Antimicrobial resistance landscape and COVID-19 impact in Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, and Lebanon: A survey-based study and expert opinion.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to assess the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) landscape and the impact of COVID-19 on AMR in Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, and Lebanon, and to gather expert opinions on the barriers to the implementation of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) initiatives in the region. METHODS: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was used to assess the current AMR landscape, existing AMS initiatives, barriers to implementing AMS initiatives, and the impact of COVID-19 on AMR in the four countries. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 204 physicians from Egypt (n = 82), Lebanon (n = 49), Iraq (n = 43), and Jordan (n = 30). Previous antibiotic use and previous bacterial colonization were perceived as the most common risk factors for an increase in AMR. According to the survey, multidrug-resistant (MDR) gram-negative bacteria were most common in lower respiratory tract infections, and Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli were the most commonly identified gram-negative bacteria in hospital-acquired infections. Only 14.8% of pediatric physicians and 28.6% of adult physicians reported that target pathogen genotyping and phenotyping were done in hospitals, and the most commonly reported reasons for the lack of testing were technological and resource constraints. These constraints, coupled with the scarcity and high cost of newer antibiotics, have been identified as the most significant barriers to the successful management of MDR gram-negative bacterial infections in the region. It was reported that the spectrum of activity and safety of the antibiotic, the site of infection, the presence of comorbidities, and published guidelines and local antibiograms determined the choice of empirical antibiotic therapy for patients in the region. The four countries experienced a significant rise in AMR due to several factors during the COVID-19 pandemic, including an increase in hospital occupancy, a shift in priorities away from AMR surveillance, and changes in AMR epidemiology. Additionally, the large volumes of unnecessary and unsubstantiated antibiotic prescriptions during the COVID-19 pandemic has led to subsequent antibiotic shortages and significant increases in AMR in the region. Physicians also noted that the majority of COVID-19 patients were already on antibiotics before visiting the healthcare facility. MDR gram-negative bacteria were found in the majority of COVID-19 patients admitted to the intensive care unit. Despite the fact that various AMS initiatives have been implemented, they are not standardized across the region. Some of the main barriers to AMS implementation in the region are a lack of adequately trained AMS staff, lack of AMS knowledge and training among healthcare professionals, financial constraints, and the lack of AMR surveillance systems. CONCLUSION: These survey results provide valuable insights into the existing AMR and AMS landscape in the region, as well as the barriers that impede efficient AMS and AMR management. Based on these findings, the authors developed a call to action that suggests ways for each country in the region to address these challenges.

Analyzing central-line associated bloodstream infection prevention bundles in 22 countries: The results of ID-IRI survey.

BACKGROUND: Because central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) are a significant complication of central venous access, it is critical to prevent CLABSIs through the use of central line bundles. The purpose of this study was to take a snapshot of central venous access bundles in various countries. METHODS: The participants in intensive care units (ICUs) completed a questionnaire that included information about the health center, infection control procedures, and central line maintenance. The countries were divided into 2 groups: those with a low or low-middle income and those with an upper-middle or high income. RESULTS: Forty-three participants from 22 countries (46 hospitals, 85 ICUs) responded to the survey. Eight (17.4%) hospitals had no surveillance system for CLABSI. Approximately 7.1 % (n = 6) ICUs had no CLABSI bundle. Twenty ICUs (23.5%) had no dedicated checklist. The percentage of using ultrasonography during catheter insertion, transparent semi-permeable dressings, needleless connectors and single-use sterile pre-filled ready to use 0.9% NaCl were significantly higher in countries with higher and middle-higher income (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated that there are significant differences in the central line bundles between low/low-middle income countries and upper-middle/high-income countries. Additional measures should be taken to address inequity in the management of vascular access in resource-limited countries.

Chronic cutaneous mycobacterial ulcers due to Mycobacterium ulcerans (Buruli ulcer): the first indigenous case report from Jordan and a literature review.

BACKGROUND: Buruli ulcer is the third most common mycobacterial infection worldwide. It is endemic in tropical, subtropical, and temperate climates. It causes devastating disease with morbidity and mortality. The treatment duration is long and the regimens considered are limited. Chronic cutaneous ulcers of mycobacterial etiology have been reported previously in Amman, but these were not associated with Mycobacterium ulcerans infection. METHODS: The case patient's initial diagnosis was based on chronological and morphological features, combined with appropriate diagnostic tests. The skin features were assessed histopathologically. Skin testing was positive for acid-fast bacilli (AFB), and M. ulcerans was identified by DNA strip test (GenoType Mycobacterium CM/AS, Hain Lifescience), which is based on a PCR technique targeting a 23S rRNA gene region, followed by reverse hybridization and a line probe technology. RESULTS: The skin mycobacterial infection was evaluated and verified as having a Mycobacterium marinum-M. ulcerans pattern in the GenoType CM assay. It was then counted as a pattern representing individual species and was resolved with the GenoType AS assay as having an M. ulcerans pattern. M. ulcerans DNA was isolated and amplified by PCR, and then detected against reverse hybridization probes in the strip assay. CONCLUSIONS: An indigenous case of M. ulcerans (Buruli ulcer) is reported for the first time from Jordan and the surrounding region.