. METHOD: Institutional-based cross-sectional studies were conducted at four referral hospitals (two private and two public) to examine the acceptance of e-health among consumers. Employees who had previous experience with diagnostic information systems and the health logistic information system were given structured questionnaires based on the UTAUT-2 model. The data were analyzed using the PLS-SEM method to identify the key factors that influence the intention to use e-health systems. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 and SmartPLS 3 software. RESULT: Out of the 400 surveyed employees, 225 (56.25%) valid questionnaires were collected. The findings indicate that three factors-effort expectancy (ß = 0.276, t = 3.015, p = 0.001), habit (ß = 0.309, t = 3.754, p = 0), and performance expectancy (ß = 0.179, t = 1.905, p = 0.028)-had a significant positive impact on employees' intention to use e-health systems. On the other hand, factors such as social influence, facilitating conditions, hedonic motivation, and price values did not appear as significant predictors of intention to use e-health. The study model was able to predict 63% of employees' intentions to use e-health systems. CONCLUSION: Effort expectancy, habit, and performance expectancy were significant predictors of employees' intention to use e-health systems among health service employees in southwest Ethiopia. The study supports the ideas that ease of use, experience with information systems, and the role of the systems in improving job performance contribute to employees' intention to use e-health. Policymakers and healthcare organizations in the region can use these findings to develop strategies for successful implementation and adoption of e-health systems, ultimately improving healthcare services and outcomes for the population.

Antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of bacteria isolated from patients with ear discharge in Jimma Town, Southwest, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Otitis media is among the leading causes of childhood illnesses although it can also affect the adults resulting in frequent physician visits, drug prescription and a key contributor to antibiotic resistance. The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors, bacterial profile, and the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of the isolates from patients with discharging ears which clinically equates to draining otitis media in developing countries with limited medical resources such as otoscope. METHODS: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 173 patients with draining otitis media. The ear discharge specimens were collected and analyzed by standard microbial techniques. The antibiotic susceptibility profiles were determined for 19 different antibiotics by the standard disk diffusion method. Data was analyzed by SPSS version 22 and the P value of less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. RESULTS: Among 173 otitis media patients participated in the study; majority, 102(63%) were pediatrics, out of which 72 (41.61%) were in the age group of less than 4 years. Ear infection was bilateral in 39 (22.54%) and chronic in 100 (57.8%) of the patients. Pathogens were isolated from 160 (92.5%) of the patients with a total of 179 isolates. The predominant isolate was Staphylococcus aureus (30.72%) followed by Proteus spp. (17.89%). The result of this study showed that adult age (p = 0.031), rural residence (p = 0.005), previous history of health care visit and treatment (p = 0.000), upper respiratory tract infection (p = 0.018) and presence of cigarette smoker in the house (p = 0.022) had statistically significant association with chronic otitis media. Most of the isolated bacteria showed high level of resistance to ampicillin/amoxicillin (88.3%), penicillin G (79.5%) followed by trimethoprim /sulfamethoxazole (73.8%). Conversely, the majority of bacterial isolates showed moderate susceptibility to ciprofloxacin (72.9%), gentamicin (70.4%), and amikacin (69.3%). Bacterial isolates identified in this study showed trend of multiple drug resistance, majority (67%) being resistant to three or more antimicrobials. CONCLUSIONS: Majority of the bacterial isolates were multidrug resistant, hence, efforts to isolate microorganisms and determine the susceptibility pattern should be strengthened to improve the treatment outcome of otitis media instead of the usual trend of empirical treatment.

Bacterial contamination of single and multiple-dose parenteral injection vials after opening and antibiotic susceptibility of isolates at Jimma Medical Center, Jimma, Southwest Ethiopia.

Background: Single- or multiple-dose vials are prone to bacterial contamination after improper handling and can be potential reservoirs of microorganisms that could be transmitted to the patient through the parenteral route. The present study aims to assess the magnitude of the problem and associated factors at Jimma Medical Center (JMC), Jimma, Southwest Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was conducted at JMC from July 2021 to October 2021. A total of 384 parental medications and nurse interviews that were administered in 11 wards and 3 intensive care units were included. Samples were processed and identified by conventional bacterial culture methods. Results: The overall prevalence of vial contamination due to aerobic bacteria was 21 (5.5%) among multiple-dose vials and none of the single-dose vials. The highest level of contamination (8, 38.1%) was found in the paediatric ward. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae were the most common microorganisms identified vial contamination, 6 cases (28.5%) and 5 cases (23.8%) respectively Multidrug resistance was identified in 95.2% of the isolates, with all Gram-negative isolates showing a multidrug resistance against the tested antibiotics. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, vial contamination was strongly associated with reuse of syringe and/or needle, the environment where medication was handled, and the storage conditions. Conclusion: In this study, the prevalence of vial contamination was high. The bacterial isolates from vials were also resistant to commonly prescribed antimicrobial drugs. Healthcare professionals must strictly adhere to basic infection control practices as per standard guidelines to reduce the risk of infection from contaminated vials.

Fecal Carriage of Extended-Spectrum ß-Lactamase and Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae Among Oncology and Non-Oncology Patients at Jimma Medical Center in Ethiopia: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study.

Purpose: Extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL) and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) are among the major threats to global health because of their encoded protection against key antibiotics. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among oncology and non-oncology patient groups (1:1; n = 214) on a consecutive sampling approach. Stool or rectal swab was collected from June 2021 to November 2021 and screened for ESBL-PE and CPE using ChromID-ESBL media. Confirmation for the enzymes was made by using combination disc and modified carbapenem inactivation methods, respectively. Disk diffusion method was used to determine antimicrobial susceptibility testing following the recommendations of CLSI 2022. SPSS software version 23 was used for data analysis. Results: Fecal carriage prevalence of ESBL-PE was found in 90 (84.1%) of oncology participants and in 77 (71.9%) of non-oncology patients (p = 0.032). Escherichia coli was the most common ESBL-PE isolate in 82 (62.5%) and 68 (88.3%) of oncology and non-oncology patients, followed by Klebsiella oxytoca [15 (11.5%) versus 6 (7.8%)], respectively. Out of the total ESBL-PE isolates from both oncology and non-oncology patient groups, the maximum level of resistance was observed against ciprofloxacin 177 (86.3%), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole 103 (80.3%), tetracycline 97 (75.8%), whereas enhanced susceptibility was appreciated to tigecycline 200 (97.6%), meropenem 162 (79.0%), and ertapenem 145 (70.7%) with no significant difference between oncology and non-oncology group. Carbapenemase-producing isolates from oncology patients were 12 (11.2%), whereas it was 4 (3.7%) (p = 0.611) from non-oncology group. Bacterial isolates from oncology in this study showed a trend of multiple drug resistance of 113 (88.3%). Conclusion: The results revealed alarmingly high carriage rates of ESBL and CPE among all study participants. Moreover, the isolates showed increased resistance rates to alternative drugs and had multiple antibiotic-resistant patterns. Hence, it is important to emphasize strict adherence to antimicrobial stewardship program as well as infection prevention and control practices.

Phenotypic Drug Resistance Pattern and Mutation Characteristics of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from Different Body Fluids Among Extra Pulmonary Patients Presented in Selected Hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Background: Drug resistance in tuberculosis poses challenges to both the control and prevention of the disease. The extent of resistance is not well known in developing countries, including Ethiopia. This study was conducted to determine the drug resistance patterns and mutation characteristics of Mycobacterium tuberculosis among extra pulmonary tuberculosis patients in selected health facilities in Addis Ababa. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from February 2022 to August 2022 in selected hospitals in Addis Ababa. Socio-demographic and clinical data were collected using structured questionnaire. Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) isolates were tested for phenotypic drug susceptibility patterns using the Mycobacterium growth indicator tube (MGIT) method for first-line drugs and mutation characteristics using the Line Probe Assay (LPA) method. The data were analyzed using: SPSS version 23, and a P-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: From a total of 308 patient samples from presumptive extra pulmonary patients, 44 (14.3%) were positive for MTBC. Any drug resistance was discovered in 25% of 44 MTBC isolates evaluated for five first-line drugs phenotypically, with isoniazid (INH) and pyrazinamide (PZA) resistance accounting for a greater proportion with 13.6% and 11.4% of the isolates, respectively. Two (4.5%) of the isolates were MDR-TB. Out of 44 isolates tested using the Geno Type MTBDRplus assay, 5 (11.4%) showed mutations at katG and 2 (4.5%) showed mutations in the rpoB genes. Conclusion: Both the phenotypic and genotypic drug susceptibility test results showed a high proportion of INH resistance. All INH resistance-conferring mutations were identified from katG gene. The overall prevalence of MDR-TB was also high. For early case detection and treatment, expanding diagnostic capacity for first-line DST is a vital step to limit further spread of drug resistant TB strains in the study area.

Isolation and Characterization of Lactic Acid Bacteria from Fermented Milk Produced in Jimma Town, Southwest Ethiopia, and Evaluation of their Antimicrobial Activity against Selected Pathogenic Bacteria.

Background: Raw milk is usually contaminated with pathogenic bacteria. Fermentation of milk is important to inhibit the growth of contaminants, spoilage, and pathogenic bacteria. The objective of this study was to isolate lactic acid bacteria from fermented milk and evaluate their antimicrobial activity against selected pathogenic bacteria. Methods: Laboratory-based experimental study design was conducted from May-July, 2021.Three samples of Ergo (each of 250 ml) were collected from Jimma town. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolates were identified through integrated phenotypic techniques. Further identification was conducted through using API 50 CHL strips. Antimicrobial activities (AMAs) of LAB isolates were tested against clinical isolates of E. coli, S. aureus, and Salmonella spp. using agar well diffusion method. The data were analyzed by using SPSS software version 21 and Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. Tables and figures were applied to describe characteristics of data. Results: Twelve LAB isolates were identified. Those LAB isolates include six Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis, Lactobacillus acidophilus (2), Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (1), Limosilactobacillus fermentum (2), and Leuconostoc lactis (1). Based on primary screening of LAB, isolates/strains ESCIa, ESBIa, and ESCIc show strong AMA against S. aureus, E. coli, and Salmonella spp. The CFS of ESCIc showed the highest AMA against S. aureus and Salmonella spp. with a zone of inhibition of 14.12 ± 1.6 mm and 12.9 ± 3.6 mm, respectively, while ESBIa showed the highest AMA against E. coli with a zone of inhibition of 13.5 ± 2.1 mm. The CFSs of selected LAB strains were heat tolerant at varying temperatures up to 100°C. The CFSs of selected LAB strains were inactivated by proteinase enzymes, but they are not inactivated with amylase enzymes. Conclusions and Recommendation. All 12 LAB isolates exhibited antimicrobial activity against tested bacterial strains. Lactobacillus isolates showed the highest antagonistic activity on tested indicator strains. Thus, they are possible alternatives to antibiotics in the era of antimicrobial resistance. S. aureus was the most sensitive to antimicrobial effects/agents of selected LAB isolates. Consumption of fermented foods is advisable since they support the growth of healthy GIT microbiota. Fermentation serves as biopreservation of food. However, analysis of probiotic features and in vivo probiotic effects of those LAB isolates will be subject of future research/study.

Assessment of Phage-Mediated Inhibition and Removal of Multidrug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilm on Medical Implants.

Purpose: Despite the growing interest in bacteriophage (phage) usage for the prevention, control, and removal of bacterial biofilms, few scientific data exist on phage applications on medical implant surfaces, while none exists on multiple implants. In this study, we aimed to isolate, biophysically characterize and assess phages as potential antibiofilm agents to inhibit and remove multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm on catheter and endotracheal tube surfaces. Methods: The well-identified stored clinical isolates (n = 7) of MDR P. aeruginosa were obtained from Jimma Medical Center. Specific phages were isolated and characterized based on standard protocols. The phages were tested for their antibiofilm effects in preventing colonization and removing preformed biofilms of MDR P. aeruginosa, following phage coating and treatment of catheter and endotracheal tube segments. Results: Two P. aeruginosa-specific phages (ΦJHS-PA1139 and ΦSMK-PA1139) were isolated from JMC compound sewage sources. The phages were biophysically characterized as being thermally stable up to 40°C and viable between pH 4.0 and 11.0. The two phages tested against clinical MDR strains of P. aeruginosa showed broad host ranges but not on other tested bacterial species. Both phages reduced MDR bacterial biofilms during the screening step. The phage-coated segments showed 1.2 log10 up to 3.2 log10 inhibition relative to non-coated segments following 6 h coating of segments prior to microbial load exposure. In both phages, 6 h treatment of the segments with 106 PFU/mL yielded 1.0 log10 up to 1.6 log10 reductions for ΦJHS and 1.6 log10 up to 2.4 log10 reductions for ΦSMK. Conclusion: Our results suggest that phages have great potential to serve the dual purpose as surface coating agents for preventing MDR bacterial colonization in medical implants and as biofilm removal agents in implant-associated infections.