Trends of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Rifampicin resistance in Northwest Ethiopia: Xpert® MTB/RIF assay results from 2015 to 2021.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly in countries with limited resources. The emergence of drug resistance in mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), particularly rifampicin (RIF) resistance, hindered TB control efforts. Continuous surveillance and regular monitoring of drug-resistant TB, including rifampicin resistance (RR), are required for effective TB intervention strategies and prevention and control measures. OBJECTIVE: Determine the trend of TB and RR-TB among presumptive TB patients in Northwest Ethiopia. METHOD: A retrospective study was conducted at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (UoG-CSH). The study included TB registration logbook data from all patients who visited the hospital and were tested for MTB using the Xpert® MTB/RIF assay between 2015 and 2021. The SPSS version 26 software was used to enter, clean, and analyze the laboratory-based data. RESULTS: A total of 18,787 patient results were included, with 93.8% (17,615/18787) of them being successful, meaning they were not invalid, error, or aborted. About 10.5% (1846/17615) of the 17,615 results were MTB-positive, with 7.42% (137/1846) RIF resistant. Age, anti-TB treatment history, and diagnosis year were associated with the presence of MTB and RR-MTB. Tuberculosis (TB) prevalence was higher in productive age groups, whereas RR-TB prevalence was higher in the elderly. Regarding diagnosis year, the prevalence of TB and RR-TB showed a declining trend as the year progressed. While MTB was detected in 12.8% (471/3669) of new and 22.2% (151/679) of re-treatment presumptive TB patients, RR-MTB was detected in 8.5% (40/471) of new and 18.5% (28/151) of re-treatment TB cases. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of TB and RR-TB in the study area showed a declining trend over the years. While TB was more prevalent in productive age groups (15 to 45 years), RR-TB was more prevalent in older populations (over 45 years), than others. Moreover, patients with a history of anti-TB drug exposure were more likely to be positive for DR-TB, highlighting the need to strengthen DOT programs for proper management of TB treatment.

Seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infection among pregnant women attending antenatal care at Guhala Primary Hospital, Northwestern Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infections are global issues that disproportionately affect developing countries. Pregnancy-related HBV and HCV infections are associated with a high risk of vertical transmission and complications for the mother as well as the newborn. Therefore, this study aims to determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infection among pregnant women attending antenatal care at Guhala Primary Hospital, Northwestern Ethiopia. METHODS: A hospital-based retrospective study was conducted from July to September 2022 on HBV and HCV registered books from September 1, 2017, to August 30, 2019, for a year. The presence of HBsAg and anti-HCV in serum was detected using the One Step Cassette Style HBsAg and anti-HCV antibody test kit. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26 software. RESULTS: In this study, a total of 2252 participants for HBsAg and 538 participants for ant-HCV rapid tests of records in the laboratory logbook were included. The mean age of the study participants was 25.6years (± 5.8SD). The overall prevalence of HBsAg and anti-HCV was 6.0% (134/2252) and 2.4% (13/538), respectively. There were 0.4% (2/538) coinfection results between HBV and HCV among pregnant women. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: In this study, intermediate seroprevalence of HBV and HCV infection was detected among pregnant women attending antenatal care. The Hepatitis B virus was predominantly higher among pregnant women aged between 25 and 34 years. To manage and stop the potential vertical transmission of these viral agents during the early stages of pregnancy, routine prenatal testing for HBV and HCV infections should be taken into consideration.

Antimicrobial resistance profile and multidrug resistance patterns of Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates from patients suspected of pneumococcal infections in Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial-resistant strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae have become one of the greatest challenges to global public health today and inappropriate use of antibiotics and high level of antibiotic use is probably the main factor driving the emergence of resistance worldwide. The aim of this study is, therefore, to assess the antimicrobial resistance profiles and multidrug resistance patterns of S. pneumoniae isolates from patients suspected of pneumococcal infections in Ethiopia. METHODS: A hospital-based prospective study was conducted from January 2018 to December 2019 at Addis Ababa city and Amhara National Region State Referral Hospitals. Antimicrobial resistance tests were performed from isolates of S. pneumoniae that were collected from pediatric and adult patients. Samples (cerebrospinal fluid, blood, sputum, eye discharge, ear discharge, and pleural and peritoneal fluids) from all collection sites were initially cultured on 5% sheep blood agar plates and incubated overnight at 37 °C in a 5% CO2 atmosphere. Streptococcus pneumoniae was identified and confirmed by typical colony morphology, alpha-hemolysis, Gram staining, optochin susceptibility, and bile solubility test. Drug resistance testing was performed using the E-test method according to recommendations of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. RESULTS: Of the 57 isolates, 17.5% were fully resistant to penicillin. The corresponding value for both cefotaxime and ceftriaxone was 1.8%. Resistance rates to erythromycin, clindamycin, tetracycline, chloramphenicol and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole were 59.6%, 17.5%, 38.6%, 17.5 and 24.6%, respectively. Multidrug resistance (MDR) was seen in 33.3% isolates. The most common pattern was co-resistance to penicillin, erythromycin, clindamycin, and tetracycline. CONCLUSIONS: Most S. pneumoniae isolates were susceptible to ceftriaxone and cefotaxime. Penicillin has been used as a drug of choice for treating S. pneumoniae infection. However, antimicrobial resistance including multidrug resistance was observed to several commonly used antibiotics including penicillin. Hence, it is important to periodically monitor the antimicrobial resistance patterns to select empirical treatments for better management of pneumococcal infection.

Multidrug resistance and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing Gram-negative bacteria from three Referral Hospitals of Amhara region, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Multidrug resistance (MDR), extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) and carbapenemase-producing Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) has become a public health threat worldwide. This threat is worse in developing countries where there is high infectious disease burden and spread of antimicrobial resistance co-exist. The aim of the present study was, therefore, to assess MDR, ESBL and carbapenemase producing GNB from patients attending three selected referral hospitals in Amhara region. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2017- April 2018 at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Dessie Referral Hospital and Debre Markos Referral Hospital of Amhara national regional state. A total of 833 study subjects were recruited using a convenient sampling technique. Clinical samples such as blood, urine, stool, wound, abscess, ear discharge, nasal discharge, cervical discharge and body fluid specimens were aseptically collected. Culturing for identification of bacteria and determination of drug susceptibility testing were done following standard microbiological techniques. Selected MDR isolates were phenotypically assessed for ESBL and carbapenemase production. RESULTS: Of the 833 clinical samples cultured for bacterial growth, 141 (16.9%) were positive for GNB. The most common GNB identified were E. coli 46 (32.6%), Klebsiella spp. 38 (26.5%) and Proteus spp. 13 (9.2%). The overall MDR prevalence was 121 (85.8%). Among the total isolates, 137 (97.2%) were resistant to ampicillin followed by cotrimoxazole 115 (81.6%), amoxicillin-clavulanic acid 109 (77.3%), cefixime 99 (70.2%), cefepime 93 (66.0%) and tetracycline 91 (64.5%). The extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing GNB were 69/124 (55.6%). Of which Klebsiella spp. 19 (15.3%) and E. coli 17 (13.7%) were common ESBL producers. Carbapenemase-producing isolates were 8/51(15.7%). Of which Enterobacter, Klebsiella and E. coli were common carbapenemase producers. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: Multi-drug resistance and ESBL producing isolates in the present study were high. E. coli and Klebsiella spp. were the most common ESBL producing GNB. Klebsiella spp., Enterobacter spp., E. coli and Citrobacter spp. were typical carbapenemase-producing isolates. Continuous monitoring, antibiotic stewardship and molecular detection of the gene responsible for drug resistance are important means to reduce the spread of drug-resistant pathogens.

Bacterial Bloodstream Infections and their Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns in Children and Adults in Ethiopia: a 6-Year Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: In sub-Saharan Africa, bacterial bloodstream infection is the most common cause of morbidity and mortality. Regular antimicrobial surveillance is required to understand resistance development and to inform clinicians and policymakers on best empiric antibiotic choice, such type of data are scarce in the study area. This study aimed to determine bacterial profiles and their antibiotic susceptibility patterns from patients with suspected septicemia at the University of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital, northwest Ethiopia, over a six-year period. METHODS: We carried out a six-year (January 2, 2012, to January 1, 2018) retrospective analysis of blood cultures from patients with suspected septicemia. Laboratory report data were used to determine patient demographic, bacterial profiles, and antimicrobial resistance patterns. A total of 2,404 blood cultures were processed during the study period. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 software and the results were summarized using tables and graphs. RESULTS: Of the 2,404 blood cultures, 489 (20.7%, [95% CI, 19.2 - 22.3%]) bacteria isolates were obtained. The most common isolates were Staphylococcus aureus (215; 43.2%), followed by Klebsiella spp (67; 13.5%), coagulase-negative staphylococcus (62; 12.4%), Escherichia coli (38; 7.6%), viridans streptococci (25; 5%), Citrobacter spp (17; 3.4%), Enterobacter spp (15; 3%), and Streptococcus pneumoniae (12; 2.4%). Methicillin-resistant S. aureus isolation rate was 21/44 (47.7%). Gram-positive and negative bacteria showed high resistance to older antimicrobials, namely ampicillin, erythromycin, tetracycline, gentamicin, and trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole. Gram-negative bacteria had a high level of resistance to 3rd generation cephalosporins, but both Gram-positive and negative bacteria were susceptible to ciprofloxacin. CONCLUSIONS: S. aureus, CoNS, S. pneumoniae, Klebsiella spp and E. coli remain the most important bacteria responsible for bloodstream infection in this study. Those pathogens showed a high rate of resistance to old antibiotics. Among the tested antimicrobials, ciprofloxacin was found to be the most effective drug to inhibit the in-vitro growth of both Gram-positive and negative bacteria. Therefore, there is a need for continuous screening of AMR from blood cultures to control the spread of drug resistant isolates in the study area.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus nasal carriage among janitors working in hospital and non-hospital areas: a comparative cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Nasal colonization of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) plays a key role in the epidemiology and pathogenesis of both healthcare-associated and community-acquired MRSA infections in various populations. Screening of MRSA nasal colonization is important in the prevention and control of infection and may provide useful information to guide antimicrobial therapy. This study aimed to determine nasal carriage of MRSA, its antimicrobial susceptibility pattern, and associated factors among janitors working in hospital & non-hospital areas at the University of Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia. METHODS: A comparative cross-sectional study was carried out in a total of 436 study participants (221 hospital and 215 non-hospital janitors) from January to May 2019. The study participants were sampled using a simple random sampling technique. Data on socio-demographic characteristics and associated factors were collected through face to face interviews using a structured questionnaire. Nasal swabs were collected and inoculated into Mannitol salt agar. MRSA was detected using cefoxitin (30 µg) disc and an antibiotic susceptibility test was done using the disc diffusion method. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20 statistical package. P value ≤ 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of S. aureus was 101/436 [23.2%, (95% CI: 19.3-27.8)], of which, 29.4% (65/221) were isolated from hospital and 16.7% (36/215) non-hospital janitors. The prevalence of MRSA was 4.8% (21/436) [95% CI: 3.0-6.9]; of these, 8.1% (18/221) of the isolates were from the hospital and 1.4% (3/215) non-hospital janitors, while methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) in hospital & non-hospital janitors were 49 (22.2%) and 31 (14.4%), respectively. Among the MRSA isolates, 52.4% (11/21) were multi-drug resistant. Of these, 42.9% (9/18) were isolated from hospital and 66.7% (2/3) non-hospital janitors. Hence, nasal carriage of MRSA was significantly associated with hospitalization within the preceding year (AOR = 3.15, CI = 1.13-8.71). CONCLUSION: The present study revealed that high MSSA and MRSA were isolated from the hospital as compared to non-hospital janitors and high rates of antibiotics resistance were recorded in the hospital janitors. Consequently, hospitalizations were significantly associated with MRSA. Accordingly, regular screening of carriers in apparently healthy janitors is required for the prevention of nosocomial infections.

Prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of Shigella and Salmonella among children aged below five years with Diarrhoea attending Nigist Eleni Mohammed memorial hospital, South Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Diarrhoeal disease is the second leading cause of death among children aged below 5 years. Even though, both preventable and treatable diseases, globally there are nearly 1.7 billion cases of childhood diarrhoeal disease and responsible for killing around 525,000 children every year. Shigella and Salmonella species were the leading cause of etiologic agents for diarrhoea associated deaths. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of Shigella and Salmonella isolated from children aged below 5 years with diarrhoea attending Nigist Eleni Mohammed Memorial Hospital, Hossana, South Ethiopia. METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted from June 02 to September 24, 2017. Two hundred four children aged below 5 years with diarrhoea were enrolled consecutively using convenience sampling technique. Stool specimens were processed in accordance with the standard bacteriological methods and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of the isolates was determined using disc diffusion method. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. RESULTS: Out of the 204 children aged below 5 years with diarrhoeal disease 19/204 (9.3%, [95%CI, 5.7-13.7%]) of them were positive for bacterial growth, of which 17/204(8.3%) were Shigella species and 2/204(1%) were Salmonella species. Both Shigella and Salmonella isolates were 100% susceptible to norfloxacin, nalidixic acid and kanamycin. However, isolates of Shigella showed 100, 76.5 and 64.7% resistance to ampicillin, gentamicin and cotrimoxazole respectively while Salmonella species were highly resistant to ampicillin and gentamicin (100% each). CONCLUSIONS: Salmonella and Shigella species is prevalent in the current study area. Among the tested antibiotics, norfloxacin, nalidixic acid and kanamycin were found to be most effective for both isolates. Both species are developing resistance to the commonly prescribed antibiotic. Therefore, culture based bacterial species identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing services are strongly recommended to avoid empirical treatment in the study area.

Isolation of enterococci, their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns and associated factors among patients attending at the University of Gondar Teaching Hospital.

BACKGROUND: Enterococci become clinically important especially in immune compromised patients and important causes of nosocomial infections. Data on the prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility patterns and associated factors of enterococci are scarce in Ethiopia. METHODS: A hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted at the University of Gondar Teaching Hospital from February 28, 2014 to May 1, 2014. Pretested structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic data and possible associated factors of enterococci infections. Clinical samples including urine, blood, wound swabs and other body fluids from patients requested by physician for culture and antimicrobial susceptibility test during the study period were included. A total of 385 patients were included in the study. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS Version 20. P values <0.05 were considered as statistically significant. RESULT: The overall prevalence of enterococci infection was 6.2% (24/385). The commonest sites of infections were urinary tract followed by wound and blood. Among the 24 isolates, 33.3% (8/24) were resistant to all tested antimicrobial agents. Forty one point 7 % (10/24) of the enterococci isolates were vancomycin resistant enterococci (VRE). Moreover, two third of the isolates were multidrug resistant (MDR) enterococci. In multivariate analysis, duration of hospital stay for two days and more than two days with infection rate 17/32 (53.1%), previous history of any antibiotics (AOR = 9.13; [95% CI; 2.01-41.51] P = 0.00) and history of urinary catheterization (AOR = 8.80; [95% CI; 1.70-45.64] P = 0.01) were associated with presence of higher enterococci infections than their respective groups. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of enterococci infections among patients with UTIs, wound infections and sepsis were higher than the other infections. Multi drug resistant enterococci including VRE were isolated from clinical samples in the study area. Being hospitalized for ≥48 h, having history of any antibiotic administration and catheterization were associated factors for enterococci infections. Presence of VRE indicates decreased antibiotic treatment options of multidrug resistant enterococci. Therefore, efforts should be made to prevent enterococci infections and emergency of multidrug resistant enterococci. Moreover, species identification and antibiotic resistant in advanced and at large scale is demanding.

Prevalence of vancomycin resistant Enterococci and associated risk factors among clients with and without HIV in Northwest Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Enterococci are the most important multidrug resistant organisms associated with immunocompromised patients. Data are lacking about the epidemiology of vancomycin resistant Enterococci (VRE) in Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of VRE, their susceptibility patterns to different antibiotics and associated risk factors in fecal samples of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) positive and HIV negative clients. METHODS: A cross sectional study was carried out in a total of 226 (113 HIV positive and 113 HIV negative) clients, from July 1/2013 to September 30/2013 at the University of Gondar Teaching Hospital. Data on socio-demographic characteristics and risk factors were collected with a short interview guided by pre-tested structured questionnaire. The enterococci were isolated and identified from stool sample using standard bacteriological procedures. Kary Bauer disk diffusion method was used to determine the susceptibility patterns of Enterococci isolates. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20 statistical package. RESULTS: The overall colonization of Enterococci was 88.9% (201/226) of which 11 (5.5%) were VRE. The prevalence of VRE among clients with and without HIV infections were 8(7.8%) and 3(3.1%), respectively. Ninety percent of the Enterococci isolates (181/201) were resistant to two or more antibiotics tested. Isolates of Enterococci recovered from stool samples of HIV infected patients were more resistant to amoxicillin and amoxicillin-calvulinic acid than HIV negative clients (P < 0.05). Antibiotic treatment for the last 2 weeks was found to be the risk factor that showed statistically significant association with the presence of high VRE colonization. However, the socio-demographic variables and factors such as malnutrition, leucopenia, thromobocytopenia, anaemia, duration of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy, CD4 cell count, stage of WHO and drinking alcohol were not associated with VRE (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The high prevalence of VRE in this study signals the emergence of VRE in the study area. Prior antibiotic treatment was associated with VRE colonization. Therefore, rational use of antibiotics and more detailed study using phenotypic and genotypic methods are needed.

Burden and factors influencing intestinal parasitic infections among food handlers in Gondar City, Northwest Ethiopia.

Background: Intestinal parasitic infections pose significant global health challenges, particularly in developing countries. Asymptomatic infections often present a considerable burden with food handlers serving as potential carriers. In Ethiopia, the prevalence of these parasites varies across regions, and accurate data in the study area is lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence of intestinal parasites among food handlers working in hotels and restaurants in Gondar City, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional study collected stool samples from food handlers alongside a structured questionnaire gathering socio-demographic and hygiene practice information. Stool specimens were screened for intestinal parasites using direct wet mount and formol-ether concentration techniques. The collected data were checked for completeness, entered into EpiData software version 3.1, and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was deemed statistically significant if the p-value was less than 0.05. Results: A total of 257 food handlers working in hotels and restaurants in Gondar City participated in the study. Of these, 33.5% (86/257) were found positive for one or more intestinal parasites, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 28.0-39.5%. The study identified nine types of intestinal parasites, with E. histolytica/dispar (8.2%, 21/257) and Ascaris lumbricoides (6.6%, 17/257) being the predominant parasites, followed by hookworm (3.5%, 9/257) and S. mansoni (2.3%, 6/257). The prevalence of mixed infections was 9.3% (24/257). A significant association was observed between intestinal parasitic infection and the educational level of food handlers. Conclusion: In this study, a high prevalence of intestinal parasites was detected indicating poor hygiene practices of the food handlers at the study site. Even the prevalence of mixed infections was high. Regular training, strict adherence to personal hygiene and food-handling practices, and routine inspections and medical checkups for food handlers are crucial.

Prevalence of Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., and intestinal parasites among food handlers working in University of Gondar student's cafeteria, Northwest Ethiopia.

Background: Food-borne infections continue to be a major public health problem at the international level. The issue becomes more serious in developing countries like Ethiopia. Objective: This study aimed to examine the prevalence of Salmonella and Shigella species and intestinal parasites, as well as antimicrobial resistance patterns and associated factors among food handlers at the University of Gondar cafeteria in northwest Ethiopia. Methods: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February to June 2021 in the University of Gondar cafeterias. Data related to the socio-demographic characteristics and hygienic practices of study participants were collected using structured questionnaires. A total of 290 stool samples were collected from food handlers. Culture and conventional biochemical tests were used to isolate the Salmonella and the Shigella species. Wet mount, Formol-ether concentration, and Kato Katz techniques were applied to identify intestinal parasites. Additionally, drug susceptibility tests were performed using the disk diffusion method. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 26. Results: Of 290 food handlers' stool samples analyzed, Twenty-seven 27 (9.3%) were positive for both Salmonella and Shigella species. The prevalence of Salmonella and Shigella species was 16 (5.5%) and 11 (3.8%), respectively. Most of the isolated pathogens were resistant to tetracycline 19 (70.4%), and trimethoprim/sulphamethoxazole 19 (70.4%). The overall rate of multi-drug resistant Shigella and Salmonella isolate was 59.3%. Besides, Fifty-seven 57 (19.7%) of the participants were positive for one or more intestinal parasites. The most prevalent intestinal Parasitosis was E. histolytica/dispar 22 (7.6%), followed by G. lamblia 13 (4.5%), and Ascaris lumbricoides 11 (3.8) not washing hands after using the toilet (AOR: 4.42, 95% CI: 1.57, 10.56), and consuming unpasteurized milk (AOR: 3.14, 95% CI: 1.65, 3.96), were factors significantly associated with the prevalence of Salmonella, and Shigella infection. Similarly, not washing hands after using the toilet (AOR: 2.19, 95% CI: 1.0, 1.4), and consuming unpasteurized milk (AOR: 10.4, 95% CI: 3.8, 28.8), were factors significantly associated with the prevalence of intestinal parasites infection. Conclusion: The prevalence of intestinal parasites, Salmonella, and Shigella species was high. Therefore, it is imperative to implement a public health policy that includes ongoing microbiological surveillance.

Molecular epidemiology of Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates causing invasive and noninvasive infection in Ethiopia.

Streptococcus pneumoniae, a medically important opportunistic bacterial pathogen of the upper respiratory tract, is a major public health concern, causing a wide range of pneumococcal illnesses, both invasive and noninvasive. It is associated with significant global morbidity and mortality, including pneumonia, meningitis, sepsis, and acute otitis media. The major purpose of this study was to determine the molecular epidemiology of Streptococcus pneumoniae strains that cause invasive and noninvasive infections in Ethiopia. A prospective study was undertaken in two regional hospitals between January 2018 and December 2019. Whole-genome sequencing was used to analyze all isolates. Serotypes and multilocus sequence types (MLST) were derived from genomic data. The E-test was used for antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Patient samples obtained 54 Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates, 33 from invasive and 21 from noninvasive specimens. Our findings identified 32 serotypes expressed by 25 Global Pneumococcal Sequence Clusters (GPSCs) and 42 sequence types (STs), including 21 new STs. The most common sequence types among the invasive isolates were ST3500, ST5368, ST11162, ST15425, ST15555, ST15559, and ST15561 (2/33, 6% each). These sequence types were linked to serotypes 8, 7 C, 15B/C, 16 F, 10 A, 15B, and 6 A, respectively. Among the noninvasive isolates, only ST15432, associated with serotype 23 A, had numerous isolates (4/21, 19%). Serotype 14 was revealed as the most resistant strain to penicillin G, whereas isolates from serotypes 3, 8, 7 C, and 10 A were resistant to erythromycin. Notably, all serotype 6 A isolates were resistant to both erythromycin and penicillin G. Our findings revealed an abnormally significant number of novel STs, as well as extremely diversified serotypes and sequence types, implying that Ethiopia may serve as a breeding ground for novel STs. Recombination can produce novel STs that cause capsular switching. This has the potential to influence how immunization campaigns affect the burden of invasive pneumococcal illness. The findings highlight the importance of continuous genetic surveillance of the pneumococcal population as a vital step toward enhancing future vaccine design.

Seroprevalence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus among clinically suspected cases of viral hepatitis visiting Guhalla Primary Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia.

Hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly in countries with limited resources. The two hepatotropic viruses have common mode of transmission. Hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus are the main causes of Cirrhosis, liver cancer and death. To determine the Seroprevalence of HBsAg and anti-HCV antibodies among clinically suspected cases of viral hepatitis visiting Guhalla Primary Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. A hospital-based retrospective study was conducted at Guhalla Primary Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. The study included serology registration logbook data from all patients who visited the hospital and were tested using a rapid test kit between September 1st, 2017 to August 30, 2021. Data were entered, cleaned, and analyzed using SPSS version 26 software. Bivariate analysis was computed and a multivariable analysis was conducted to provide an adjusted odds ratio (AOR). p-value < 0.05 at a 95% confidence interval was considered statistically significant. In this study, a total of 883(883 for HBV and 366 for HCV) study participants were included. The overall prevalence of HBsAg and anti-HCV were 124/883(14%) and 73/366 (19.9%), respectively. The prevalence of HBV and HCV among males from the total HBV and HCV screened was 70/410 (17.1%) and 53/366(14.4%) respectively. In this study, being female (AOR 1.53, 95% CI 1.03-2.27, p = 0.003) and age group of 31-40 years (AOR 2.85; 95% CI 1.56, 5.17, p = 0.001) were statistically significant factors to HBV infection. Similarly, being female (AOR 1.97, 95% CI 1.10-3.53, p = 0.02), age group of 21-30 years (AOR 2.71; 95% CI 1.15, 6.40, p = 0.02) and age group greater than 40 years (AOR 3.13; 95% CI 1.31, 7.44, p = 0.01) were significantly associated with HCV infection. In our study, high seroprevalence of HBV and HCV infection was detected among clinically suspected patients. Females and the age groups between 31 and 40 were more affected. Community awareness of the prevention and transmission of viral hepatitis infection should be strengthened through herd immunization and health education. The prospective study should be conducted in this area.

Prevalence of Methicillin-ResistantStaphylococcus aureus and Multidrug-Resistant Strains from Patients Attending the Referral Hospitals of Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia.

Background: Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) causes different types of human infections and can develop resistance to many antibiotics. There is a scarcity of data on the mecA gene and multidrug-resistant (MDR) strain distribution of this organism in developing countries, such as Ethiopia. This study investigated the presence of mecA gene and MDR profile of S. aureus among patients attending referral hospitals of Amhara regional state. Methods: Of the total of 110 isolates collected from Amhara regional referral hospitals, 70 MDR isolates were further processed for isolation of S. aureus mecA gene. Genomic DNA was isolated using a Sigma-Aldrich genomic DNA isolation kit for Gram-positive bacteria. Amplification of S. aureus mecA gene was performed with the amplicon size of 533 bp. Antimicrobial susceptibility test including methicillin resistance was determined by the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Results: The majority of the isolates were recovered from patients aged less than 5 years (51; 36.7%) and the least number of isolates was recorded in age group greater than 60 years (6; 4.3%). Most of the isolates were from blood (61; 43.9%), followed by wounds (45; 32.4%). A high resistance rate was observed in penicillin (81; 73.6%), followed by cotrimoxazole (78; 70.9%), ceftriaxone (76; 69%), erythromycin (66; 60%), and tetracycline (65; 59.1%). Phenotypically, considering cefoxitin as a surrogate marker, 38 (34.5%) of the isolates were methicillin-resistant. The overall MDR isolates were 80 (72.7%). The PCR amplification result of the mecA gene was 14 (20%). Conclusions and Recommendations. High rates of MDR and methicillin-resistantS. aureus were reported. PCR amplification indicated that 20% of MRSA isolates were the mecA gene carriers. Large-scale studies for the detection of MDR strains of S. aureus including MRSA using molecular techniques should be encouraged in the Amhara region.

Prevalence of enteric bacteria and their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns among food handlers in Gondar town, Northwest Ethiopia.

Background: Enteric bacterial pathogens are the major causes of food-borne gastroenteritis in humans and remain important public health problems worldwide. The emergence of antimicrobial resistance is a global concern, particularly in developing countries. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of enteric bacteria pathogens and their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns among food handlers in Gondar town, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from February 4 to April 16, 2018. A total of 257 food handlers were selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data on socio-demographic characteristics were collected using a structured questionnaire. Stool samples were collected and inoculated into appropriate media. Enteric bacterial pathogens were identified using standard microbiological methods. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests were performed using the disk diffusion technique as per the standard Kirby-Bauer method. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20 software. Results: The overall prevalence of enteric bacteria was 34/257 (13. 2%, [95% CI, 8.9-17.5%]). Shigella species was the leading isolate that accounted for 26/257 (10.1%) followed by Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) O157: H7 5/257 (1.9%) and Salmonella species 3/257 (1.2%). Shigella spp. was susceptible to ciprofloxacin 26 (100%), ceftriaxone 25 (96.1%), chloramphenicol 24 (92.3%), nalidixic acid 24 (92.3%), and gentamicin 20 (76.9%). Escherichia coli O157: H7 and Salmonella spp. showed the maximum (100%) susceptibility results to ceftriaxone, chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, and gentamicin. The overall prevalence of Multidrug resistance (MDR) in the current study was 14/34 (41.2%). Conclusion: Our study showed high prevalence of enteric bacterial pathogens among food handlers. All isolates were susceptible to ciprofloxacin. However, a substential number of isolates were resistant to commonly prescribed antibiotics and the prevalence of MDR was high.

Bacterial profile and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns in chronic suppurative otitis media at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to determine bacterial profile and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of chronic suppurative otitis media in the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. RESULT: Sixty-two ear swabs were collected and 74 bacterial isolates were identified, of which 48 (77.4%) sample with mono-microbial growth, 11 (17.8%) with polymicrobial growth and the remaining 3 (4.8%) show no growth. The most common isolates were Proteus mirabilis 16 (21.6%), followed by S. aureus 12 (16.2%), Klebsiella spp. 10 (13.5%) and Providencia spp. 11 (14.9%). Proteus mirabilis was 100% susceptible to norfloxacin and ciprofloxacin while 87.5% of the isolates were susceptible to cefixime and gentamicin. S. aureus was 83.3% susceptible to gentamicin and clarithromycin, while 75% of the isolates were susceptible to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid and chloramphenicol, however, 66.7% the isolates were susceptible to ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin and erythromycin. The overall prevalence of multidrug resistance in the current study was 35 (47.3%). In this study P. mirabilis, S. aureus, Providencia spp., and Klebsiella spp. were the most common bacterial isolate and all Gram negative isolates were susceptible to ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin. Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, gentamicin, chloramphenicol, clarithromycin and tobramycin were relatively effective against Gram positive bacteria.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice of healthcare professionals regarding infection prevention at Gondar University referral hospital, northwest Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: Workplace health and safety is vital in every organization particularly in the healthcare settings. The aim was to assess the levels of knowledge, attitude, and practices of the healthcare professionals towards safety at Gondar University referral hospital. An institution based cross-sectional study was conducted from February to June 2018. Proportional random sampling technique was used to include 282 study participants and data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 20. RESULTS: Among 282 study participants, 230 (81.6%), 181 (64.2%), and 162 (57.4%) had adequate knowledge, favorable attitude, and adequate practice scores, respectively. More than half (55.3%) of the study participants were untrained. There was a high (26.6%) prevalence of needlestick injury; however, the use of post-exposure prophylaxis after potential exposures was very limited. Generally, the levels of knowledge, attitude, and practice scores among the study participants were low. Therefore, there should be adequate and consistent supply of personal protective devices and other materials used for infection prevention and control. In addition, there should be awareness raising mechanism, including the provision of job aids and periodic training. Further, comprehensive studies should be conducted by including different types and levels of health facilities.

High prevalence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Gram-negative pathogens from patients attending Felege Hiwot Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Bahir Dar, Amhara region.

BACKGROUND: Infections caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) producing Gram-negative bacteria has emerge as a global threat in clinical practices. The treat is more serious in developing countries due to inappropriate use, poor adherence, use of counterfeit, sub-standard antibiotics and poor infection control practices. Data on ESBL producing Gram-negative bacteria are limited in developing countries including Ethiopia. The aim of this study was therefore, to describe the burden of ESBL producing Gram negative pathogens isolated from patients attending at Felege Hiwot Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Bahir Dar, Amhara region. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 532 clinical samples of blood, urine, stool, wound, abscess, ear discharge, nasal discharge, cervical discharge and body fluid specimens were aseptically collected and bacteriologically processed. Identification of the bacterial species was performed using an automated system (Vitek-2 Compact 27530, USA) and antibiotic susceptibility test was determined by disk diffusion method and selection of antibiotics were in accordance with CLSI guidelines. The MDR pattern of the Gram-negative pathogens was assessed using phenotypic methods of ESBL and carbapenemase production following standard procedure. RESULT: A total of 532 samples were processed and 263 pathogens were isolated. Of these, 185 (70.3%) were Gram-negative and 78 (29.7%) Gram-positive. Of the Gram-negative bacteria the high proportion of the isolates were identified from blood 146/185 (78.9%) and 29/185 (15.7%) were from urine cultures. The most common isolate in all clinical samples was Klebsiella pneumoniae 97/185 (52.4%) followed by Escherichia coli 23/185 (12.4%), Acinetobacter baumannii 15/185 (17.6%) and Enterobacter aerogenes 12/185(6.5%). Of the total Gram negatives, the prevalence of MDR was 148/185 (80.0%). Of the MDR isolates the prevalence of ESBL producers were, 127/148 (85.8%) and 24/148 (16.2%) were carbapenemase producers. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: Prevalence of MDR and ESBL producing Gram-negative pathogens in this hospital is alarmingly high. Therefore, continuous monitoring of the problem with effective infection prevention and careful selection of empirical therapy are warranted in the study area.

Multidrug-resistant bacterial isolates from patients suspected of nosocomial infections at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVES: As the hospital environment favors the circulation of drug resistant bacteria, continuous surveillance of antibiotic resistant patterns is an important approach for a better patient management. This study is therefore, aimed to assess multidrug resistant bacterial isolates from patients suspected of nosocomial infections at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Gondar, Ethiopia. RESULTS: Of the 260 patients, 173 (66.5%) of them were culture positive. Among culture positive patients a total of 216 bacterial isolates were recovered, of which the most common species were S. aureus 77 (35.6%), followed by E. coli 33 (15.3%) and Klebsiella spp 29 (13.4%). Of the S. aureus isolates, 67.5% were cefoxitin (methicillin) resistant. Citrobacter spp (100%), Klebsiella spp (79.3%) and E. coli (75.3%) were the leading MDR Gram-negative isolates. The overall MDR resistant rate was 152 (70.4%).