The Importance of Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacterales in African Countries: Evolution and Current Burden.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a worldwide healthcare problem. Multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) can spread quickly owing to their resistance mechanisms. Although colonized individuals are crucial for MDRO dissemination, colonizing microbes can lead to symptomatic infections in carriers. Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) are among the most important MDROs involved in colonizations and infections with severe outcomes. This review aimed to track down the first reports of CPE in Africa, describe their dissemination throughout African countries and summarize the current status of CRE and CPE data, highlighting current knowledge and limitations of reported data. Two database queries were undertaken using Medical Subject Headings (MeSH), employing relevant keywords to identify articles that had as their topics beta-lactamases, carbapenemases and carbapenem resistance pertaining to Africa or African regions and countries. The first information on CPE could be traced back to the mid-2000s, but data for many African countries were established after 2015-2018. Information is presented chronologically for each country. Although no clear conclusions could be drawn for some countries, it was observed that CPE infections and colonizations are present in most African countries and that carbapenem-resistance levels are rising. The most common CPE involved are Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli, and the most prevalent carbapenemases are NDM-type and OXA-48-type enzymes. Prophylactic measures, such as screening, are required to combat this phenomenon.

Cystic Echinococcosis in the Early 2020s: A Review.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonosis caused by metacestodes, the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus. Although the World Health Organization (WHO) has defined CE as a neglected disease, it is the second most important foodborne parasitic disease, and it remains an important public health issue, considering its zonal endemicity and potential morbidity. The control and prevention of CE is a relevant WHO target, especially from a One Health perspective, as the disease affects not only animals and humans but also the food chain. Since not all countries have a CE surveillance strategy or reporting system and specific management guidelines, recent epidemiological data are relatively scarce, and research concerning the specific geographical distribution of the disease is ongoing. To add new information to the subject, we have analyzed and collected data from national guidelines and several medical databases. Out of the 751 research articles that were originally identified, only 52 were included in the investigation after applying specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Notable international projects that have provided significant contributions and had a positive impact are presented. The available data were correlated with WHO recommendations on the subject, thus showcasing the measures taken and those that are still needed to properly control the disease's spread.