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BACKGROUND: In recent years, healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) have been a priority topic for global institutions such as the World Health Organization because, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the role of HAIs as co-morbidity in infected patients was evident. HAIs can cause disability and mortality and lead to excessive healthcare costs. This work aims to calculate the prevalence of HAIs from 2019 to 2023 to determine their microbiological profile and antibiotic resistance. METHODS: A cross-sectional design was used for this study. To describe the population, univariate analysis, measures of central tendency, frequencies, and proportions were used. RESULTS: The present study included 3,936 HAI notifications, which showed a significant decrease in their number during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in 2020. In 2021 and 2022, the numbers increased rapidly to around 30%. The most prevalent HAI type was ventilator-associated pneumonia, which had the highest prevalence in 2020. Regarding microorganism isolation, percentages increased after 2020 from 46% to 67%, with Acinetobacter baumannnii beingthe most frequent during and after pandemics. The microbiological profile showed multidrug resistance in several microorganisms. CONCLUSIONS: HAIs are a global health concern. The number of cases has been increasing since the COVID-19 pandemic with regard to the multidrug-resistant microorganism. HAIs have an important impact on the quality of life, morbidity, mortality, and financial concerns for health services. Global strategies should be adapted for different regions, since the panaroma in developed countries allows for programs to be established for the prevention and control of HAIs in a better way than in low-income countries that lack adequate infrastructure and resources.
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Background and objective Workplace accidents (WPAs) are a common problem worldwide. They are often considered a public health concern due to the potential transmission of infections such as HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C through sharp devices or direct exposure to biofluids. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) has demonstrated effectiveness in such instances, especially immediately after exposure. The present study aimed to report the prevalence rate of HIV seroconversion following such exposure among healthcare workers (HCWs). Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study involving a database analysis of cases from 2015 to 2024. Central tendency measures were used to describe population characteristics, and rates were calculated using standard methods. Results A total of 514 HCWs were included in the study. The prevalence of WPAs was 13 per 100 HCWs. Regarding WPAs related to HIV exposure, the prevalence was 0.9 per 100 HCWs, with 0% seroconversion thanks to timely PEP. Conclusions WPAs related to HIV exposure are a serious issue for public health systems worldwide. Although protocols are available and no seroconversion cases were reported in the present study, PEP is not always accessible in several settings, increasing the risk of seroconversion. International public policy measures should be uniformly implemented to provide faster access to prophylaxis, educate the personnel, raise awareness about bloodborne diseases, and reduce excessive red tape.
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Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has become a public health concern over the last several years. Nowadays developed countries spend around 3% of their annual health-care budget on patients with CKD. According to the scientific community the most remarkable risk factors for CKD are diabetes and hypertension. Unknown CKD etiology has been reported as a global phenomenon including uncommon risk factors such as: dehydration, leptospirosis, heat stress, water quality, and others. This study aims to report non-traditional risk factors for ESRD based on a scoping review methodology. The scoping review methodology described by Arksey and O'Malley was used by performing an extensive review of the information. A total of 46 manuscripts were reviewed. The non-traditional ESRD risk factors are depicted based on six categories. Gender and ethnicity have been considered as risk factors for ESRD. Erythematous systemic lupus (ESL) is reported as an important risk factor for ESRD. Pesticide use has been an significant risk factor due to its effects on human and environmental health. Some compounds commonly used in homes against insects and plants are related to ESRD. Congenital and hereditary diseases in the urinary tract have been studied as a cause of ESRD in children and young adults. End-stage renal disease is a major concern for public health on a global level. As it can be seen, non-traditional risk factors are several and have different etiologies. It is necessary to put the issue on the table and add it to the public agenda in order to find multidisciplinary solutions.