Bacterial etiology of urinary tract infections in patients treated at Kenyan health facilities and their resistance towards commonly used antibiotics.

BACKGROUND: Evidence-based empirical antibiotic prescribing requires knowledge of local antimicrobial resistance patterns. The spectrum of pathogens and their susceptibility strongly influences guidelines for empirical therapies for urinary tract infections (UTI) management. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of UTI causative bacteria and their corresponding antibiotic resistance profiles in three counties of Kenya. Such data could be used to determine the optimal empirical therapy. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, urine samples were collected from patients who presented with symptoms suggestive of UTI in the following healthcare facilities; Kenyatta National Hospital, Kiambu Hospital, Mbagathi, Makueni, Nanyuki, Centre for Microbiology Research, and Mukuru Health Centres. Urine cultures were done on Cystine Lactose Electrolyte Deficient (CLED) to isolate UTI bacterial etiologies, while antibiotic sensitivity testing was done using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion using CLSI guidelines and interpretive criteria. RESULTS: A total of 1,027(54%) uropathogens were isolated from the urine samples of 1898 participants. Staphylococcus spp. and Escherichia coli were the main uropathogens at 37.6% and 30.9%, respectively. The percentage resistance to commonly used drugs for the treatment of UTI were as follows: trimethoprim (64%), sulfamethoxazole (57%), nalidixic acid(57%), ciprofloxacin (27%), amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (5%), and nitrofurantoin (9%) and cefixime (9%). Resistance rates to broad-spectrum antimicrobials, such as ceftazidime, gentamicin, and ceftriaxone, were 15%, 14%, and 11%, respectively. Additionally, the proportion of Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria was 66%. CONCLUSION: High resistance rates toward fluoroquinolones, sulfamethoxazole, and trimethoprim were reported. These antibiotics are commonly used drugs as they are inexpensive and readily available. Based on these findings, more robust standardised surveillance is needed to confirm the patterns observed while recognising the potential impact of sampling biases on observed resistance rates.

Cervical cancer in Northern Tanzania-What do women living with HIV know.

Background: Cervical cancer (CC) is more prevalent in women living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection compared to the general population. The magnitude is high among all countries burdened with HIV-Tanzania is no exception. Despite the unprecedented risk, women living with HIV (WLHIV) may not be aware of the risk and might have unfounded beliefs thereof. This study aimed to determine the knowledge, awareness, and beliefs on CC screening among WLHIV attending a clinic at the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) in Northern Tanzania. Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 327 WLHIV attending care and treatment clinic (CTC) at KCMC. A pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data. Both descriptive and regression methods were used to determine CC knowledge, awareness, and beliefs as well as factors associated with knowledge of CC among WLHIV using SPSS version 23. Results: Participants' mean age was 46 ± 10.4 years. Although just half (54.7%) of WLHIV had insufficient knowledge of CC, the majority of the participants (83.5%) were able to recognize at least three risk factors, but with limited understanding of symptoms and prevention. The majority held positive beliefs on CC and screening practices. Factors associated with good knowledge of CC included being married (AOR: 3.66, 95% CI: 1.84-7.28), having used ART for at least 2 years (AOR: 4.08, 95% CI: 1.36-12.21), and having previously screened for CC (AOR: 1.62, 95% CI: 1.01-2.59). Conclusion: WLHIV attending care and treatment center had insufficient knowledge about CC screening. To further improve screening and treatment for CC, at both facility and community levels, targeted awareness and education campaigns are warranted.

Antimicrobial Use and Resistance in Agriculture and Food Production Systems in Africa: A Systematic Review.

In Africa, there is dearth of information on antimicrobial use (AMU) in agriculture and food production systems and its consequential resistance in pathogens that affect animal, human and environmental health. Data published between 1980 and 2021 on the magnitude of AMU and AMR in agriculture and food productions systems in Africa were reviewed. Data from 13-27 countries in Africa indicate that 3558-4279 tonnes of antimicrobials were used in animals from 2015 to 2019. Tetracyclines and polypeptides contributed the largest proportion of antimicrobials used. Cattle and poultry production account for the largest consumption of antimicrobials in Africa. Although limited studies have reported AMR in crops, fish and beekeeping, AMR from a variety of farm animals has been substantially documented in Africa. Some countries in Africa have developed policies/plans to address AMU and AMR in agriculture and food production systems; however, their enforcement is challenged by weak regulations. In conclusion, although there is limited information on the quantities of antimicrobials used in agriculture and food production system, the levels of AMR are high. There is a need to strengthen regulatory authorities with a capacity to monitor AMU in agriculture and food production systems in Africa.

Point prevalence survey of antimicrobial use in three hospitals in North-Eastern Tanzania.

BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the most urgent global health threats with low-resource countries being disproportionately affected. Targeted interventions require insight in antibiotic prescription practices. A point prevalence survey (PPS) is a well-known tool to get insight in antibiotic dispensing practices in hospitals and identify areas for improvement. Here, we describe the results of a PPS performed in a tertiary, regional and district hospital in Kilimanjaro region in Tanzania. METHODS: A PPS was performed in the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC; tertiary hospital), Mawenzi (regional) and St. Joseph (district) hospital in November and December 2016. Antibiotic use in all patients admitted more than 24 h and those undergoing surgery was recorded. All clinical wards were included except the pediatrics. Data from a single ward were collected on the same day. RESULTS: A total of 399 patients were included in the PPS: 232 patients from KCMC, 94 from Mawenzi hospital and 73 patients from St. Joseph hospital. Overall prevalence of antibiotic use was 44.0%: 38% in KCMC, 59% in Mawenzi and 63% in St. Joseph. Ceftriaxone (n = 94, 29.8%), metronidazole (n = 79, 23.9%) and other antibiotics belonging to the penicillin class (n = 89, 28.3%) were most commonly prescribed. Antibiotics prescribed for surgical prophylaxis were continued for more than 3 days in 57% of cases. CONCLUSION: Our study shows a rate of broad-spectrum antibiotic use in Tanzanian hospitals and prolonged surgical antibiotic prophylaxis being a common practice. PPS is an important tool to improve future antibiotic use in Tanzania hospitals.

Mortality among Cancer Patients within 90 Days of Therapy in a Tertiary Hospital, Tanzania: Is Our Pretherapy Screening Effective?

BACKGROUND: A high mortality has been reported during the first ninety days of cancer therapy and is more pronounced in patients with febrile neutropenia. The Bugando Medical Center oncology department offers cancer diagnosis and treatment services to the population of the Lake Zone of Tanzania with limited data on the outcome within 90 days of therapy. Here, we report the 90-day mortality and factors associated with it among cancer patients attending the oncology department of the tertiary hospital in Tanzania. Methodology. Enrolled participants underwent baseline physical examinations, and their functional status was assessed using Karnofsky score. On each clinic visit, full blood picture was taken and patients were investigated for infections. Data were entered in the Microsoft Excel, cleaned and coded and then transferred to STATA version 13 for analysis. RESULTS: A total of 102 participants were included in the final analysis. Their median age was 50 years (38-60). The majority of the study participants were females 76 (75%), and 82 (80.4%) had primary school education. The majority of the patients had solid cancer 96 (94.1%). A total of 12 (11.8%) patients died within 90 days of starting therapy. Low hemoglobin level at the start of cancer therapy, Karnofsky score below 80%, and using 5-fluorouracil-containing therapy were statistically significantly found to be associated with mortality within 90 days of therapy among cancer patients. CONCLUSION: One tenth of cancer patients at Bugando Medical Center do not survive within 90 days of therapy; the mortality is significantly high among anemic patients, with poor performance status, on 5-fluorouracil regimen, and diagnosed with head and neck cancer, necessitating close follow-up of these patients.

Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus causing osteomyelitis in a tertiary hospital, Mwanza, Tanzania.

BACKGROUND: Culture results of fluid/pus from sinuses or open wound are not reliable in establishing the causative agent of osteomyelitis due to the high chances of contamination of superficial contaminants. Bone fragments obtained during surgery have been recommended as ideal sample to establish pathogens causing osteomyelitis. This study investigated pathogens causing osteomyelitis among patients undergoing orthopedic surgical treatment at Bugando Medical Centre. METHODS: A cross-sectional hospital-based study was conducted from December 2017 to July 2018 among 74 patients with osteomyelitis who underwent surgical treatments at Bugando Medical Centre, Mwanza, Tanzania. Bone fragments were collected using sterile 10 ml of in-house prepared brain heart infusion broth (Oxoid, UK) during surgery. Specimens were processed according to standard operating procedures within an hour of collection. Data were analyzed using STATA 13.0. RESULTS: The median age of study participants was 12 with inter quartile range of 8-20 years. The majority 45 (60.8%) of participants were male. All 74 non-repetitive bone fragment specimens had positive culture, of which 17 had dual growth of bacteria resulting to 91 bacterial isolates. Out of 91 isolates, 63 (85.1%) were Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) of which 18 (28.6%) were confirmed to be methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains. Fever was significantly associated with Staphylococcal osteomyelitis (100% vs. 79.6%, p = 0.029). CONCLUSION: About one third of cases of Staphylococcal osteomyelitis in the current study were caused by methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus. There is a need of tailoring antibiotic management of osteomyelitis based on culture and sensitivity results for the better treatment outcome of the patients.

Ceftriaxone use in a tertiary care hospital in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania: A need for a hospital antibiotic stewardship programme.

Excessive use of antibiotics, especially watch group antibiotics such as ceftriaxone leads to emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). In low and middle-income countries (LMICs), antibiotics are overused but data on consumption is scarcely available. We aimed at determining the extent and predictors of ceftriaxone use in a tertiary care university teaching hospital in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from August 2013 through August 2015. Patients admitted in the medical, surgical wards and their respective intensive care units, receiving antimicrobials and other medications for various ailments were enrolled. Socio-demographic and clinical data were recorded in a structured questionnaire from patients' files and logistic regression was performed to determine the predictors for ceftriaxone use. Out of the 630 patients included in this study, 322 (51.1%) patients were on ceftriaxone during their time of hospitalization. Twenty-two patients out of 320 (6.9%) had been on ceftriaxone treatment without evidence of infection. Ceftriaxone use for surgical prophylaxis was 44 (40.7%), of which 32 (72.7%) and 9 (20.5%) received ceftriaxone prophylaxis before and after surgery, respectively. Three (6.8%) received ceftriaxone prophylaxis during surgery. Predicting factors for that the health facility administered ceftriaxone were identified as history of any medication use before referral to hospital [OR = 3.4, 95% CI (1.0-11.4), p = 0.047], bacterial infection [OR = 18.0, 95% CI (1.4-225.7, p = 0.025)], surgical ward [OR = 2.9, 95% CI (0.9-9.4), p = 0.078] and medical wards [OR = 5.0, 95% CI (0.9-28.3), p = 0.070]. Overall, a high ceftriaxone use at KCMC hospital was observed. Antimicrobial stewardship programs are highly needed to monitor and regulate hospital antimicrobial consumption, which in turn could help in halting the rising crisis of antimicrobial resistance.

Antihepatitis B Surface Antigen and Hepatitis C Antibodies among Pregnant Women in an Urban Area of Mwanza City, Tanzania.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses (HBV and HCV) are life-threatening infections of public health importance due to their association with cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Despite HBV being moderately endemic in many low-income countries, there is no routine HBV vaccination among child bearing aged women making them at risk of transmitting infections to the foetus during pregnancy. This study investigated the seroprevalence of antihepatitis B surface antibodies (anti-HBs) and HCV antibodies among pregnant women in Mwanza city to provide data that can be used in devising preventive strategies. METHODS: A cross-sectional hospital-based study involving 339 pregnant women was conducted between June and July 2017. Data were collected using structured data collection tool. Detection of anti-HBs was performed using enzyme immunoassay while qualitative rapid immunochromatographic tests were employed to detect HCV antibodies. Data was analyzed by using STATA version 13. RESULTS: The mean age of the study participants was 25.6±5.8 years. The prevalence of anti-HBs was 85/339 (25.1%, 95% CI: 20.4-29.6) while that of HCV antibodies was 1/333 (0.3%, 95% CI: 0.1-0.4). By univariate logistic regression analysis, increase in age (OR: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.00-1.09, P=0.03), unknown HIV status (OR: 0.3, 95% CI: 0.11-0.79, P=0.035), and multigravidity (OR: 2.12, 95% CI: 1.18-3.8, P=0.038) were significantly associated with anti-HBs seropositivity. CONCLUSION: A significant proportion of pregnant women have anti-HBs while the seroprevalence of HCV is low among pregnant women in the city of Mwanza. Routine screening of HBV among pregnant women coupled with appropriate management should be emphasized in developing countries. Further studies to determine seroprevalence of HCV are recommended across the country.

Acute human cytomegalovirus infection among voluntary blood donors in the Lake Victoria zone blood transfusion centre: should it be considered in screening?

BACKGROUND: Despite blood transfusion being a lifesaving option, it may be associated with blood borne infections including human cytomegalovirus(HCMV). The World Health Organization recommends screening of blood products for HCMV before transfusion to pregnant women, neonates and immunocompromised patients. However, this is not routinely practised in many resource limited countries. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at determining seroprevalence of specific HCMV IgM antibodies among volunteered blood donors at the Lake Victoria zone blood transfusion centre. METHODS: A total of 228 sera from volunteered blood donors were analyzed using HCMV IgM µ capture enzyme linked immunosorbent assay as per manufacturer's instructions. Data were analyzed by STATA version 13. RESULTS: The median age of the study participants was 19 interquartile range (IQR): 18-23 years. The seroprevalence of specific HCMV IgM antibodies was found to be 23/228 (10.1%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 6-14. None of the factors was found to be associated with HCMV IgM seropositivity among blood donors. CONCLUSION: One out 10 blood donors in the Lake Victoria zone blood transfusion centre is acutely infected with HCMV. There is a need to consider screening of HCMV before blood transfusion particularly in resource limited countries where HCMV is endemic.

Predictors of esophageal candidiasis among patients attending endoscopy unit in a tertiary hospital, Tanzania: a retrospective cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Esophageal candidiasis is a common disease among patients with impaired cell mediated immunity. In the current study, we report esophageal candidiasis among patients with various co-morbidities attending the endoscopic unit at the Bugando Medical Centre. METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted from June to September 2015. All data of the patients who attended the endoscopic unit between 2009 and 2014 were retrieved and analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 622 patients who underwent oesophagogastroduodenoscopy were analyzed. A slight majority 334/622(53.7%) of patients were female. Out of 622 patients; 35(5.6%) had esophageal candidiasis. Decrease in age (OR 1.1, 95%CI; 1.0-1.1), female sex (OR 3.8, 95%CI; 1.1-13.1), drinking alcohol (OR 17.1, 95%CI; 4.9-58.9), smoking (OR 8.3, 95%CI; 1.7-41.0), antibiotic use (OR 5.7, 95%CI; 2.0-16.4), positive HIV status (OR 10.3, 95%CI; 4.6-6.0) and presence of peptic ulcer disease (OR 13.2, 95%CI; 3.5-49.0) independently predicted esophageal candidiasis. CONCLUSION: Patients with a history of drinking alcohol, smoking, use of antibiotics and those with chronic diseases such as peptic ulcers were at high risk of developing esophageal candidiasis. Further studies are needed to identify Candida spp. and their anti-fungal susceptibility for proper management of esophageal candidiasis in HIV and non-HIV individuals.

Investigation of household contacts of pulmonary tuberculosis patients increases case detection in Mwanza City, Tanzania.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) contact tracing is a key strategy for containing TB and provides addition to the passive case finding approach. However, this practice has not been implemented in Tanzania, where there is unacceptably high treatment gap of 62.1% between cases estimated and cases detected. Therefore calls for more aggressive case finding for TB to close this gap. We aimed to determine the magnitude and predictors of bacteriologically-confirmed pulmonary TB among household contacts of bacteriologically-confirmed pulmonary TB index cases in the city of Mwanza, Tanzania. METHODS: This study was carried out from August to December 2016 in Mwanza city at the TB outpatient clinics of Tertiary Hospital of the Bugando Medical Centre, Sekou-Toure Regional Hospital, and Nyamagana District Hospital. Bacteriologically-confirmed TB index cases diagnosed between May and July 2016 were identified from the laboratory registers book. Contacts were traced by home visits by study TB nurses, and data were collected using a standardized TB screening questionnaire. To detect the bacterioriologically-confirmed pulmonary TB, two sputum samples per household contact were collected under supervision for all household contacts following standard operating procedures. Samples were transported to the Bugando Medical Centre TB laboratory for investigation for TB using fluorescent smear microscopy, GeneXpert MTB/RIF and Löwenstein-Jensen (LJ) culture. Logistic regression was used to determine predictors of bacteriologically-confirmed pulmonary TB among household contacts. RESULTS: During the study period, 456 household contacts from 93 TB index cases were identified. Among these 456 household contacts, 13 (2.9%) were GeneXpert MTB/RIF positive, 18 (3.9%) were MTB-culture positive and four (0.9%) were AFB-smear positive. Overall, 29 (6.4%) of contacts had bacteriologically-confirmed pulmonary TB. Predictors of bacteriologically-confirmed pulmonary TB among household contacts were7being married (Odds ratio [OR], 3.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4-8.0; p = 0.012) and consuming less than three meals a day (OR, 3.7; 95% CI, 1.6-8.7; p = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that in Mwanza, Tanzania, seven in 100 contacts living in the same house with a TB patient develop bacteriologically-confirmed pulmonary TB. These results therefore underscore the need to implement routine TB contact tracing to control tuberculosis in high TB burden countries such as Tanzania.

Variability of high risk HPV genotypes among HIV infected women in Mwanza, Tanzania- the need for evaluation of current vaccine effectiveness in developing countries.

BACKGROUND: High risk (HR) human papilloma Virus (HPV) genotypes have been associated with cervical cancer. In Tanzania there is a limited data on the epidemiology of HPV and genotypes distribution among HIV infected women. Here we document varieties of HPV genotypes associated with cervical squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL) among HIV- infected women at Bugando Medical Centre, Mwanza-Tanzania. METHODS: A cross sectional hospital based study involving HIV infected women was conducted between August and October, 2014. Exfoliated cells from ectocervix and endocervix were collected using cytobrush. HPV genotypes were detected using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by sequencing using specific primers targeting broad range of HPV types. Cytology was done to establish squamous intraepithelial lesions. Log binomial regression analysis was done to establish risk ratios (RR) associated with HPV infection using STATA version 11. RESULTS: A total of 255 HIV infected women with mean age 39.2 ± 9.1 years were enrolled in the study. HPV DNA was detected in 138/255 (54.1 %, 95 % CI: 47-60) of HIV infected women. Twenty six genotypes were detected in various combinations; of these 17(65.3 %) were of HR genotypes. HR genotypes were detected in 124(48.6 %) of HIV infected women. Common HR genotypes detected were HPV-52(26), HPV-58(21), HPV-35(20) and HPV-16(14). The risk of being HPV positive was significantly higher among women with CD4 counts <100 (RR: 1.20, 95 % CI: 1.05-1.35, P = 0.006) and women with SIL (RR: 1.37, 95 % CI: 1.11-1.68, P = 0.005). CONCLUSION: Significant proportion of HIV infected women with low CD4 counts have various grades of cervical SIL associated with varieties of uncommon HR genotypes. There is a need to evaluate the effectiveness of the current vaccine in preventing cervical cancer in developing countries where HIV is endemic.

Cefepime versus Ceftriaxone for perioperative systemic antibiotic prophylaxis in elective orthopedic surgery at Bugando Medical Centre Mwanza, Tanzania: a randomized clinical study.

BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial prophylaxis reduces the incidence of postoperative wound infections especially among patients undergoing orthopedics surgery. However, there is dearth of information on the clinical effectiveness, spectrum limitations and practical contextual information on third and fourth generation cephalosporins. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of cefepime and ceftriaxone as peri-operative systemic antimicrobial prophylaxis in elective orthopedic surgery in our center. METHODS: This study was a prospective, randomized, open label comparative clinical study of patients undergoing elective orthopedic procedures at the Bugando Medical Centre (BMC) between June 2014 and February 2015. Two hundred thirty participants were enrolled in the study and randomly assigned into Ceftriaxone regimen (group A) or Cefepime regimen (group B). Participants in ceftriaxone or cefepime group received 50 mg/kg up to 2 g single dose perioperative intravenous infusion at least 30 min before incision. Both groups were followed for 30 days using a Center for Disease Control superficial surgical site infection criterion for the outcome. A two-tailed margin of equivalence was set at 5% analyzed on the intent to treat. RESULTS: All 230 participants were subjected to final analysis with no patient being lost to follow-up. Superficial surgical site infection occurred in 5 out of 117 (4.3%, 0.6 to 7.9 at 95% CI) patients receiving cefepime compared to 3 out of 113 (2.7%, 0.3 to 5.6 at 95% CI) among patients receiving ceftriaxone regimen. The absolute difference of 1.6% (95% Confidence Interval: -6.3 to 3.1), equivocally lies outside the 5% statistically significant margin of presumed clinical equivalence. CONCLUSION: The difference between cefepime and ceftriaxone in preventing SSIs following elective clean orthopedic surgery was not statistically significant. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Pan African Clinical Trial Registry: PACTR201406000803420.

Etiology, treatment outcome and prognostic factors among patients with secondary peritonitis at Bugando Medical Centre, Mwanza, Tanzania.

INTRODUCTION: Secondary peritonitis due to perforation of the gastrointestinal tract is one of the most common surgical emergencies all over the world and is associated with significantly morbidity and mortality. Previous studies conducted at Bugando Medical Centre (BMC) were retrospective and each was focused on single etiology; therefore there was an obvious need to evaluate the etiologies, treatment outcome and their prognostic factors altogether. METHODS: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study involving patients with secondary peritonitis admitted at BMC from May 2014 to April 2015. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics among consented patients were collected using questionnaires. Peritoneal aspirate, biopsy and blood were collected perioperatively and processed using standard operating procedures. Analysis was done using STATA version 11 software. RESULTS: The study enrolled 97 patients with the female to male ratio of 1:1.8 and approximately 41.2 % (40/97) were in their third and fourth decades of life. Only 3 (3.09 %) patients arrived to the hospital within 24 hours of onset of illness, 26 (26.80 %) patients presented with shock and HIV seropositivity among all patients was 13.40 % (13/97). The common etiologies of secondary peritonitis were perforated appendicitis 23 (23.71 %), peptic ulcer disease 18 (18.56 %), ischemia 18 (18.56 %) and typhoidal perforation 15 (15.46 %). Of the 97 patients, 35 (36.08 %) had complications and 15 (15.46 %) died. Presence of premorbid illness and post-operative complication were found to be associated with death (p values = 0.004 and <0.001 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The most common etiologies of secondary peritonitis at BMC are perforated appendicitis, peptic ulcer disease, ischemia and typhoidal perforation. Premorbid illness and postoperative complications in this setting are associated with death and as the matter of fact proper screening on admission should be done to identify patients with premorbid illness and confer prompt management.

Hepatocellular carcinoma: clinicopathological profile and challenges of management in a resource-limited setting.

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most common cancers worldwide and its incidence is reported to be increasing in resource-limited countries. There is a paucity of published data regarding hepatocellular carcinoma in Tanzania, and the study area in particular. This study describes the clinicopathological profile of hepatocellular carcinoma in our local setting and highlights the challenging problems in the management of this disease. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of histopathologically confirmed cases of hepatocellular carcinoma seen at Bugando Medical Center between March 2009 and February 2013. RESULTS: A total of 142 patients (M: F = 2.2: 1) were studied representing 4.6% of all malignancies. The median age of patients was 45 years. Hepatitis B virus infection (66.2%) and heavy alcohol consumption (60.6%) were the most frequently identified risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma. The majority of patients (88.0%) presented late with advanced stages. HBsAg was positive in 66.2% of the patients and Hepatitis C Virus antibody in 16.9%. Thirteen (9.2%) patients tested positive for HIV infection. Most patients (52.8%) had both right and left lobe involvement. The trabecular pattern (47.9%) was the most frequent histopathological type. None of patients had curative therapy because of the advanced nature of the disease. Coagulopathy (45.7%) was the most common complications. The overall mortality rate was 46.5% and it was significantly associated with comorbidity, HIV positivity, CD4+ count <200 cells/µl, high histological grade, advanced stage of the tumor, presence of distant metastases at the time of diagnosis, and associated complications (P < 0.001). The overall median duration of hospital stay was 14 days. The majority of patients (71.1%) were lost to follow-up at the end of the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Hepatocellular carcinoma patients in this region are relatively young at diagnosis and the majority of them present late with an advanced stage and high rate of distant metastasis. Lack of awareness of the disease, poor accessibility to healthcare facilities, and lack of screening programs in this region may contribute to advanced disease at the time of diagnosis. There is a need for early detection, adequate treatment, and proper follow-up to improve treatment outcome.

Molecular characterization of Staphylococcus aureus from patients with surgical site infections at Mulago Hospital in Kampala, Uganda.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is progressively increasing globally with significant regional variation. Understanding the Staphylococcus aureus lineages is crucial in controlling nosocomial infections. Recent studies on S. aureus in Uganda have revealed an escalating burden of MRSA. However, the S. aureus genotypes circulating among patients are not known. Here, we report S. aureus lineages circulating in patients with surgical site infections (SSI) at Mulago National hospital, Kampala, Uganda. METHODS: A cross-sectional study involving 314 patients with SSI at Mulago National Hospital was conducted from September 2011 to April 2012. Pus swabs from the patients' SSI were processed using standard microbiological procedures. Methicillin sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) and MRSA were identified using phenotypic tests and confirmed by PCR-detection of the nuc and mecA genes, respectively. SCCmec genotypes were determined among MRSA isolates using multiplex PCR. Furthermore, to determine lineages, spa sequence based-genotyping was performed on all S. aureus isolates. RESULTS: Of the 314 patients with SSI, S. aureus accounted for 20.4% (64/314), of which 37.5% (24/64) were MRSA. The predominant SCCmec types were type V (33.3%, 8/24) and type I (16.7%, 4/24). The predominant spa lineages were t645 (17.2%, 11/64) and t4353 (15.6%, 10/64), and these were found to be clonally circulating in all the surgical wards. On the other hand, lineages t064, t355, and t4609 were confined to the obstetrics and gynecology wards. A new spa type (t10277) was identified from MSSA isolate. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, cancer and inducible clindamycin resistance remained as independent predictors of MRSA-SSI. CONCLUSION: SCCmec types I and V are the most prevalent MRSA mecA types from the patients' SSI. The predominant spa lineages (t645 and t4353) are clonally circulating in all the surgical wards, calling for strengthening of infection control practices at Mulago National Hospital.

Tuberculous bowel obstruction at a university teaching hospital in Northwestern Tanzania: a surgical experience with 118 cases.

BACKGROUND: Bowel obstruction resulting from intestinal tuberculosis has been reported to be more prevalent in developing countries including Tanzania. This study was undertaken to describe the clinicopathological profile, surgical management and outcome of tuberculous intestinal obstruction in our local setting and to identify factors responsible for poor outcome among these patients. METHODS: This was a prospective descriptive study of patients operated for tuberculous intestinal obstruction at Bugando Medical Centre (BMC) in northwestern Tanzania from April 2008 to March 2012. Ethical approval to conduct the study was obtained from relevant authorities. Statistical data analysis was performed using SPSS version 17.0. RESULTS: A total of 118 patients with tuberculous intestinal obstruction were studied. The male to female ratio was 1.8: 1. The median age was 26 years (range 11-67 years). The modal age group was 21-30 years. Thirty-one (26.3%) patients had associated pulmonary tuberculosis and 25 (21.2%) patients were HIV positive with a median CD4+ count of 225 cells /µl. Small bowel strictures were the most common operative findings accounting for 72.9% of cases. The ileo-caecal region was the commonest area of involvement in 68 (57.6%) patients. The right hemicolectomy with ileo-transverse anastomosis was the most frequent surgical procedure performed in 66 (55.9%) patients. Postoperatively all the patients received antituberculous drugs for a period of one year. Postoperative complication rate was 37.3% and surgical site infection (SSI) was the most frequent complication in 42.8% of cases. HIV positivity and low CD4+ count were the main predictors of SSI (p < 0.001). The overall median length of hospital stay was 24 days. Patients who had postoperative complications stayed longer in the hospital and this was statistically significant (p = 0.011). Mortality rate was 28.8% and it was significantly associated with co-existing medical illness, delayed presentation, HIV positivity, low CD 4 count (<200 cells/µl), ASA class and presence of complications (p < 0.001). The follow up of patients was generally poor as more than fifty percent of patients were lost to follow up. CONCLUSION: Tuberculous bowel obstruction remains rampant in our environment and contributes significantly to high morbidity and mortality. The majority of patients present late when the disease becomes complicated. A high index of suspicion, proper evaluation and therapeutic trial in suspected patients is essential for an early diagnosis and timely definitive treatment, in order to decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with this disease.

Experiences with surgical treatment of chronic lower limb ulcers at a tertiary hospital in northwestern Tanzania: a prospective review of 300 cases.

BACKGROUND: Chronic lower limb ulcers constitute a major public health problem of great important all over the world and contribute significantly to high morbidity and long-term disabilities. There is paucity of information regarding chronic lower limb ulcers in our setting; therefore it was necessary to conduct this study to establish the patterns and outcome of chronic lower limb ulcers and to identify predictors of outcome in our local setting. METHODS: This was a descriptive prospective study of patients with chronic lower limb ulcers conducted at Bugando Medical Centre between November 2010 and April 2012. Ethical approval to conduct the study was sought from relevant authorities. Statistical data analysis was done using SPSS version 17.0 and STATA version 11.0. RESULTS: A total of 300 patients were studied. Their ages ranged from 3 months to 85 years (median 32 years). The male to female ratio was 2:1. The median duration of illness was 44 days. Traumatic ulcer was the most frequent type of ulcer accounting for 60.3% of patients. The median duration of illness was 44 days. The leg was commonly affected in 33.7% of cases and the right side (48.7%) was frequently involved. Out of 300 patients, 212 (70.7%) had positive aerobic bacterial growth within 48 hours of incubation. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (25.5%) was the most frequent gram negative bacteria isolated, whereas gram positive bacteria commonly isolated was Staphylococcus aureus (13.7%). Twenty (6.7%) patients were HIV positive with a median CD4+ count of 350 cells/µl. Mycological investigation was not performed. Bony involvement was radiologically reported in 83.0% of cases. Histopathological examination performed in 56 patients revealed malignancy in 20 (35.7%) patients, of which malignant melanoma (45.0%) was the most common histopathological type. The vast majority of patients, 270 (90.0%) were treated surgically, and surgical debridement was the most common surgical procedure performed in 24.1% of cases. Limb amputation rate was 8.7%. Postoperative complication rate was 58.3% of which surgical site infection (77.5%) was the most common post-operative complications. The median length of hospital stay was 23 days. Mortality rate was 4.3%. Out of the two hundred and eighty-seven (95.7%) survivors, 253 (91.6%) were treated successfully and discharged well (healed). After discharge, only 35.5% of cases were available for follow up at the end of study period. CONCLUSION: Chronic lower limb ulcers remain a major public health problem in this part of Tanzania. The majority of patients in our environment present late when the disease is already in advanced stages. Early recognition and aggressive treatment of the acute phase of chronic lower limb ulcers at the peripheral hospitals and close follow-up are urgently needed to improve outcomes of these patients in our environment.

Typhoid intestinal perforations at a University teaching hospital in Northwestern Tanzania: A surgical experience of 104 cases in a resource-limited setting.

BACKGROUND: Typhoid intestinal perforation is still prevalent in many developing countries. Despite the advances in the management, the outcome in these patients in resource limited countries is still very poor. This study was to review our experiences on the surgical management of typhoid intestinal perforation and to determine the prognostic factors for mortality in our local setting. METHODS: This was a combined retrospective and prospective study of patients who were operated for typhoid intestinal perforation at Bugando Medical Centre between August 2006 and September 2011. Data collected were analyzed using SPSS computer software version 15. RESULTS: A total of 104 patients were studied representing 8.7% of typhoid fever cases. Males were affected twice more than the females (2.6:1). Their ages ranged from 8 to 76 years with a median age of 18.5 years. The peak age incidence was in the 11-20 years age group. Fever and abdominal pain were the most common presenting symptoms and majority of the patients (80.8%) perforated between within 14 days of illness. Chest and abdominal radiographs revealed pneumoperitonium in 74.7% of cases. Ultrasound showed free peritoneal collection in 85.7% of cases. Nine (10.2%) patients were HIV positive with a median CD4+ count of 261 cells/µl. The perforation-surgery interval was more than 72 hours in 90(86.5%) patients. The majority of patients (84.6%) had single perforations and ileum was the most common part of the bowel affected occurring in 86.2% of cases. Simple closure of the perforations was the most commonly performed procedure accounting for 78.8% of cases. Postoperative complication rate was 39.4% and surgical site infection was the most frequent complication in 55.5% of cases. Mortality rate was 23.1% and it was statistically significantly associated with delayed presentation, inadequate antibiotic treatment prior to admission, shock on admission, HIV positivity, low CD4 count (< 200 cells/µl), high ASA classes (III-V), delayed operation, multiple perforations, severe peritoneal contamination and presence of postoperative complications (P < 0.001). The median overall length of hospital stay was 28 days. CONCLUSION: Typhoid intestinal perforation is still endemic in our setting and carries high morbidity and mortality. This study has attempted to determine the factors that statistically influence mortality in typhoid perforation in our environment. Appropriate measures focusing at these factors are vital in order to deliver optimal care for these patients in this region.