Point prevalence surveys of antibiotic prescribing in children at a tertiary hospital in a resource constraint, low-income sub-Saharan African country-the impact of an antimicrobial stewardship program.

BACKGROUND: Resistance to multiple antibiotics by several pathogens has been widely described in children and has become a global health emergency. This is due to increased use by parents, caregivers, and healthcare providers. This study aims to describe the prevalence rates of antibiotic prescribing, ascertain the impact of antimicrobial stewardship programs, and target improving the quality of antibiotic prescribing in the paediatric population over time in a hospital. METHOD: A point prevalence survey of antibiotic use was performed yearly for 4 years to monitor trends in antibiotic prescribing. Data from all patients admitted before 8 a.m. on the day of the PPS were included. A web-based application designed by the University of Antwerp was used for data entry, validation, and analysis ( http://www.global-pps.com ). RESULTS: A total of 260 children, including 90 (34.6%) neonates and 170 (65.4%) older children, were admitted during the four surveys. Overall, 179 (68.8%) patients received at least one antibiotic. In neonates, the prevalence of antibiotic use increased from 78.9 to 89.5% but decreased from 100 to 58.8% in older children. There was a reduction in the use of antibiotics for prophylaxis from 45.7 to 24.6%. The most frequently prescribed antibiotic groups were third generation cephalosporins and aminoglycosides. The most common indications for antibiotic prescription were sepsis in neonates and central nervous system infection in older children. The documentation of reason in notes increased from 33 to 100%, while the stop-review date also increased from 19.4 to 70%. CONCLUSION: The indicators for appropriate antibiotic prescription improved over time with the introduction of antibiotic stewardship program in the department.

'Prospective audit with intervention and feedback' as a core antimicrobial stewardship strategy in the paediatrics department of a Nigerian tertiary hospital.

Introduction: Inappropriate use of antibiotics for childhood illnesses, especially for non-bacterial infections, contributes to the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Globally, implementation of antimicrobial stewardship programme (ASP) in all healthcare institutions is a strategic intervention to improve the appropriate use of antibiotics, reduce antimicrobial consumption and tackle AMR. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of prospective audit with intervention and feedback as an antimicrobial stewardship strategy on antimicrobial use, evaluate prescribers' response to recommendations and determine the rate of AMR in the Paediatrics Department of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This was an implementation study of the paediatrics Antimicrobial Stewardship Programme (ASP) over a period of 6 months. It was initiated with a point prevalence survey (PPS) to describe the antimicrobial prescribing patterns and followed by prospective audit with interventions and feedback using an antimicrobial checklist and the existing antimicrobial guidelines in the Paediatrics Department. Results: The antibiotic prescribing prevalence was high (79.9%) at baseline PPS with 139 patients on admission, of which 111 (79.9%) were treated with 202 antibiotic therapies. Over the 6 months of study, 582 patients on 1146 antimicrobial therapies were audited. Compliance with departmental guidelines was 58.1% of the total 1146 prescriptions audited (n = 666), making the antimicrobial prescription inappropriate in 41.9% (n = 480) of therapies. The most recommended intervention for inappropriateness was 'change antibiotics' 48.8% (n = 234), followed by 'stop antibiotics' 26% (n = 125), 'reduce the number of antibiotics' 19.6% (n = 194) and 'de-escalate' 2.4% (n = 11). Agreement with ASP interventions occurred in 193 (40.2%) cases, and the least agreed intervention was 'stop antibiotics' (n = 40, 32%). However, there was a steady increase in compliance rates with ASP interventions over the 6 months of period study, which was statically significant (χ2: 30.005; P = 0.001). Conclusion: ASP prospective audit with intervention and feedback was of significant benefit in improving compliance with antimicrobial guidelines, thereby improving antimicrobial therapy in the Paediatrics Department of LUTH, Nigeria.

Feasibility study of prospective audit, intervention and feedback as an antimicrobial stewardship strategy at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital.

BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial resistance, a global problem, is mostly a consequence of misuse or overuse of antimicrobials. This study sought to audit the compliance to hospital antimicrobial policy and determine the ability of medical students to carry out audits. METHODOLOGY: This was a retrospective study to determine compliance with departmental policies in the preceding 2 months in the Children's Emergency Room (ChER) using a checklist. The primary outcome was to determine the rational use of antibiotics. The secondary outcomes were to determine whether the de-escalation of antibiotic, change from intravenous to oral or change in prescriptions were performed in line with culture results based on the departmental policy. RESULTS: The records of 450 children who attended ChER of Lagos University Teaching Hospital in January and February 2018 were retrieved for this study, of which 279 (62.0%) were prescribed antimicrobials. A suspected or confirmed diagnosis of infection was made in 214 (76.6%) of the patients, significantly highest in the infant age group (P = 0.03). Cultures were taken from 94 patients (33.7%), and although not statistically significant, cultures were mostly taken from neonatal patients aged <28 days (20/49, 40.8%). Applying the criteria, compliance with departmental guidelines was found in 111 (39.8%) of the cases. CONCLUSION: We found that the use of antimicrobials was judged unnecessary in 17.2% of the patients seen in ChER. There was a poor practice of collecting samples for culture before prescribing antibiotics. Prospective audit and feedback is feasible and it can be done with medical students who will report their findings to consultants and other doctors knowledgeable in principles of antimicrobial therapy.

Serum Vitamin D Deficiency and Male Infertility: A Relationship?

Background Male infertility is one of the major reproductive health concerns, causing a lot of distress for couples globally. Others have looked into its connection to vitamin D deficiency, but their findings are conflicting. Aim This study aimed to determine the relationship between male infertility and vitamin D deficiency among Nigerians. Method This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 132 men. A purposive sampling technique was employed to recruit 66 participants in the study (men with infertility) and control groups (men with proven fertility). Descriptive statistics were conducted, while the association between vitamin D level and sperm parameters was assessed using bivariate and regression modeling. A two-tailed test of the hypothesis was assumed, and the level of statistical significance was set at a P-value < 0.05. Results None of the participants had a serum vitamin D deficiency. However, the overall serum vitamin D insufficiency rate was 15%. The median vitamin D level for the total study population (both fertile and infertile) was 37.52 ng/ml (IQR: 32.1 - 51.69). This study demonstrated no association between serum vitamin D levels and male infertility, as well as no association between serum vitamin D levels and the quality of semen parameters. Conclusion There was no significant association between vitamin D levels, male infertility, and seminal fluid parameters. However, larger multi-center studies are recommended to provide further insights into this conclusion.

Prevalence of anaerobic bacteria in surgical site infections in Lagos University Teaching Hospital.

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is the second most common cause of nosocomial infection, after urinary tract infection. Sequelae of SSI include increased healthcare costs and worse patient outcomes. There is a paucity of research studies on the impact of anaerobic organisms on SSIs in Nigeria. The aim of this study was to determine the role of anaerobic bacteria in SSI encountered at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH). Materials and Methods: A total of 438 patients were consecutively recruited into this study from general surgery, obstetrics and gynaecology and paediatric units of the LUTH from 1 July through 31 December 2019. Two surgical wound specimens were collected from all patients with suspected SSIs. One was for anaerobic culture using Brucella blood agar incubated in an anaerobic jar that secured anaerobiosis using the anaerobic gas pack. The other swab was used for aerobic culture on blood agar incubated on air at 37oC. Identifications and antibiotic sensitivity testing were performed according to standard laboratory procedures. Result: The overall incidence of SSI in the study was 12.3%. The incidence of anaerobic SSI was 1.1%. The distribution of anaerobic infections by medical specialty unit was as follows; general surgery (1.6%), obstetrics and gynaecology (0.8%) and paediatrics (0.9%). Bacteroides species was the only anaerobic isolate. The risk factors associated with the development of SSI by multiple logistic regression analysis were duration of surgery greater than 2 h (OR 1.418; 95% CI 1.834-9.286; P = 0.001) and NNIS risk index 2 and 3 - (OR 2.165; 95% CI 2.366-32.086; P = 0.001). Conclusions: The prevalence of anaerobic SSI was 1.1%. Duration of surgery greater than 2 h and NNIS risk index 2 and 3 were independent predictors of SSI.

Antimicrobials for treating symptomatic non-typhoidal Salmonella infection.

BACKGROUND: Non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) commonly causes diarrhoea, and is usually self-limiting, although sometimes people become ill with sepsis and dehydration. Routine antibiotic use for this infection could result in persistent colonization and the spread of resistant bacterial strains. OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy and safety of giving antibiotics to people with NTS diarrhoea. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group trials register (up to August 2012), the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (CENTRAL) published in The Cochrane Library (up to Issue 8 2012); and MEDLINE, African Index Medicus, CINAHL, EMBASE, LILACS, and the Science Citation Index, all up to 6 August 2012. We also searched the metaRegister of Controlled Trials (mRCT) for both completed and on going trials and reference lists of relevant articles. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing any antibiotic treatment for diarrhoea caused by NTS species with placebo or no antibiotic treatment. We selected trials that included people of all ages who were symptomatic for NTS infection. Examples of symptoms included fever, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhoea. We excluded trials where the outcomes were not reported separately for the NTS subgroup of patients. Two review authors independently applied eligibility criteria prior to study inclusion. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently extracted data on pre-specified outcomes and independently assessed the risk of bias of included studies. The primary outcome was the presence of diarrhoea between two to four days after treatment. The quality of evidence was assessed using the GRADE methods. MAIN RESULTS: Twelve trials involving 767 participants were included. No differences were detected between the antibiotic and placebo/no treatment arms for people with diarrhoea at two to four days after treatment (risk ratio (RR) 1.75, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.42 to 7.21; one trial, 46 participants; very low quality evidence). No difference was detected for the presence of diarrhoea at five to seven days after treatment (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.62 to 1.12; two trials, 192 participants; very low quality evidence), clinical failure (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.62 to 1.25; seven trials, 440 participants; very low quality evidence). The mean difference for diarrhoea was 0 days (95% CI -0.54 to 0.54; 202 participants, four studies; low quality evidence);for fever was 0.27 days (95% CI -0.11 to 0.65; 107 participants, two studies; very low quality evidence); and for duration of illness was 0 days (95% CI -0.68 to 0.68; 116 participants, two studies; very low quality evidence). Quinolone antibiotic treatment resulted in a significantly higher number of negative stool cultures for NTS during the first week of treatment (microbiological failure: RR 0.33, 95% CI 0.20 to 0.56; 166 participants, four trials).Antibiotic treatment meant passage of the same Salmonella serovar one month after treatment was almost twice as likely (RR 1.96, 95% CI 1.29 to 2.98; 112 participants, three trials), which was statistically significant. Non-severe adverse drug reactions were more common among the patients who received antibiotic treatment. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is no evidence of benefit for antibiotics in NTS diarrhoea in otherwise healthy people. We are uncertain of the effects in very young people, very old people, and in people with severe and extraintestinal disease. A slightly higher number of adverse events were noted in people who received antibiotic treatment for NTS.

Antimicrobial susceptibility and neonatal sepsis in a tertiary care facility in Nigeria: a changing trend?

Background: Neonatal sepsis remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in neonates, especially in developing countries. Objectives: To determine the prevalence, common bacterial pathogens, and the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of neonatal sepsis at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Lagos, Nigeria. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of neonates who presented at the facility with symptoms and signs of sepsis from January 2017 to October 2017. Demographic and clinical data were extracted using a structured questionnaire. Blood culture, urine and CSF were collected and cultured on blood and MacConkey agar. Bacterial isolates were identified using Microbact 24E system and biochemical tests. Antibacterial susceptibility testing was done using the modified Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Results: Two hundred and ninety neonates were recruited during the study period. Seventy-three (25.2%) neonates had culture-proven sepsis. One (0.3%) neonate had meningitis and no neonates (0%) had confirmed urinary tract infection. Of the 73 neonates with positive blood cultures, 56 (76.7%) had early-onset sepsis and 17 (23.3%) had late-onset sepsis. Gram-negative bacilli accounted for 60.3% of all isolates. Predominantly isolated pathogens were Staphylococcus aureus (20.5%), CoNS (19.2%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (13.7%). The isolates were most susceptible to levofloxacin and amikacin. Conclusions: Neonatal sepsis is still a huge burden in the newborn. S. aureus, CoNS and K. pneumoniae are the prevalent pathogens in the local facility, with good susceptibility to levofloxacin and amikacin. Maintaining regular antibiotic surveillance for appropriate empirical antibiotics is important as part of neonatal care.

Antimicrobial stewardship programmes in healthcare facilities in Lagos State, Nigeria: a needs assessment.

OBJECTIVES: Optimising antibiotic use in healthcare settings through antimicrobial stewardship programmes (ASPs) is critical to effectively treat infections, protect patients from harms caused by unnecessary antibiotic use, and combat antimicrobial resistance. This needs assessment was designed to provide the current status of ASPs in healthcare facilities in Lagos State and identify gaps for future interventions. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire to ascertain the extent and nature of ongoing ASPs among selected healthcare facilities and identify gaps for future interventional studies. RESULTS: Of 32 questionnaires distributed, 25 (78%) were completed and returned from three tertiary, six secondary, eleven primary and five private healthcare facilities. The mean years of practice of respondents was 13.96 ± 7.8 years (2-31 years). Six facilities (24%) had a team responsible for ASP operating at varying degrees of capacity, while five (20%) had a formal ASP. All six facilities with an antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) team had a medical doctor as the team lead, and 5 (20%) also had a pharmacist involved in implementation efforts. Routine pre-authorisation for specific antibiotic was performed in six facilities (24%), four of which monitor pre-authorisation interventions. Only two facilities (8%) performed prospective audit and feedback for specific antibiotic agents. Private healthcare facilities were more likely to have information technology (IT) capability to support the needs of AMS activities. CONCLUSION: This study revealed minimal ASP activities in healthcare facilities in Lagos State and highlighted possibilities of leveraging on available IT resources for a co-ordinated AMS strategy.

A modified anthrax toxin-based enzyme-linked immunospot assay reveals robust T cell responses in symptomatic and asymptomatic Ebola virus exposed individuals.

BACKGROUND: Ebola virus (EBOV) caused more than 11,000 deaths during the 2013-2016 epidemic in West Africa without approved vaccines or immunotherapeutics. Despite its high lethality in some individuals, EBOV infection can produce little to no symptoms in others. A better understanding of the immune responses in individuals who experienced minimally symptomatic and asymptomatic infection could aid the development of more effective vaccines and antivirals against EBOV and related filoviruses. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPLE FINDINGS: Between August and November 2017, blood samples were collected from 19 study participants in Lagos, Nigeria, including 3 Ebola virus disease (EVD) survivors, 10 individuals with documented close contact with symptomatic EVD patients, and 6 control healthcare workers for a cross-sectional serosurvey and T cell analysis. The Lagos samples, as well as archived serum collected from healthy individuals living in surrounding areas of the 1976 Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) epidemic, were tested for EBOV IgG using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) and Western blots. We detected antibodies in 3 out of 3 Lagos survivors and identified 2 seropositive individuals not known to have ever been infected. Of the DRC samples tested, we detected antibodies in 9 out of 71 (12.7%). To characterize the T cell responses in the Lagos samples, we developed an anthrax toxin-based enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assay. The seropositive asymptomatic individuals had T cell responses against EBOV nucleoprotein, matrix protein, and glycoprotein 1 that were stronger in magnitude compared to the survivors. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Our data provide further evidence of EBOV exposure in individuals without EVD-like illness and, for the first time, demonstrate that these individuals have T cell responses that are stronger in magnitude compared to severe cases. These findings suggest that T cell immunity may protect against severe EVD, which has important implications for vaccine development.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumor of the anal wall in a Nigerian.

Documented reports of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are relatively few in the sub-Saharan continent. The body of evidence points towards anal wall involvement being a rarity indeed. In this article we document a 61 year old Nigerian man who presented with bleeding per rectum and in whom the histological features (including immunohistochemistry) of the biopsied anal lesion was GIST.